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GRACE NOTES MARCH 2013
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF ST. ALBANS
NEWSLETTER
GRACE NOTES
ISSUE I March, 2013 Rev. Harold Andrews. Pastor
Current Event 1
Word From Pastor 2
Mission Trip To Ecuador 3
PETER THE FISHERMAN 4
Inspirational POEM 5
Hi TECH Divine 6
Former Youth of Grace 8
PAT’S CORNER 9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Praise God, A Dream Comes to Fruition!
“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your
cords, strengthen your stakes.” Isaiah 54:2 (NIV)
A dream of a new and large edifice, that seemed deferred for twenty-nine years, has become a
reality, and is to be consecrated by our Bishop Martin D. McLee of the New York Annual
Conference on March 10, 2013.
It was in 1984 that the people of Grace United Methodist Church realized that a larger place of
worship was needed to accommodate its people and ministries of service in the community.
Rev. Dr. Glyger G. Beach (1982-1991) was the pastor.
In responding to the will of the people several committees were activated, and certain financial
matters were resolved as follows:
All monies due the New York Annual Conference were paid.
Approval was sought to replace the frame structure of 1938.
A development committee was formed; subsequently replaced by a building committee.
Fundraising became a united front of all of the groups and organizations in the church.
Short term investments were made in acquiring funds for building.
An architect from the New York Annual Conference was employed.
Under Rev. Ivan Roberts (1991-1995) fundraising continued with the highlight of the “Rally of
Nations,’ and the annual Women’s Day bringing in the most funds of the many fundraising events.
Under Rev. Walter C. Barton (1995-1998) a building permit was granted by the New York Annual
Conference General Board after many consultations between the Board and Rev. Barton. Approval
was also granted after properties across the street were purchased as a means of eventually
providing parking space. Rev. Barton initiated groundbreaking on November 19, 1995. The first
spade of soil was turned by three youth – Svetlana Hamlet, Jackie Jackson and Seth Wilson. The
Long Island West District Superintendent Rev. Joseph Morrison and a host of other clergy and
committee persons were invited.
The new church building and fundraising “baton” was passed to Rev. Dr. Maxine Nixon (1998-
2002). She continued raising funds, and at her insistence a project manager was employed to
oversee the day to day progress on the construction. Rev. Edward J. Norman (2002-2008) and our
present Pastor, Rev. Harold A. Andrews enthusiastically continued fundraising and Rev. Andrews
was instrumental in acquiring the final loan needed from the United Methodist Development Fund.
In all of the years from the beginning to the consecration Ms. Cynthia Reid was the chairperson of
the Trustees beginning with Rev. Beach and Ms. Hazel McIntosh, the chairperson of Finance since
the time of Rev. Roberts. Our annual Women’s Day has always been a major fundraiser for our
building fund. To them and all the other faithful workers in the vineyard we say “thank you” for
your unrelenting interest, dedication in providing whatever information was required by the NYAC
General Board all of these years.
To God be the glory!
By Dr. Melvin Hall
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GRACE NOTES MARCH 2013
WORD FROM PASTOR
The Pastor’s Page
It is a great relief for all of us not only to have the new sanctuary completed but to have it
consecrated on March 10 at 3pm by Bishop Martin D. McLee. The cost of the building is
$7,000,000.
When I was appointed to Grace on July 1st 2008 by Bishop Jeremiah Park, I did not know what quite
to expect. So far, the appointment has turned out to be one of the most challenging in my career as
pastor. I came into a situation where there was a work stoppage on the building project. For at least
three years no work could be done prior to my arrival. In the interim, mold infested the basement.
A couple of months before my appearance on the scene in July 2008, one or more church members
were in front of the church and two men came up and inquired about the building under
construction. It turned out that the men were Leroy Bennett and Milton Galloway. They had a small
company related to the construction business and they were interested in helping the church get
back on track. In September 2008 or thereabouts, the trustees and I met with Leroy and Milton.
They became our new construction managers. They managed to get the work stoppage lifted
preparing the way for the resumption of construction and the finishing of the building.
To complete the edifice, a loan of $1,300,000 was needed. We approached the United Methodist
Development Fund. Given the history of the project, the UMDF was reluctant to loan the money. It
appeared that all was lost. I appealed to Bishop Jeremiah Park to intervene. He asked me to write a
letter explaining to what use the building will be put. I forwarded the letter to him and without
amending it, he had it placed on the Bishop’s letterhead and signed it. The letter was submitted to
the board of directors of the UMDF and the loan was granted.
Through it all, I saw the guiding hand of the Lord. On March 10, we will be worshipping in the new
sanctuary. I thank the Lord for enabling us to complete the work. I thank the board of trustees, and
the finance committee for the preparation of the necessary documents for processing the loan.
Thanks to Leroy Bennett and Milton Galloway for their steadfast work. Thanks to Bishop Park for
helping us secure the loan. Thanks to everyone for your generous financial contributions over the
years. I am looking forward for your continued support.
To God be the glory, great things God has done!
In Christ’s service,
Rev. Harold A. Andrews - Pastor
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GRACE NOTES MARCH 2013
Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) Mission Trip To Ecuador
Akasha Ballentine and Nijah Phills accompanied by Tyrone Johnson, MYF coordinator, are
off to Ecuador.
Two MYF youngsters left for Quito, Ecuador on February 16, 2013.
They will be there for nine days helping with the construction of a
community recreation center. The trip is sponsored by the United
Methodist Church Conference.
On Febraury 10th, during 9:45 am worship service, GUMC
congregation prayed for their safe journey as they travel to Quito,
Ecuador to do God’s work .
They left New York JFK airport on the 6:00 am flight and
arrived in Quito at 9:00 pm.
We anxiously await their return to hear about their experiences.
FACTS On Ecuador
Capital—Quito
Located in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north and
Peru on the east and South.
Language spoken is Spanish.
Climate is tropical and humid.
The U.S. dollar, current currency of the Republic of Ecuador.
Among the people that have a religion, 80% are Roman Catholic , and
11% protestant.
Nijah working hard in
Ecuador.
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GRACE NOTES MARCH 2013
PETER THE FISHERMAN; PETER THE ROCK
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8).These words were spoken by the
resurrected Jesus to his apostles as he commanded them to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father. I submit
that Peter is a prime example of the transformative power of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
In Matthew’s Gospel we first meet Peter as Simon, when he and his brother Andrew were recruited by Jesus as
disciples. Both were fishermen. Jesus had said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men”. Reading
through the Gospels we see that Simon Peter was an integral part of Jesus’ ministry on earth. One significant episode
occurred when Jesus posed this question to the disciples, ”Who do men say that I am?” Several answers were
proffered, but listen to Simon’s response, “You are the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God”. Jesus determined
that this response was a revelation from God and so he clearly stated, “And I also say to you that you are Peter and on
this rock I will build my church.” I think that it was at this point that Peter’s leadership qualities began to emerge.
One writer has described Peter as impetuous. It was his impetuosity that led him to rebuke Jesus for what seemed to
him to be negative thinking, drawing Jesus’ sharp reply, “Get behind me Satan”. Ironically, this happened just after
Peter’s greatest moment of distinction – confessing Jesus to be the Son of the living God. Imagine Peter’s shame. But
Peter remained loyal, to a point. At the Last Supper, when Jesus predicted that all the disciples would fall away, Peter
was ready to argue. He, Peter would never fall away. This is the same Peter whose courage failed him, and a few hours
later denied Christ three times. On realizing that Jesus had foretold this precise behavior, he went out and wept
bitterly. Later Peter was granted the singular privilege of an individual post-resurrection appearance by Jesus. It is also
recorded in John’s Gospel that Christ gave Peter a three-part commission (perhaps to negate Peter’s three-part denial)
to feed his sheep. After Jesus’ ascension, Peter was clearly the leader of the disciples. He addressed the other disciples
and presided over an election for a disciple to replace Judas Iscariot.
Pentecost is the second of three annual Jewish pilgrim festivals observed in the Jerusalem Temple. Consequently there
were Jews from every nation in Jerusalem at the time of the Pentecost. Based on the account of the event given in Acts
2, crowds who had come for the feast were witnesses to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the twelve apostles and
some 120 other disciples. The people in attendance heard them speaking in different languages, so that each person
was able to hear the message in his own language. They were astonished, some even mocked, supposing the disciples
to be drunk. But Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, stood up with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the whole
Jewish congregation, exhorting them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
What a transformation for a man who had previously denied Christ three times! Three thousand souls were won as
a result of Peter’s discourse. This marked the beginning of the Early Church. As Peter continued in the Holy Spirit, he
was able to perform miracles. The Spirit in Peter was so powerful that people were healed simply by being in his
shadow. As a result of Peter’s prayer, a disciple named Tabitha was restored to life. Church growth continued.
Eventually Peter was called to minister to the Gentiles. As Peter preached to the people assembled in the home of
Cornelius, a Roman centurion, the Holy Spirit was poured out on them. These new believers were baptized in the name
of the Lord, adding to the membership of the Early Church. Chapters 11 and 12 of Acts give us more details as he
continued on his mission. In chapter 15 we read of his boldness as he convincingly addressed the Jerusalem Council
which was convened to debate the question of circumcision among the Gentile believers. His main point was that it
was not necessary for the Gentile Christians to be circumcised since God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by
giving them the Holy Spirit just as he gave it to the Jewish believers, purifying their hearts by faith.
In conclusion, we see Peter, the rock on which Christ promised to build his Church, transformed by the outpouring of
God’s Holy Spirit able to fulfill Jesus’ commission to his apostles to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt 28:19).
May we, like Peter and the other members of the Early Church be prepared to welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives so
that we too can boldly profess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Written by: Fleur Greene
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GRACE NOTES MARCH 2013
POEM
Our Spirits To Remain
We’re here on earth for a short stay,
Our spirits to remain,
Many people we meet, many people we greet,
In sunshine and in rain.
And every second we are free to be kind,
Or to act in remorse,
The clock still ticks what e’er to choose,
Thus nature takes its course.
As we grow old and the sun grows cold,
From sea to shining sea,
No matter the time of the year, day or hour,
May peace abide with thee.
By: Vivienne Wilson
TEST YOUR BIBLE KNOWLEDGE -- IT CAN BE FUN!!
How are the following Bible characters related?
1). Cain and Abel………………………. (Genesis 4, especially Verse 8)
2). Abraham and Isaac………………. (Genesis 21, especially Verse 3)
3). Mary and Martha ……………….. (Luke 10: 38, 39)
4). Aquila and Priscilla …………….. (Acts 18: 2)
5). Moses and Aaron ……………….. (Exodus 4: 14)
6). Eunice and Lois ………………….. (2 Timothy1: 5)
7). Peter and Andrew ……………… (Matthew 4: 18)
8). Ananias and Sapphira ……..…. (Acts 5: 1)
9). Joseph and Benjamin …….…… (Genesis 42: 3, 4)
10). David and Absalom …. ……….. (2 Samuel 18: 33)
Submitted by: Vivienne Wilson
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GRACE NOTES MARCH 2013
THINK ON THESE THINGS
Hi-Tech Divine Communication
I remember when the computer was a very large hunk of immovable hardware hoping to have an impact in
the business world. Now almost everything is computerized, mobile, instant and miniature. Today hi-tech has
impacted every aspect of our lives globally, changing education, medicine, the work place, manufacturing,
finance, media, aviation, the defense industry, personal relationships, adding the phrase ‘cyber crimes’ to our
vocabulary. Even how we spread the Word to all corners of the globe relies heavily on technology. Today a
domain name or a webmail address is key. The cell phone has replaced the home phone. Very soon we will
each be our own website, walking and sparkling with our own personal technology on our wrist, or under our
skin. Nanotechnology takes us to the intriguing quantum-realm zone with great implications for future life on
the planet.
The same way that the average person did not know about DNA and its implications a few years ago, so
other mysteries God has hidden from us will be revealed. Hi-Tech is not man-made creation, but man-
discovered elements out of the vast power, mystery and grandeur of God (Job 11: 7-12).
"Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are
higher than the heavens--what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave--what can
you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.” There are no geniuses, but
those through whom God has allowed his mysteries to be revealed, whether in the arts, sciences, mind,
learning, or communication. Not every year, but every few months, we have a new I-gadget to choose from,
intended to make life more efficient and enjoyable while making a few very rich.
What if I tell you that we have always had advanced technology at our finger tips for improving and advancing
our quality of life here on the planet and we have had it laid out in plain language, only needing decoding by
the Holy Spirit – in the Bible? Speaking the word of God, appealing to the Holy Spirit, using our
channel of prayer, and exercising our faith are each high level, mysterious, yet foolproof means of
communicating with the Creator to manage every aspect of our existence. With all the advances at our
fingertips the person who is only relying on technology and material things is really being shortchanged.
Drawing on the spiritual resources available to those who have chosen to receive Jesus Christ as Lord of
their lives is far more powerful. As Christians we have direct access to peace, joy, wisdom, love and hope,
while everything around us may be in turmoil or chaos. How is that possible?
Let’s start with the Word of God. Let us speak the infallible Word of God with all its power and mystery and
overcoming qualities (Hebrews 4:12). “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any
double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the
thoughts and attitudes of the heart”. Divine voice-activated technology is applied when we use God’s
Word as a surgeon may use laser technology for healing and other needs. This has always been available to
us. Modern technology is really distantly imitating what we really know at the spiritual level.
Continue on next page.
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GRACE NOTES MARCH 2013
Hi-Tech Divine Communication
When we ask the Holy Spirit to speak to God on our behalf it’s described this way in Romans 8:26. “ In the
same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the
Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans”. He expresses our needs better than we ever
could. How much higher can any technology be than that? Not just cordless, but without words. The Holy
Spirit translates for us, edits for us and automatically bypasses all the radio waves to take our messages from
our hearts directly to the Lord of Creation.
Let’s look at Prayer. When we kneel down to pray, in the bathroom, in bed, in church or on the subway, or in
silence, we are transmitting spiritually and breaking through the stratosphere and time zones to have an
effect and make changes that cannot be made any more powerfully or more quickly, or by any other means.
We are using the higher technology – hitting ENTER – and commanding results from our silent input. There
is no risk in prayer. Only God’s Will will be done.
Beyond that, the power of the touch, (Luke 6:19) “and the people all tried to touch him, because power
was coming from him and healing them all”, has been practiced for hundreds of years in healing and in
relieving millions of pain and suffering. The divine touch generates miracles all the time which modern
technology will not be able to match. Yet we question the power of the Spirit programmed into us as
Christians.
When we receive divine ideas we call it ‘out of the blue’ because it all defies logic and understanding, just like
the peace of God that we all know about. We have been communicating wirelessly all the time. We have
known things through our Spirit-guided intuition. The potential and possibilities have always been there, and
there is still more out there for us to draw on.
Let us understand that without God’s established systems in place for the functioning of the Universe and our
planet, none of the great technologies will operate. If God turns off one switch, systems will come crashing
down. Why don’t we learn to embrace the power that God is so eager to share with us to change the quality
of our lives? We have looked at the power of the Word of God activated by our voice, the mercy of God
generated through connection with the Holy Spirit, the grace of God engendered by our prayers. Is there
anything too hard for God? (Jeremiah 32:27)
"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”
Technology lets us down every day. We are under threat of everything crashing down one day, but God’s
promises never fail (Hebrews 10:23). “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who
promised is faithful.” Let’s wake up and use the high level transmission and communication advantage,
requiring no optic fibers or radio waves, already in our hands, to achieve God’s purpose in our lives.
Hyacinth E. Bailey –Copyright©2013 - [email protected]
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GRACE NOTES MARCH 2013
Former Youths of Grace Making Great Stride in the World of Work
It is indeed a pleasure to bring to my Grace church family words from and about our former youths who were active in Tiny Tots, Scouting, Methodist Youth Fellowship, Sunday school, as Acolytes and many other ministries.
Their subsequent achievements in the world of work gladden the heart of this reporter. In the 70s through the 80s Grace Notes had a regular column on this subject.
It is hoped that parents of our youths today encourage their children to read this column because it will serve an inspiration to them to know about the many youths of Grace who have grown up and become great men and women in their chosen fields. If the youths of yesterday could achieve, so can the youths of today.
As we resume providing this information to our readers, I am happy to be able to inform you of what Jason Charles Lewis is doing. Jason, as his name indicates, is the younger son of Charles and Joyce Lewis.
He is a teacher at Dutch Broadway Elementary School. He claims that the hard work and determination it took to be recognized as a student athlete in high school helped him to achieve the position of educator at Dutch Broadway. Jason says, “It does not matter how much talent you possess but how well you work together in a team, because without teamwork, one will not prosper.” This statement was made because of “swelled” heads of the players who worked as individuals rather than as a team. And because of that the team lost. This is a good lesson for all of our youths to know in the games of competition. Further, it is a good lesson to learn about teamwork in adult groups working in various ministries for our Lord and Savior.
During his high school years, Jason was equally good in sports and academics. In his youth as an active member of Grace, Jason was serious about whatever he was engaged in. His winning smile and cooperation endured his to his peers and adults alike. He was a delight in his Junior High Sunday school class that I had the good fortune of teaching. Even then, I knew that he was destined for greatness.
Quoting from Elmont Phoenix (December 2012),”During his high school career he participated in a plethora of clubs and sports, which were significant in crafting values and lessons still adamant in his life today.”
Jason has been inspired by his many teachers, coaches, pastors and members of his church. And so, with his ability to listen, observe and learn, he has become a fine educator and definitely encourages, inspires, and motivates others to greatness as he has been.
Another quote from the article I am perusing, “Although Mr. Lewis graduated many years ago, the lessons he learned has a student still resonates in his daily personal and professional life. Above all Mr. Lewis wants us to keep in mind that ‘ Negative thinking is a waste of thoughts and verbal conflict is a waste of words.’
Jason, please know that along with your parents and other loved ones, your Grace family that fondly remembers you are so proud to read about you. Thanks for sharing from the news article printed in the Elmont Phoenix (December 2012), by Alanix Smith and Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna.
Dr. Mel Hall, Reporter
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GRACE NOTES MARCH 2013
PAT’S CORNER
Hi Everyone,
Last time I did a restaurant review I asked if anyone had a restaurant that they would like to share.
Fortunately for us Donna Perez has given us two great reviews.
Vincent's Italian Restaurant= Across from Roosevelt Field, next to Toys R Us. Their food is awesome. The portions are large and satisfying. They start you off with bread and a dip mixed with olive oil and herbs which is very good. I give it 4.5 stars. Bestow Mexican Restaurant= 1516-18 Old Northern Blvd, Roslyn, NY. Phone: 516-484-3001. Both food and atmosphere are excellent. They do a guacamole dip from scratch that's soooooo good. Another 4.5 stars. ___________________________________________________________________________
Southeast Queens Homeless Cluster Program
I would like to give a shout-out to all the dedicated people and groups that help with the Southeast Queens Homeless Cluster Program. This feeding program is held in the coldest months of the year, from January through the end of March. Every Wednesday night, these people make sure that the men have a hot meal in the shelter. Others donate nice warm clothing for them to wear. Here are the names of these people and groups. I'm so very proud to be a part of this ministry, and want to thank them so very much for their time and dedication for over 17 years. The Methodist Men
The Methodist Women
The Class Leaders
The Greeters’ Ministry
The M.Y.F.
The Girl Scouts
The Boy Scouts
Mrs. Stokley and friends
The Yarber Family and friends
Paulette Best
Barbara Hibbert
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GRACE NOTES MARCH 2013
Grace united methodist church
Of st. Albans
200-08 Murdock Avenue, St. Albans, New York 11412
Church Office: 718-465-5621
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.graceumcstalbans.org Visit us on facebook-GUMC
Grace Notes Newsletter Committee : Sharon Webley, Team leader; Hyacinth Bailey, Team Co-leader;
Patricia Yarber, Mavelin Germain, Fleur Greene, Dr. Mel Hall, Wanda Jackson, Sarah Sweetwine
Worship Hours
Sunday School: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Church worship services: 9:45 am
Friendship Circle (Seniors) Bible study on Wednesdays at 10:00 am
Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm
GUMC CONSECRATION WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 10, 2013 (by Invitation only).
