Lucia Columb has been a permanent active member of the Romanian Orthodox Church of SS Peter and Paul since 1993. She is a member of their parish committee.

She has dedicated distinguished and quality service to the Church community. She initiated, organized and managed the Church's charity program through which people of the Romanian community in New York and from Romania receive significant help. Every Sunday she helps to organize meals at the socialization time after the liturgy. She also helps to organize festive dinners at the many cultural events and celebrations in her church. She does all this on a voluntary basis.

Her dedication and generosity, her effort and love for service, are exemplary and acknowledged in the congregation.

Samuel Davis was ordained a Deacon in April 1982. He is Chairman of the Trustees of the Salem Missionary Baptist Church. He is also Treasurer of the Pulpit Aide and the Deacons, and Financial Secretary of the Deaconess. As Chairman of the Trustees he has provided dedicated and distinguished service.

In 1998 he married Roberta, a faithful member of Salem and a global traveler. Now he travels a lot, but he makes sure the church projects are taken care of before he leaves. In 1949 he started to work at a bakery where he is still employed. He is always willing to make a cake for the Church, and for special occasions at a discount. He showed his baking talent on his wedding cake. At a scriptural cake program he gave his secret away. You must have good eggs.

He attends Sunday School every week, visits the sick and sees that the Pastor is okay. He has over 20 grandchildren, 13 of whom were baptized on one Sunday.

Mrs. Doyle is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Flushing. She has served as Sunday School Secretary and Treasurer, a member of the choir, the Christian Education Committee, the Mission Committee, the Worship Committee, Trustee, Financial Secretary, member of the Budget and Finance Committee and Sessions, Junior Church Teacher, Representative to Presbytery, Music Director and Secretary Search Committees, Nominating Committee Chairperson, ministry to the Clearview Nursing Home. She continues to be active in nine of the positions even though she is now retired from her regular occupation.

Eleanor is a very committed Christian. She has a servant's heart. She loves the local church and is totally committed to it. Whenever there is something going on in the church she is there. Her strong interests are in music, Christian education, missions, finances and administration. She is a great example of excellence and exhorting her brothers and sisters to do the same. One of her great contributions at present is to keep track of the finances and to urge others to be accountable with God's money. Eleanor's greatest contribution to the church is her example of loving the Lord Jesus Christ with all her heart, soul and mind, and her love for her brothers and sisters in Christ.
While doing all this volunteer work for the Church she was chief clerk in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at St. John's University. Just before retiring she received a special award for 29 years of service. At St. John's she served on both the personnel and communications committees and she was Blood Drive chairperson for many years. In the community she served on the local election Board.

Before moving to Glen Oaks she was a resident of Jamaica (Hillcrest) Queens for more than 41 years. She was married to a fireman and has three children (Mary, Wayne and Thomas) and five grandchildren.

Elder Christina Ferro became a member of the congregation of First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica in 1945. She was married to her friend James (Jim) in 1947. Together this couple brought life, laughter, perseverance and power to the ministries of First Church. Jim preceded Christina to glory in 1991. Christina has continued to treasure and maintain their legacy of service. She has served the church during the ministries of the Reverends Andrew Magill, Donald Ruth, Gordon Mattice, Carl Smith, Roger Patton, Raymond Swartzback and William Stark.

She has served as Elder, Deacon, member of Pastor Nominating committees, member of Session Committees, Sunday School teacher and Alice Horn Gift Shop committee member and volunteer. She has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the soup kitchen and food pantry. She was a member of the Mariners (a couples club) which on reflection she states "was one of the most positive experiences of her life." A responsible steward, Christina embodies in her life and work what it means to be a disciple of Christ. She is inwardly motivated to give of herself and serves with a humble spirit and quiet grace. An extraordinary woman of faith she has inspired many in our community to be faithful in the midst of extraordinary challenges.

The session and members of the First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica are truly grateful to this wonderful woman of faith for her dedicated service.

Rosa Hall is a native of Greenville, Alabama. She is the seventh child of eleven siblings. She came to know Christ at a very early age, and according to Acts 2:4, she was baptized with the Holy Spirit, under the leadership of the late Rev. Garret, pastor of her church, the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Greenville, Alabama. She came to New York City in the early sixties looking to pursue her education and career goals. First, she began by attending several business schools, where her accomplishments were rewarded, leading her into a more professional business job market. She was employed by the City of New York for over twenty-six years. She has received many rewards from the City of New York for her conduct, punctuality and educational job training courses. The reward she treasures the most is for her 25 years of service with the City of New York.

She affiliated with the Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Jamaica for 31 years, under the leadership of Dr. John B. Mason III as pastor. She started her most important career goal in divine instruction as she has been led by the Holy Spirit for the calling of God and to do His will more effectively.

Evangelist Hall holds several degrees including a Masters Degree in Religious Education from the United Christian College of Brooklyn where she wrote three theses: New Testament, Book of Revelation, and Religious Education.

Rosa is the president of the Missionary Society, and coordinator of the Mission outreach. She is the Director of the Bible School of Religious Education, a Sunday School teacher for over 28 years and serves in the Music Department and on the Deaconess Board. She serves as Third Vice President of the International Evangelistic Women Workers, Inc. and on the Home and Foreign Mission Board.

Her work and studies have set the foundation for the ultimate goal that God has established for her life: as a woman in ministry. She is looking to enhance further her knowledge and expertise by praying to God to help her enter into Seminary in the fall of 2002 to study for her Master of Divinity degree.

She is a mother of two sons and two daughters-in-law and four grandchildren. She has committed her life to the cause in which she has been chosen by Jesus Christ. One of her favorite Bible verses is from II Timothy 1:7: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind." Her motto is to teach the word of God, help others, reach others and, above all, to live the word she speaks. Amen.

Claudine's devotion to religious service is evidenced by her application of Christian principles through service to her church and community. She has served as a member of the Board of Trustees, Facilitator/Teacher of ongoing adult classes, Delegate to the Unity School of Christianity International Conferences and a member of the Unity School of Christianity "Plan for the Future" team.

She ably serves as song leader and platform chairperson for the Sunday service. She facilitates ongoing adult classes and provides special sessions (like cooking) for the youth. She lends support wherever appropriate (and she seems to know), literally from the kitchen to the pulpit, with office detail, counsel, and transportation thrown in.

Claudine's commitment to the upliftment of the human family, through word and deed to her church, qualifies her for this recognition.

Violet Kelly is a native of Panama and the wife of Gene Kelly. Violet has distinguished herself as the youth director of First Church and also the youth representative from the African-American Council RCA on the youth denominational team. Forty to fifty youth attend the Friday night program. She also is the Assistant Sunday School Superintendent.

The Church is proud and most thankful to her as a Consistory member, as Deacon and Chair-person of the Properties Commission, Assistant Treasurer and member of the Women's Guild Executive Board.
Mrs. Kelly believes and supports the statement: "The youth are our future."

Mazie has been a member of the Church of the Resurrection since 1959. She has served on the Vestry for nine years and worked on the Church Dinner Dance Committee as Treasurer for several years. She is a Lay Reader and Eucharistic minister and is a member of St. Veronica's Guild where she has served as President for over ten years.

Her other forms of service include: member of Family Consultation Service Group of the Diocese of Long Island which she served formerly as Vice President and member of Episcopal Church Women, Archdeaconry of Queens of the Diocese of Long Island, currently serving as Chairperson for Ministry in Action. Ms. Lambert is also active in Boy Scout Troop 299 and was active with the Girl Scouts for eight years. She has been a member of the Protestant Service Organization at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, and the N.A.A.C.P., Corona/East Elmhurst Branch, the East Elmhurst/Corona Civic Association, the Frederick Douglas Democratic Club and an Inspector at the Board of Elections. She has helped to raise money for scholarships in the community as a member of Dollars for Scholars Corona/East Elmhurst Chapter.

Mazie Lambert was honored by the Church of the Resurrection for her many years of dedication to the church and community.

Tony only became a member (officially) of Christ Lutheran's congregation about nine years ago; but he has been working with us since he was married at the Church 14 years ago. He immediately became a part of the "working crew" and hasn't stopped since!

Tony studied and became a Deacon and proudly serves alongside the Pastor every Sunday. At the end of our service Tony says "Go in-a peace and serve-a the Lord" and most in the congregation have come to answer, "Thanks-a be to God"! As well as being a Deacon, Tony has brought his carpentry and construction talents along with him to help our congregation. He has made many changes – additions and newly constructed designs such as new drop ceilings in the Parish Center and a new closet to house our 200 new chairs and repaired tables. But his biggest and most beautiful job was the installation of a handicap lavatory, since our congregation is getting older every day.

When our former custodian was injured, Tony jumped right in to lend a hand to clean and set up the Parish Center which is used by many groups. As time went on and our custodian found it impossible to return to work at Christ Church, the Congregation Council decided to hire Tony to continue his fine work. We don't know if this was the right thing to do because Tony has become the "Mother Hen" of the facilities. He is quick to tell people what they can and cannot do while there. Most times he is very protective!

Every congregation should have a "Tony"! We, at Christ Church, don't know what we did without him, and thank the Good Lord for sending our Tony to us!

John Maulella's diligence in studying the Word of God has been a blessing to the many employees who come to the Bible Study sponsored by Christ for the World Chapel at JFK International Airport. The depth of his study has been rewarding to all who attend.

John was born in Brooklyn in September 1967, the third of four sons. His family moved to the Richmond Hill/Kew Gardens area of Queens, where they lived for the next 15 years. John's family was only nominally Christian so their knowledge of God was limited, but God was already gaining a foothold. A neighbor took John and his brother Rob to Vacation Bible School. Six years later John's parents placed him in a Lutheran School where he began to hear about God in greater depth. John's brother Rob became born again while they were both in High School, but John still wasn't ready. The pain of living without God, however, became more acute. In early December 1987, John gave his heart to Jesus. Within a month he was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ at Queens College. He also started attending St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church – his brother Rob's church – and began to experience the joy of growing up in Christ. A year later he began to lead a small group Bible study and was active in this ministry for several years. During this time he began dating Lisa, who was also attending his church. They became engaged a year later and got married in 1991.

John graduated from Queens College in 1990 and has worked for the U. S. Customs Service at JFK Airport since 1992. During these years God has blessed John and Lisa with a son, Zachary (6), and a daughter Jillian (3). They're expecting a third child in late November. When Jillian was a baby, some of John's colleagues at work began to talk of starting a Bible study. John found himself leading the study, preparing and delivering a message every other week at the Christ for the World Chapel at JFK Airport. Today, John continues to lead the study, which he prays God will continue to use for His glory.

Nigel Morrison has been a member of the Cambria Heights Community Church since 1991. Since becoming a member he has held the position of Deacon, and is currently an Elder.

He teaches Adult Sunday School, is the Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee, Chairperson of the Pastoral Search Committee, president of the Men's Fellowship, member of the Usher Board and past member of the Finance Committee.

Mr. Morrison is a dedicated servant who can be called upon at any time to solve church building and maintenance problems that arise.

He is grounded in his faith and believes that God should always be first.

Winnifred Merle Nelson was born in St. Ann, West Indies. She has been a member of the Fullness of Joy Ministries, Inc., since its inception in November of 1999. Besides being an elder of the church, she serves as the church treasurer, a Sunday school teacher and a greeter each Sunday morning. In addition, she helps clean the church, retrieves the mail from our post office box, and prepares refreshments for the fellowship hour. Winnifred is a dear and loving sister. She is a woman of faith and is sensitive to the needs of others, providing help spiritually and materially. She demonstrates a sweet spirit in and out of season, with an open heart and a smile that says, "Welcome."

In her secular work, Winnifred serves as the shop steward for Local 32BJ (Building Maintenance Union). She represents her union members with loyalty and diligence and has been cited on her job for meritorious work. Her job was located at the World Trade Center.

Winnifred M. Nelson lives out her Christian faith before others giving honor to God always.

Gladys Oliver has been a member of the Antioch Baptist Church since 1953. She has worked diligently with young people for many years. In July of 1983, the Antioch Baptist Church formed the A.B.C. Vacation Bible School because there was a need for more youth involvement. This 4-week summer program flourished through the years.

A Deaconess of the church, Gladys Oliver volunteered her services after retiring from the NYC Board of Education with 22 years of service. She began by helping children with their homework after school. She quickly noticed that the children needed more than just help with their homework. Her expertise in targeting low reading scores and weak math skills was effectively displayed in the after school program. She helped many students to improve their academic skills across the curriculum. The success of this program with the members of the church was extended to the community. This led to the appointment of Gladys Oliver as the director of the Antioch Baptist Church After-School Program.

In July of 1998 to present, under the leadership of Rev. Timothy Mitchell, the A.B.C. Vacation Bible School was changed to the A.B.C. Vacation Bible School Camp. This 4-week program operated as a full day summer camp with Deaconess Gladys Oliver as the director. Gladys Oliver has been, is, and always will be for the youth and their success.

Gladys Oliver's dedication and love for children has reached over 1,000 boys and girls. She has enabled them to acquire the necessary values and good judgment needed for a meaningful and successful adult-life in our society.

Joseph L. Smith, a teacher by profession, became a member of Grace Episcopal Church in the early 1980s. He joined the Choir soon thereafter and was the lead tenor. He worked diligently for the Church doing carpentry, gardening, and anything the church needed to be done.

After a few years, he developed cancer, although very few persons in the church knew about this. He performed even when sick. He became a member of a Men's Singing Group that performed at various churches in the Corona-East Elmhurst area to raise funds for those churches. He started a drama group for Grace Church and put on many successful plays.

In the late 1980s, the cancer was in remission. Mr. Smith retired from teaching in the 1990s and added more duties to his already crowded calendar. He and some male members of Grace Church decided to tackle our termite problem. He was one of the vital persons tearing down, rebuilding, and termite-proofing the entire altar area.

A new priest was elected for our church and Mr. Smith was asked to be our buildings and groundskeeper. He saw the need for new steps on our church hall; he tackled the job again and gave us new steps and frontal. He is a member of the Cursillo community and has served on teams.

Mr. Smith was also a member of the Vestry. It will take time and space to list all of his accomplishments. We all look forward on Sunday mornings to hearing that melodious voice which seems to grow stronger with age.
Thank you Mr. Smith for being an example to your fellow Christians, and for knowing that what you do for Christ will endure.

Willie Smith is a faithful, supportive and loving member of the New Jerusalem Baptist Church of Jamaica, New York. Mr. Smith is an active member, who serves throughout the Church in many different capacities. He is currently a Sunday School Teacher and has been for many years. He is also a member of the Brotherhood of New Jerusalem.

Mr. Smith is a dependable member, who when given an assignment, takes it seriously and will finish it successfully. Mr. Smith is respected throughout the congregation and works well with all persons with whom he comes in contact.

New Jerusalem is happy to have him represent our Church as a 2001 Honoree.

Sharon Washington is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. Benson. She is the wife of the Rev. Dennis Washington. Sharon is a beautiful Christian woman. She loves God, her family and Freewheel Baptist Church Family. She has continued to serve God since her youth. She loves to help people and to keep smiling.

She serves as the Directress for the Youth Seekers for Christ and the Voices of Freewheel and is an active worker in the Missionary Department. She loves to sing and praise God. She is a wonderful willing worker for Christ. She loves children. We salute Sis. Sharon Washington because she is highly favored of God. May God Bless You Sharon Washington for you are truly one of God's Good and Faithful Servants.

There was a movie made years ago titled A Man for All Seasons. If a movie titled A Woman for All Seasons was being made, Anita Williams would have to be in the starring role. At New Hope Lutheran Church if you need anything done, you look for Ms. Williams. As secretary of the Congregational council she has kept exceptional minutes. Ms. Williams has been a Sunday School teacher for many years at New Hope. In this role she has guided many of the older youth in the faith as she has a special gift for relating faith to everyday life. Ms. Williams is a member of the Sisters in the Spirit group and has shared spiritual insights that have been a comfort to many.
Ms. Williams has served in many others areas: Read-a-Round Program Literacy volunteer, Co-Coordinator for AIDS Outreach Program at New Hope, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Educator/Counselor, Youth Coordinator for Community Board 12 in Queens, the APC of the South Jamaica Center for Children and Parents, Southeast Queens Homeless Task Force, Advisory and Policy Boards for Youth Service Programs and Agencies in Southeast Queens and many others.

New Hope Lutheran Church has an annual Kwanza celebration and Ms. Williams organizes this event each year. At the church there are many opportunities for fellowship, and one of the main persons to organize the food component of these fellowship times is Anita. A woman for all seasons, Anita Williams. She springs to life to serve because she loves the Lord. She has a bright, summery personality. If you fall down, she will be there to lift you up with a message of hope. And when the coldness of life hits us like a winter storm, let us pray that we have someone to share the light of Christ with us who is like Anita Williams.

William Wolf has not been at Hollis Woods for a long time and there is little at the church that he hasn't done.
On the arrival of Rev. Bryant to the church she was told "anything you need, Reverend, just ask Deacon Bill." He has been on the Trustee Board, chairperson of the House Committee, Technical Director of Outreach and a trustworthy Deacon. He prays our deacon's prayer every Sunday morning. He has packed a lot of service in a few years.

William makes the coffee and sets the table every Sunday for coffee hour. In the winter, he shovels the walkways for the elderly in the community. He delivers monthly donations of food to Bethany House.

At Rev. Bryant's first communion service she noted the chalice had quite a bit of wine. After service she said "Deacon Bill, I don't really need that much wine." Deacon Bill answered, "Reverend, if you are going to pastor this church, you need a lot of spirits."

Hollis Woods Community loves and appreciates Deacon Bill.

Laura Wright (nee Oertel) has been a member of our congregation for the last 72 years – her lifetime. Her mother was baptized as a child in this church. But it is not just Laura's loyalty to this church, but her service to it and the community at large. Laura has probably served in every committee and every major undertaking of this parish for the last thirty years at least. Laura worked also for the national office of the Episcopal Church and she has been named by them "Stewardship Apostle." After retirement she has continued serving in the parish and in the Diocese. Lately, she was Senior Warden during a very difficult time searching for a new priest. During this time, she led this congregation until the happy conclusion of that process.

She has served as a Vestry member, churchwarden, stewardship chair locally and in the Diocese/Archdeaconry, Lay Reader, Master of Ceremonies, Chalice Administrator, Altar Guild, Social Outreach, Diocesan Convention delegate, Choir member, Cursillista and many more.

Deacon Robert James Wright, Jr. was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He attended the Public School System and graduated from Brooklyn High School of Automotive Trades in June 1964. He enlisted and honorably completed three (3) years in the United States Army.

On November 25, 1967, he married his High School Sweetheart, Charlotte Johnson. God blessed this union with two children, Darren and Charlonda and one daughter-in-law, Tara.

Deacon Wright is the proud grandfather to Ta'Quana and Tatyanah. He is affectionately called "Grandpa Grump," by his grandchildren and, proudly wears his "GRUMPY" sweatshirt! He is also the Church Grandfather to Patience Muriambia, John and Vaughn Smith, Kevin Woods and Natasha Harding.

Deacon Wright joined Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in October 1984. He started serving on the Deacon Board as a Trainee in 1992. He was ordained in November 1996. He was President of the Male Chorus from 1998 to 2000 and currently serves as Chaplain in the Male Chorus. He is a member of The Voices of Bethesda, currently serving as Sunday School Superintendent and Chairperson of the Deacon Board.

Deacon Wright is striving to be a good Christian and proud to be in "God's Army." His interests include Auto Mechanics, Engineering. Welding, Math, Science, Black History and Martial Arts. He loves to study and keeps the Lord in focus with all things.

Minnie Yearwood is a retired buyer for Sterns and has been an active member of the Victoria Congregational Church since 1996.

As a member of the church choir, Minnie has graced the service of worship with her music, and as a member (and treasurer) of the Board of Deacons, she has set the "welcome table" for Holy Communion. Minnie has also served as the treasurer of the Victoria (Senior) Adult Center.

Previously, Minnie served on the 80th Anniversary Committee and the Pastoral Search Committee, and worked on several anniversary journals.