Citation for Faithful Service
2004 Honorees — Biographical Sketches

Presented October 30, 2004, at
Union Congregational Church
Richmond Hill

Magali Alvarez

Elmhurst Baptist Church
The Rev. Dr. Heinz D. Rossol, Pastor

Since joining the Elmhurst Baptist Church in 1980, Magali Alvarez has been faithfully serving God in worship and in work. She serves ably in leadership as the Church Moderator, member of the Diaconate Board, and member - presently Chair - of the Religious Education Committee. She is a member of the Executive Board, Director of the Junior Church program, and leads our Constitution/By-Laws Committee.

Over the years she has taken on numerous tasks and responsibilities within our church family. She was Chair of our Board of Deacons for ten years (1990 - 2000), a member of our Steering, Program, and Pastoral Search Committees, and has served as Sunday School teacher for both adult and children's classes. Not only has she brought a spirit of love and commitment to every task, but her life consistently reflects the spirit of Christ in all her relationships within the church. In addition, she also brings the vibrancy of her faith to her position as a public school teacher, a field in which she is highly respected by students as well as peers.

Because her keen mind and loving spirit positively affect her family, friends, neighbors and our church, it is with joy that we recommend her for the Citation for Faithful Service.

 
Doina Babici

Ss. Peter & Paul Romanian Orthodox Church, College Point
The Rev. Dr. Theodor Damian, Pastor

In the last two years Doina Babici has been a permanent active member of our parish and of our parish committee. She has given dedicated distinguished and quality service to the Church community. She initiated, organized and managed the Church's social programs through which people in need from the Romanian community in New York received significant help. Every Sunday, she helped with the meals at the socialization time after the liturgy and festive dinners at the many cultural events and celebrations in our Church.

Her dedication and generosity, her effort and love for service are exemplary and acknowledged in the congregation. Doina Babici has been a member of our church since 2001. In 2002 she was elected vice president of the parish committee and continues in that position today.

 
Barbara Emanuel

Fullness of Joy Ministries, Saint Albans
The Rev. David S. Butler, Pastor

Barbara Emmanuel serves in many capacities at Fullness of Joy Ministries Inc., even though she is a relatively new member. Presently, she is the Sunday School Superintendent ( and also teaches various classes when needed), the Church Secretary, the Vice President of the Women's Ministry, the follow up coordinator (who calls or writes visitors, adherents, new members and delinquent members), is a member of the Finance Committee and the Hospitality Committee (which prepares and serves meals on Sundays) and is one of the worship leaders (who lead the congregation in intercessory prayer, praise and worship, confessions and the reading of scripture).

Barbara has a B.A. degree in Business Administration from Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York and is the proud mother of three children. She is employed as an account administrator at Sumitomo Trust and Banking in Hoboken, N.J. She loves the Lord and is very serious about the things of God. We appreciate all of the efforts of this great woman of God.

 
Amanda Jones

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Cambria Heights
The Rev. Peggy Wuertele, Pastor

As a member of the congregation, our Sister Amanda Jones, has a deep sense of commitment and has served in many capacities. She is currently most active as our Sunday School Team Leader. Through her remarkable ability to motivate with kind words, a song, and a bright smile, Sister Amanda Jones continues to be influential in shaping the lives of the young people of the church, as well as providing unselfish service to the church and community.

With joy, love and enthusiasm, Sister Amanda is always willing to serve as a leader, or to be led in ensuring that the work of the church continues to grow in Christ. In her 31years with the Prince Of Peace congregation, Sister Amanda Jones has served in many positions, including: Liturgical Assistant, Lay Reader (Lector), Coordinator of Lay Reader Assignments, Sunday School Teacher and Sunday School Team Leader, and Vacation Bible School Coordinator. She has been a member of the Church Council (6 years, including a term as council secretary), Worship and Music Committee, Altar Guild, Willing Spirits Committee member (designing sanctuary banners), Eucharistic Ministry, and the Adult Choir.

 
Horatio Leahy

Grace Episcopal Church, Corona
The Rev. Canon Leopold Baynes, Rector

Horatio Leahy has been a member of Grace Episcopal Church, Corona, for 38 years. For most of those years he lived just one block from the church and was always available and able to offer his services freely to the church. He derived great pleasure from taking care of the heating system in Morgan Parish Hall.

He was a member of the Vestry and was the Church Treasurer for 28 years. He has been commended by Bishop Orris Walker, Jr., of the Diocese of Long Island, for keeping meticulous books and taking care of Grace Church's tithes. He was one of the founding members of the Grace Church Men's Club.

After moving from the Corona neighborhood to St. Albans, he still was able to make it to church on time, taking two trains each way. He spent long hours on Sundays after church doing the work of Treasurer. At the church's Annual Meetings he always delivered accurate financial reports. He was known to never disperse money without a corresponding receipt. Horatio continues to support all the church's endeavors even though he cannot attend them all. He has been and continues to be an inspiration to all in the body of Christ. He is married and has one daughter and one granddaughter. Mr. Leahy always puts Christ first in his life.

 
Ruby L'Heureux

Trinity United Methodist Church, Richmond Hill
The Rev. Ieva Zadina, Pastor

For Trinity, Ruby is a precious gem with many facets. A member for 20 years, the Treasurer for 10, she has served on almost every church committee, as member or chair: finance and stewardship, Christian education, staff/parish relations, trustees, nominating, and church council. Always on hand to help with special events, she has co-chaired the fair committee, and is organizing regular flea markets for community outreach as well as fundraising.

For 10 summers she has worked behind the scenes as assistant producer of the JC Players, a musical-theater group from our cluster group of United Methodist churches. Ruby also continues to serve the larger faith community. In addition to her full time job and her church work, she volunteers at the Queens Federation of Churches (being married to the Director, Rev. Skip L'Heureux), and serves on the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn United Methodist Church Home, including its dinner-dance and property committees.

Ruby is the mother of 3, Jennifer Bryson, Edward Hauck and David L'Heureux, and also has a wonderful new son-in-law, Jeffrey Bryson. Over the past 14 years she's had 12 additional teens residing in her home for anywhere from 6 months to 4 years, and because of some of these young people she is serving on the School Leadership Team at City-As-School in Manhattan, a connection which began when her son David attended the school. All of this with a spirit of fun, as you will see if you join her at one of the rock concerts for teenagers that she chaperones.

 
Edward Middendorf

Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ozone Park
Mrs. Arlene Fiumano, President

"Big Ed" has always been there when someone was needed. He is a life-long member of our congregational family, beginning with his Baptism and continuing through Confirmation. Ed was an active participant in many aspects of the congregation from childhood through the teens and into adulthood. Following his marriage to his wife, Marilyn, who was Episcopal, Ed divided his time between her church and ours. But, he always returned to Christ Lutheran.

Since his retirement and unfortunately the passing of his lovely wife, Ed has found many things to keep him occupied within the church, such as some repairs, but especially his lending hand with our newly formed Senior Citizens group. They also found out that he can cook as he has done for some communion breakfasts and youth gatherings - and he makes some mean desserts. Ed currently serves on the Congregation Council as Vice President, chairman of the Property Committee, an usher and Lector.

Next month we will be celebrating 124 years of ministry to the community, as well as the 50th Anniversary of our Parish Center building and Ed is serving as the chairman of the planning committee. We thank the Lord for sending Ed to help carry out our ministry in Ozone Park.

 
Thomas D. Miller

New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Jamaica
The Rev. James C. Kelly Sr., Pastor

Thomas D. Miller, affectionately known as "TJ," has been known to his pastor all of his life. He is a kind, considerate and loving member of the New Jerusalem Church family. "TJ" relates well to all persons with whom he comes in contact. His personality and humor make him popular with all ages. He has been active as an Usher and has held various positions in our Usher Ministry. He has worked with our Brotherhood Ministry He has been very active in New Jerusalem's Drama Group. He is active with our Youth Team Ministry. He has been a Choir member. "TJ" is faithful in his attendance and very supportive in the Ministry of New Jerusalem.

He is sincere about his work in the Church. When given an assignment, it is done with love and compassion and he gives the best of his ability As a young person, he is very deserving of honor and is worthy to receive a citation for faithful service.

 
Nannie Lucille Morton

Greater Allen AME Cathedral, Jamaica
The Rev. Floyd H. Flake, Pastor

Nannie Lucille Morton is a native of Hartsville, Tennessee, born to the late Howard and Beulah Cage.

Before joining The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral under the pastorate of the Reverend Dr. Floyd H. Flake, she was a faithful member of Calvary ME Church in Louisville, Kentucky, under the leadership of the late Reverend Levi R. Starks.

Since becoming a member of Allen, Mrs. Morton has been living a life of service. She is a devoted member of Stewardess Board No. 3, the Allen Busy Bees, the Goodwill Circle, the Women's Day and Missionary Choirs, and had been a volunteer receptionist during her early years at Allen.

Her favorite Scriptures include Ecclesiastes 9:10; 3:1-22; Psalm 23, and Matthew 25.

Mrs. Morton says with conviction—"If I touch somebody's life, then my living is not in vain for only what I do for Christ will last and then I shall behold Jesus face to face. That's my determination."

 
Margaret Pierce

New Hope Lutheran Church, Jamaica
The Rev. Brenda K. Smith, Pastor

It says in Proverbs 31:15: "She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household." The Biblical writers did not know it, but they were writing about Margaret Pierce.

Mrs. Pierce is known as the "cake lady" at New Hope Lutheran Church. Mrs. Pierce provides food far beyond her household; her food goes from her household to other households, to church, and to the community. If we need a cake for any occasion at our church, Mrs. Pierce provides it and she does it with love and concern for whomever she is baking. Each Sunday the church van driver gets a nicely decorated bag with a cake or pie inside. That is Mrs. Pierce's way of saying thank you to the drivers.

At New Hope we love Mrs Pierce for her cakes, but her service goes far beyond that. She visits the sick and shut-in members as part of the New Hope Shepherding Committee. And guess what she brings them: a cake. She serves as an Assistant Minister when needed and also is part of our ushering team. She sends our college students quarters that they can use for washing clothes or buying snacks. Each holiday, New Hope reaches out to the 113th Precinct with a holiday table of goodies. Mrs. Pierce is at the Precinct by 6 a.m. with the Pastor setting up the table.

If you want to see her smile, talk about her family. She has devoted her life to her wonderful family and to her Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. She does it without asking for any recognition, but by encouraging others to serve through her role modeling. New Hope thanks Mrs. Pierce, "the cake lady," for her service at our church.

 
Dr. Betty J. Riggins

Greater Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ, Saint Albans
The Rev. Robert Prince Washington, Pastor

Dr. Betty J. Riggins has served in many capacities during the period from 1975 to present. It is difficult to express in words the Church's indebtedness for her loyalty and hard work. She has contributed greatly to the church and community alike and we note here only a few.

She is a multi-tasked woman of integrity, high standing, and dedication. She demonstrates Christ-like characteristics, leadership skills, problem-solving techniques while still never deviating from what is written in the word of God. She has performed in almost every capacity in the church including Executive Secretary, Administrative Assistant, Sunday School Teaching, Youth Counseling, Outreach Ministry, and District Missionary. In closing, we know that her ultimate award will be in Heaven, but her Church and her Pastor take official delight in nominating Dr. Betty J. Riggins for this prestigious Citation.

 
Charlotte I. Taylor

Union Congregational Church, Richmond Hill
The Rev. J. Karel Boersma, Pastor

Charlotte Taylor is the quintessential volunteer. No job is too small or too difficult. Her talents are legion and her loyalty unquestionable. Deacon, Teacher, Musician, Composer and caregiver only start the process of description. She is a committed environmentalist. She strives for justice and makes a difference addressing the issue of hunger in our community.

If, God forbid, we might need someone to watch over us in a time of crisis, we could do no better than Charlotte. One wonders where she finds the time to be a mother, grandmother, friend and companion. We at Union Church can only be grateful that she shares her talents with us and are indeed honored to present her name for this Citation.

 
Jonathan Walker

Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, Jamaica
The Rev. Charles L. Norris Sr., Pastor

Jonathan Walker has been attending Bethesda Church ever since he was born. His mother and grandmother brought him as a little child. As he grew Jonathan began attending Sunday School, and still does regularly. Jonathan has progressed through the church school from the beginners class to the young adult class. He has served for many years as the Chaplain.

When he was old enough Jonathan joined the junior usher board and is now its president. Working with the Ushers Department of the Eastern Baptist Association, Jonathan has become a proficient usher and efficient marshal that leads the march in various church celebrations.

This fine young man is a graduate of Thomas A. Edison Vocational and Technical High School. While there, he was a member of the Bronze Honor Roll three times. After graduation he completed an accelerated course to become a Medical Assistant at N. Y. Medical from October of 2003 until June of 2004. Jonathan, a proud young man, now is more intricately involved in his church that he loves, as a junior deacon.

 
Vernon Williams

First Reformed Church of Jamaica
The Rev. Mark S. Kellar, Pastor

Vernon Williams was born in Laurel, Mississippi, and moved to New York in 1964. He has been married for 32 years and has two children and one grandson. While serving his country in Vietnam, he made a promise to God that if his life be spared, he would be God's faithful servant. His walk with God had many trials and tribulations that eventually lead him to the First Reformed Church of Jamaica where he became a member on the last day of 1995 and was baptized six weeks later.

He has faithfully served as President of the Men's Group and President of the Usher Board. Brother Williams also serves in our Soup Kitchen outreach ministry in all capacities from stocking shelves to preparing meals when necessary and ministering to the clients giving words of hope and encouragement. He is always willing to serve in any capacity. Most recently he added actor to his many accomplishments when he performed in a play for our Forty Days of Purpose Campaign. "I will not let the rocks out-praise me. I am not ashamed to praise my God."

Brother Williams can be found every Sunday praising the Lord with boldness. He is one who fears the Lord and it is with great honor that we at the First Reformed Church of Jamaica acknowledge him for his commitment and dedication to the church.

 

 
Queens Federation of Churches http://www.QueensChurches.org/ Last Updated February 2, 2005