Citation for Faithful Service
2009 Honorees — Biographical Sketches

Presented October 31, 2009, at the
Shin Kwang Church of New York, Bayside


Rev. Linda C. Booth

St. James Baptist Church, Jamaica
The Rev. John W. Freeman, Pastor

Reverend Linda C. Booth has been a dedicated member of The St. James Baptist Church, Inc. since 1997. It was in her initial position, as a Missionary, where she began to take an interest in further expanding her spiritual walk with the Lord. In her early years as a Missionary she was given the opportunity to open up the call to worship, conduct meditation and altar prayers, lead the congregational hymns, read scriptures, give invocations, and read church announcements. By doing these things she gained a lot of spiritual strength, direction and obtained a desire to pursue something greater in the ministry, which was to preach the Gospel. She shared her interest and on June 22, 2008, witnessed by the congregation, she was presented with her license. She was then appointed to preach the 3rd Sunday of each month, which she continues to do today. If she is needed on any other Sunday to preach the Gospel she is always prepared. Reverend Linda C. Booth has a background in the field of Human Services, which also adds to her ability to touch the congregation. She graduated from Adelphi University in 1984 with her B.A. in Psychology. She wanted to further her education and went two more years and graduated in 1986 with her Masters in Social Work, also from Adelphi University. She has worked in the field of Chemical Dependency since 1986 with youth as well as adults in schools, outpatient and residential drug treatment settings. She obtained her license as a Certified Social Worker (CSW-R) in 1997, which was later renamed Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R) in 2004 and she started practicing as a Psychotherapist in the field of Mental Health at a community mental health clinic. She continues to work very hard at her craft and incorporates spirituality into her work with others because she truly believes that spirituality is necessary for the psychological healing of old wounds.

Elijah Brown

New Covenant Church of Christ (Baptist), Queens Village
The Rev. Muriel Johnson Providence, Pastor

Deacon Brown has been a member of New Covenant Church of Christ since 1977 and has served as a diligent servant of the most high God. Some of his activities include that of Boy Scout leader, usher, choir member, and deacon. He also serves as President of Male Chorus, President of the Men’s Fellowship and President of Christian Education Leadership Council, Trustee, Church Van Driver, Co-chair of Acolytes, Chairman of Men’s Day, and Comptroller. The church would name him as a champion in service for his willingness and dedication to Christ and his Church, and for his faithful, honest and true witness for his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Deacon Brown is also a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Rev. Audrey Ann Brown

Amity Baptist Church, Jamaica
The Rev. Jeffery S. Thompson, Pastor

Reverend Audrey Brown has been a faithful member of Amity Baptist Church, Jamaica, since 1944. Because of her love and dedication to our Lord and Savior, she has served in many capacities. In her youth, she served as an Usher. Growing in grace, she served as a Sunday school teacher; developing in age, she then became the Assistant and, then, Superintendent of the Church Sunday School, for about forty years in all. Continuing in faithful service Audrey, dedicated, and volunteered, her summers to the task of Director of the Vacation Bible School/Day Camp, for approximately ten years. With a great devotion and love for Christ, her Church, and the ongoing Christian service, she also served our Church as a Deaconess and responded to the call to the Gospel Ministry with a deliberate, “Yes Lord.” She was ordained in December 2006. A volunteer in Nursing Homes, Rev. Audrey Brown, has received one Unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at NYU Medical Center and a Master of Divinity Degr ee from NYTS. Audrey, “The Aunt,” has also been blessed to raise her niece Aneesha from two years of age to Love, Worship and Serve God and humanity.

Anisoara Constantinescu

Sts. Peter & Paul Romanian Orthodox Church, Astoria
The Rev. Dr. Theodor Damian, Pastor

Since 2007 Anisoara Constantinescu has been an active member of Sts. Peter and Paul Romanian Orthodox Church. She has 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 and from Romania received significant help. Every Sunday she helps to organize meals at the socialization time after the liturgy and festive dinners at the many cultural events and celebrations in our Church. She is de facto president of the Ladies Committee of the Church. All this is done by her on a voluntary basis. Her dedication and generosity, her effort and love for service are exemplary and acknowledged in the congregation.

Thelma Cooley

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

Thelma Cooley has been a faithful, exemplary member of Allen A. M. E, Church since 1960, and has served the Church in many capacities throughout those years. We always know that any project or program with which she is involved will be tasteful, well executed, and successful. She is probably most well known for the fabulous Cotillions that she spearheaded in order to raise funds for the Church. Mrs. Cooley is also a longstanding member of the Nora. F. Taylor Women’s Missionary Society, where she willingly gives of herself in service to others. We thank God for Mrs. Cooley’s hard work and for her commitment to the building of God’s kingdom – To God be the Glory!

Minnie Crowder

Leverich Memorial Church of Corona, East Elmhurst
The Rev. Peter Herron, Pastor

Minnie Crowder has been a faithful member at Leverich Memorial Church since 1965. She is presently a Trustee but has served in many capacities over the years. These include Deaconess, Church Clerk, Bible study leader, Inspirational Choir member, and treasurer of the Women’s Fellowship at the church. She is also very involved in the East Elmhurst community. She is a member of the Civic Association and the NAACP. She is involved in the activities of the Florence E. Smith Senior Citizens Center and the Elmcor Senior Citizen Center. She sings with “The Coraleer’s” Senior group, loves to bowl and travel. Minnie is a lady of action. She gets things done. Everyone enjoys her delicious bread pudding. Minnie loves the Lord, her family – and helping those in need.

Mother Bobbie Curry

Freewheel Baptist Church, Jamaica
The Rev. Ronald Simpkins, Pastor

Mother Bobbie Curry was born in Anniston, Alabama. She moved to New York many years ago. She is a mother of six children, grandmother and great-grandmother. Mother Curry is a faithful child of God. Mother Curry is dedicated and committed to serving her family and Freewheel Baptist Church of Jamaica, New York. She is an active and reliable member of Freewheel Baptist Church, where she serves in the following auxiliaries: Gospel Chorus, Sunday School, Missionary Board, Pastor’s Wife Ministry and was recently appointed Mother of the Church. She loves to sing and bake cakes. Mother Bobbie Curry loves to serve God in Spirit and in truth. We pause to salute one of God’s finest servant: Mother Bobbie Curry.

Douglas Falconer

Hollis Avenue Congregational Church, Queens Village
The Rev. Jerry Greene, Pastor

Douglas Falconer has been a member of Hollis Avenue Congregational Church UCC since 1982. He is presently the Chairman of the Trustee Board, President of the Men’s Fellowship, Director of the Senior Buddy System and Coordinator of the Church’s Food Pantry Program. Every Sunday morning before church service begins, Mr. Falconer makes a trip into Long Island to pick up bread for distribution to those in need. Douglas is also very active with other organizations that impact the church and the community, such as the Wyanda Civic Association where he serves on the Executive Board. Mr. Falconer has been a very instrumental part of the ministry since I have become the pastor at Hollis. We applaud his dedication and commitment to serve faithfully.

Joanne Harmon-Joyner

People’s United Methodist Church, Astoria
The Rev. Dillon Burgin, Pastor

Sister Joanne Hermon-Joyner has been a faithful member of Peoples United Methodist Church since the 1980s. She is a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She serves as the current chair of the Pastor’s Aid Committee (SPPR Committee) of Peoples. Sister Joanne is a visible presence of Peoples Church in the community where she serves tirelessly as a volunteer care-giver to members who are less abled. She also takes care of and runs errands for other elderly members of the community. She loves to sing – she faithfully attends choir rehearsals and Bible Study. The children and young people of our church and community love and respect her. She is well deserving of the Citation.

Daniel Humphrey

First Presbyterian Church of Springfield Gardens
Ms. Myra Hutchins, Clerk of Session

Daniel Humphrey was baptized as an infant at The First Presbyterian Church of Springfield Gardens. He has been truly faithful to the Lord, Jesus Christ ever since. He attended Sunday School, joined the young children’s choir, “The Peacemakers” as a young boy, graduated to the young adult choir, “The Angels of God” at age 13,and now sings with the “Men’s Choir.” He has served as an usher since his pre-teen years and faithfully continues to do so as a young adult. He participates during worship service, on the lectern assisting the pastor and the presiding elder on Youth Sundays. He takes an active role in the Church programs, volunteers in our Food Pantry and when he is asked to do anything, by anyone in the congregation, Daniel never hesitates to say “yes” and lends a hand whenever and wherever it is needed. Daniel is a true example of a Christian Youth, and we are proud to select him as our candidate for the Faithful Servant Citation.

Nicole C. Lorde-Matthews

Full Gospel Mission, Church of God in Christ, Jamaica
The Rev. Jerome Norman, Pastor

Nicole C. Lorde-Matthews has never been ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Being raised in a God fearing home she became the saved woman of God she is today. From an early age she has always been involved in some type of ministry within the church. Her initial walk with the Lord began at Calvary Baptist Church in Roosevelt, NY, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. James L. Keel, Sr. where she served as a devotional leader, youth choir member and president for a number of years. Nicole was a devoted member of Calvary until 2001 when the Lord saw fit for her to join Full Gospel Mission C.O.G.I.C., under the leadership of Rev. Jerome Norman. Under this leadership she serves in any way the Lord directs. On Sundays she ushers in the spirit of the Lord as a Praise and Worship leader. Nicole also sings and is a co-director of the Full Gospel Mission C.O.G.I.C. church choir. Because of her loving smile and her servant’s heart Nicole serves as a greeter for visitors of the church and also does the church’s morning announcements. Whatever is asked by her pastor, Nicole is quick to respond. Nicole is married to Deacon Derrick Matthews and together they have 4 daughters. As she was raised by her parents, Minister Gilbert Lorde and Deaconess Gail Lorde, they believe that their children should be raised according to Matthew 6:33, wherein it states “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Receiving this auspicious accommodation is a humbling experience. She does not want attention called to her servitude; all she wants is to make sure that another person experiences the love of God. So Nicole never wants to be known as “just a woman” but instead as a “just woman.” It is simply the woman whose heart is turned wholly toward God, the one who knows her own righteousness does not count. The Bible says the just shall live by faith... It’s the key ingredient that makes all the difference in your life and mine. May we all diligently seek to acquire and exhibit the attributes of godliness and live in His righteousness alone! “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16

Debra McCall

Bethel Emanuel Temple Church of God in Christ, Jamaica
The Rev. Curtis B. Sexton, Pastor

Missionary Debra McCall is the Director of Bethel Emanuel Temple COGIC Social Outreach Programs; that includes “A Touch of His Garment Ministry” and the S.A.V.E.D. program (Substance Abuse Victorious Everlasting and Delivered). She is President of the Women’s Usher Board and is a volunteer board member of Bethel Mission Station Church, Inc./Bethel Emanuel Temple, Inc. Over her more than twelve years of faithful church service Missionary Debra McCall has served in various capacities in the church; Scholarship Committee, Pastor’s Aide Committee, Hospitality Department and Special Projects Fundraising Committee. Her concern and compassion for others is evident in how she interacts with individuals, always taking the time to listen and give her objective opinion. She is willing to give a helping hand to encourage other ministries to continue pressing forward to meet their goals. Missionary McCall was recently presented with a grandson, Xavier Emanuel, by her daughter and son-in-law Camille and Joseph Griffin. She is a graduate of Columbia University School of Social Work and a licensed certified social worker. She has counseling experience in domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and clinical depressive disorders. Ms. McCall is employed with Leake & Watts Services, Inc. where she is the Director of Foster Care Programs. She has presented at National and Regional conferences and has over 20 years of child welfare experience.

Deacon Cynthia Pinder

Lemuel Haynes Congregational Church, Jamaica
Mrs. Bettye Kaufman, Clerk of Session

Deacon Cynthia Pinder has been a member of Lemuel Haynes Congregational Church since 1975. She has served in many capacities. Two of her major accomplishments have been coordinating and managing the Church’s Feeding Ministry and serving as Chairperson of the Board of Deacons. During the past two years Lemuel Haynes did not have a Pastor: Deacon Pinder was the catalyst that held the congregation together, by engaging two preachers to serve as regular pulpit supplies. She also organized the Lenten Services and all of the other regular Spiritual Activities of the Church. Her service and contributions held the Congregation together in the absence of a Pastor.

Minister Patrick G. Powell

Bethel Baptist Church, Saint Albans
The Rev. E. Regina Hoist, Pastor

Patrick George Powell was born in the Paris of Manchester, Mandeville, Jamaica West Indies. After graduating from Beaumont College, Deacon Powell worked as Assistant Manager for the distribution of foods for the Ministry of Education of Jamaica West Indies. From there he worked as a stock clerk for Mean Jamaica Bauxite Company and as an insurance salesman for Life of Jamaica Insurance Company. Patrick married Janet Winsom Gobern, his high school sweetheart, on August 18, 1979. From this union two wonderful children were born; Pete-Ricardo Orlando and Petrian Orreathia, Deacon Powell is proud to say he is the grandfather of three grandchildren Jayden, Jahnae and recently born Sydney Lee. Deacon Powell started out his Christian walk at the Mandeville Anglican Parish Church, in Manchester, Jamaica West Indies under the leadership of the Late Rev. Canon Walter O’Meally. Migrating to the United States of America in 1985, he was eventually led, upon invitation, to Bethel Baptist Church. Patrick was baptized by the Late Rev. Alwyn Dennis on May 12, 1988. Continuing to follow God’s call, Deacon Powell was set aside and ordained as a Deacon at Bethel Baptist Church by the Late Rev. Miriam E. Dennis on September 15, 2002. Deacon Powell’s Christian education includes active participation as a student and teacher of Sunday Church School, attendance at Christian conferences and seminars, and currently he is studying ministry in the ministerial training class under the strong biblically based teachings of the Rev. Ralph H. Hoist, III, and Rev. E. R Hoist, Pastor and Co-Pastor. Deacon Powell enjoys studying God’s Word and looks forward to continuing his theological education. Deacon Powell currently serves the Bethel Baptist Church Amity as a Minister-in-Training, Chairman of the Diaconate Ministry and Trustee. His ministry of service has included Trustee Chairman, Director for the Men’s Brother Hood, member of the Usher board and Hospitality Committee, Buildings and Grounds Manager, and Driver of the church van under the Transportation Ministry. Deacon Powell’s life scripture is “Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusted in thee” Isaiah 26:3.

Cheryal Spooney

New Hope Lutheran Church, Jamaica
The Rev. Dr. Lee H. Wesley, Interim Pastor

Cheryal Spooney began her membership at New Hope Lutheran Church in Jamaica, NY, in 1973 along with her mother, Mrs Elizabeth Spooney and her daughter, Romona Spooney. They all became active members in the life of the congregation. Cheryal has become especially active in the last ten years during which she has immersed herself in a number of ministries. In accepting her call to service she models a sense of commitment grounded in God’s admonition to love Him and our neighbors as ourselves. She has tremendous gifts that she willingly shares to uplift the Gospel at New Hope and beyond. Cheryal’s faithful service to God and New Hope is one of the many reasons she was selected as New Hope’s 2009 recipient of the Queens Federation of Churches Citation for Faithful Service Award. Cheryal’s Participation at New Hope includes, but is not limited to: Altar Guild (currently serving as Chair), Social Ministry, Women’s Choir, To God Be The Glory (Community Choir, currently serving as secretary), Music & Worship, Gospel Aerobics, and New Hope Quilter (currently serving as secretary).

Minister Ava Marie Springer

Saint Albans Baptist Church
The Rev. Curtis T. Harding Jr., Pastor

Minister Ava Marie Springer has been a member of the St. Albans Baptist Church since 1989. She is a member of the Sunday School and the Missionary Outreach Ministry. She spearheads the Angel Tree program which helps youngsters of the incarcerated receive gifts during the Christmas holidays. Minister Springer was ordained as a deaconess in 1994 and was later called to the ministry to evangelize in the year 2000. After her trial sermon, minister Springer received her license to preach in 2001. Minister Springer instituted the Prison Ministry in our church where she and other parishioners visit and minister to the prisoners on a monthly basis. Minister Springer also ministers at Nursing Homes bi-monthly and visits and ministers to the sick and shut ins of our church. She also coordinates an evangelism workshop on an annual basis where she invites qualified ministers to come and teach on evangelism. Minister Springer supports Pastor and his family and she is always ready to lend a helping hand.

Sheela Yisu-Das

St. James-St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, South Ozone Park
The Rev. Micah Stumme, Pastor

Every church needs one of those people – one of those people who on their own goes and greets guests when they first come to church, . . . one of those people who naturally calls and checks-in with people whom they haven’t seen for several Sundays, . . . one of those people who are willing to lend a hand in anything the church needs. For St. James-St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Sheela Yisu-Das is that kind of person. Sheela is a member and President of the Church Council, is a teacher and Superintendent of the Sunday School, Coordinator of special events (Church Picnic, Harvest Festival, Old Year’s Night), Board member of the synod’s “Ministry Among Guyanese” Committee, and a Worship Assistant. Over and above all the “official” duties she has performed over the years for our congregation, Sheela has been instrumental in strengthening the ties that connect us as a community and in helping us continue to reach out and grow as a congregation by the many little “unofficial” things she does, and we are blessed because of her.

 


 
Queens Federation of Churcheshttp://www.QueensChurches.org/Last Updated October 28, 2009