Sister Virgie Blake has been a faithful dedicated member of Lemuel Haynes Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, since 1959. Prior to her retirement Sis. Blake worked in the private sector as a Secretary in the Export Field dealing with finances. During her tenure at Lemuel Haynes she has served in many capacities: She has worked diligently with the Sunday school as a Teacher, with the Youth Fellowship and the Board of Christian Education. She is still a very active member of the Women’s Fellowship. In addition to her services to these Ministries, the members of Lemuel Haynes are most grateful for the services she has provided as Church Treasurer. Sis. Blake has served faithfully in this position intermittently since 1964. Many have tried to do the job and failed. We always have to fall back on Sister Virgie to keep the finances straight and the funds in order. She is a “walking banker” with a “tight fist” – “if you want to be paid you must have the receipts.” Sister Virgie is the resource person to go to in order to find out any details regarding where we stand with the finances of the Church. Her memory is unfailing. In addition to the Treasurer’s duties her tithes are always on time. Sister Blake is an asset to the LHCCUCC; we do not want her to ever think about retiring. Sister Virgie Blake is most worthy of this year’s Citation for Faithful Service. We are blessed to have Sister Virgie Blake in the service of God and in our church.

Elena Burchea has been a member of our Church for over ten years. She was always close to the Church and involved in its diverse and multiple activities. However, since she was elected member in the church’s governing committee she has been contributing in significant ways to the development of our liturgical, spiritual, pastoral, administrative and cultural work. She is a member of the Ladies Committee since 2007 and served as its President this past year. Her dedication to the cause of our church is exemplary. She is in our community a model of faithfulness, dedication and responsibility. We are happy and blessed to have her in our congregation.

Branden Cohen began his Christian journey at an early age, attending Christian school through 5th grade and attending Sunday School on a weekly basis at New Hope Lutheran Church. Thanks largely in part to a supportive family and his Grandmother, Mrs. Bernice Cohen, a Sunday School teacher and prior recipient of this award, Branden can always be counted on to help with any events held at New Hope. He has active ties in the community. He has played AAU football and most recently basketball for the past 5 years. He will be entering the 9th grade at Bayside High School in September 2011 and hopes to play both sports for his school. Branden served as an acolyte, a member of the Usher Team, a Capital Campaign Volunteer, Men’s Ministry Volunteer, and participated in the Domestic Violence Walk. He is also a member of the Young Adult Choir (and plays Cunga Drums for the Choirs), the Confirmation Class and the Youth Group.

John and Jacqueline Herde have been members of Hollis Woods Community Church for over thirty years. They investigated the worship service soon after enrolling their daughter in the church’s nursery school, and when an elderly neighbor needed transportation to church. They were happy to learn that the style of worship accommodated both of their very different religious backgrounds and they found a neighborhood church where they could worship together comfortably. Soon after joining the church they became active in many areas. John served many years as the church’s financial secretary, and Jacqueline helped with the finances and auditing. They enjoyed the outreach programs and were faithful audience members as well as volunteers and participants. Their annual summer picnic luncheon, which they hosted in their backyard, was an event that the entire congregation looked forward to and enjoyed immensely! We are thankful to God for members like John and Jacqueline and for this opportunity to show our appreciation for all that they have done for God, church and community.

In 1981, LaDonna Johnson joined Hollis Avenue Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. She was instrumental in establishing the Little Angels Choir. She also has a special passion for developing the musical talents in young people. She is the director of both the Little Angels Choir and the Agape Praise Dance ministry. Her children’s liturgical dance performances are truly a blessing to witness. She has also used her talent to create some of the beautiful liturgical banners that are displayed within the church. In the past she has served on the Trustee Board, New Beginnings Choir and was the recipient of the Hollis Avenue Congregational Church Woman of the Year Award. We are so blessed to have her at Hollis and we hope that she continues to stir up the gifts that God has given her.

Olga Nicholson was born in Jamaica West Indies on August 24, 1946 to the late Jacob and Percia Hay. From an early age, she knew what she wanted to achieve. Graduating at the top of her class through out her schooling, she received a degree from London School of Business in Bookkeeping/Pitman Shorthand in 1964. She migrated to the United States in 1970 on a student visa to attend Monroe Business College, where she graduated in 1974 with a degree in accounting. As a child she was brought up in the Methodist Church. After not going to Church for several years in her adult life it seemed something was missing and she decided she needed to find a church home to make her life more complete, follow Christ, walk in his footsteps, listen to the word of God and learn to apply it in her life. In 1987, she joined First Presbyterian Church of Springfield Gardens. As an active and devoted member she was elected to serve on various committees such as Deacon Board, Christian Education Department, Personnel committee (chair), Nominating committee, Counting committee, CGFI committee, Board of Trustees (chair), Presbytery Women’s Choir, Session, Usher Board, PNC committee, Budget committee and volunteers on Tuesday and Wednesday in the food pantry. Olga Nicholson loves the Lord, her family and her Church members. It gives her great pleasure and joy to do God’s work. To quote Olga “It is a joy when we know we have done a job and that we have done it well. When we say or do the right thing, it makes us feel good. That is why God wants us to always do what is right. When we live a life of righteousness, then that good feeling never leaves us. We experience not only the joy of a job well done, but we provide a good example for other people to see. We can feel great peace knowing that we are doing what God hopes we will do. His favor is worth more than all the riches of the earth.”

Since 1990, Elder Dora Sawh has given inspirational and dedicated service to our Lord and congregation. As a Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, she motivates many of our children to develop a relationship with Christ and to become faithful members of our family of believers. She has also recruited, trained and developed many leaders among our Sunday School volunteers. In our LOGOS Family Ministry, she is our Discipleship coordinator. First Church is a spiritual home for Dora and her family. She treats the church as a home, volunteering to plant, sew, cook, clean and any other task to enhance the church’s life. She models Jesus and the apostles by leading by example and serves with excellence.

Jaleel Bryce Scott, known affectionately by the community and his friends as J.B. Scott, was the second child of Deacon English Scott and Reverend Georgette Fultz Scott of East Elmhurst, NY, on May 25, 1996. J.B. was a very inquisitive child. He was anxious to know more about Jesus at an early age of five years old. The love of art and electronics still inspire him today. He attends the School of Art and Design in NY, in the 10th grade. His art work has been displayed at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza and the Vanderbilt YMCA. He has won the World Series twice in the Junior League of Baseball, many basketball championships in the CYO and the Boys and Girls Clubs, and First Place in bowling and chess tournaments. He has won numerous awards and earned badges from his troop in the Boy Scouts. He has served on the choir and the RLT ensemble and the usher board. He is one of the greatest Church workers and volunteers that we have at Galilee Baptist Church of Christ. He is a volunteer in whatever ministries he lends a hand – as janitor keeping the church grounds and the inside of God’s house clean, preparing the house of worship on Sunday mornings for the congregation, outreach in the community with the meals on wheels program, and the Interreligious Conference. He has been recognized with the Pope John Paul Leadership Award, the Sunday School of Faithful Service Award, and attendance award. There are many awards and works that he has achieved in the Church and community. We at Galilee Baptist Church applaud Jaleel B. Scott. Your wonderful work and your tireless and selfless dedication is an example for all to follow.

Rev. Joseph Truss, born in Columbus, Ohio, now serves as associate minister of the New Covenant Church of Christ (Baptist) in Queens Village. He is retired after 32 years with the U.S. Postal Service. He grew up in a family where most members became born-again believers. At the age of 11 years old, he was singing in the Junior Choir at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio, when he felt the call to repent and was baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. God has crafted each of his own individually for his Glory and purpose. Within an individual’s background and giftedness, God displays his truth, guiding and instilling our service for him. Growing up in Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn, the Lord prepared him to be a witness to those around him. He received the call to minister especially to those who are downtrodden, to equip the saints for the work of his kingdom, and to equip future leaders of the Body of Christ. He studied at the Mason Kelly Washington Religious Training Institute and holds Certificates in hospital and prison chaplaincy and pastoral care. He is married 47 years to Deacon Barbara Ann Truss.

Christopher G. Wolf attended the church Nursery School as a child, was confirmed and served as a church Acolyte for many years. He was active in Youth Group, Outreach, numerous theater programs, community events, band nights, buildings and grounds, and served as the church’s sexton for several years. Chris has been a mainstay for The Colonial Players which is the church’s major outreach venue. He is the ultimate technical director and continues to set up and trouble shoot sound systems and lighting for a multitude of venues. Chris assisted with our 2011 VBS program this summer and is wonderful with children. Second only to her Husband Bill, Son Christopher has always ‘been there’ to help out the Pastor whenever and wherever needed. We are thankful to God for members like Christopher and for this opportunity to show our appreciation for all that he has done for God, church, family and community.