Citation for Faithful Service
2017 Honorees — Biographical Sketches

Presented October 28, 2017, at the
Shin Kwang Church of New York, Bayside

 

Charlotte Clark

Temple of New Beginnings Christian Center, Hollis
The Rev. Adrian Hines, Sr., Pastor

Charlotte Clark has been a member of Temple of New Beginnings since 2010. She is a trusted Christian serving as Trustee and Deaconess. She is loyal in service to Senior Pastor Rev. Brenda Stallings and to Associate Interim Pastor Adrian Hines, Sr. She is considerate, kind and always taking time to share. She is dependable and faithful.

Kenneth C. Gilkes

First Presbyterian Church of Springfield Gardens
Elder Marcia Henry-Raymond, Clerk of Session

Shortly after moving to Springfield Gardens, Queens, from Harlem with his family they became members of the church in 1957. Elder Kenneth A. Gilkes was confirmed in 1963 and has been working on various committees of the church for many decades. He was ordained a Deacon in 1971 and an Elder in 1977. His service includes: President of the Chancel Choir, a Praise and Worship leader, member of the Spiritual Life/Worship and Evangelism Committee, Treasurer of the Presbyterian men, Pastoral Nominating Committee member, counting team member, prior Session member, prior Trustee, and assists other committees and programs of the church. He initiated and chaired the “The Community Outreach Day’ in August 2005; the “Career Day Program” in September 2006;” and two “Health Fair Programs” held In April 2011 and April 2013 under the theme “Health is a Terrible Thing to Waste.” He has received many awards and recognitions, including “Man of the Year Award” From the Presbyterian Men in 1988, “Recognition of Loyal Service Award” from the Presbyterian Women in 2001, “Recognition and Appreciation Award” from the NYC Chapter of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus in 2006, and in May 2008 the “Excellence in Service Award” from the NYC Council of Presbyterian Men as well as “The Church Man of the Year Award” from the National Council of Presbyterian Men. Elder Gilkes thanks God for his loving and supportive family and friends – his sons Kenneth and his wife Nonika, Lowell and his wife Kristen, and Craig; his devoted sister Denise Pettiford; his nieces Veronica and Louise; his grandchildren, Raihana, Rumaysah, Saflyyah, Ismail, Daniel, Victoria, and Sariha; his cousins, Vernice Desport, Carlton Wallcott, Rheola Mickens and Gillespie DeMund; his loving partner, Edrina Dennis; his other dear relatives and friends; and his church family. May God continue to Bless and keep them. One of his favorite scriptures is Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work with it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man”

Deaconess Cynthia Heavlow

First Faith Baptist Church, Cambria Heights
The Rev. Esther Wiggins, Pastor

“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name.” – Hebrews 6:10 Deaconess Cynthia Heavlow is a member of First Faith Baptist Church where she began in ministry in 2005 under the leadership of the Rev. Eric Magwood. Through the years she continued to develop and mature in the faith, exhibiting such a great love for the ministry. The current pastor, the Rev. Esther Wiggins, has also seen her love for the ministry as she strives to encourage others to do the same. Deaconess Heavlow is Superintendent of the Sunday school, Assists the Trustees and joins in on activities of the church. She is the mother of two dynamic sons, a wonderful daughter, sister, and aunt. She is the caretaker of her Mom and Mother-in-law, and the proud grandmother of two. The Church joins in celebrating a well-deserved servant of the Lord.

Melody Jean Lambus

New Jerusalem Worship Center, Jamaica
Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice, Pastor

Melody Jean Lambus has served the New Jerusalem Worship Center (fka New Jerusalem Baptist Church) since its inception in 1988. She is a devoted servant with a sincere heart; especially for children and youth. She has served as the Coordinator of the Junior Usher Ministry, a leader with the Youth Team Ministry and currently as a leader with the Children’s Ministry. Most recently, “Auntie Mel,” as she is affectionately known, volunteers her crafting and sewing skills in support of the FaithWorks Theatre Ministry; creating props and backdrops for the church’s annual stage productions.

Lydia Lindesay

New Hope Lutheran Church, Jamaica
The Rev. Marianne K. Tomecek, Pastor

Lydia Lindesay has been a faithful and dedicated member of New Hope Lutheran Church since its creation 44 years ago, by the merger of three then existing Lutheran churches in Jamaica. In fact, she became a member of Incarnation Lutheran Church, one of those predecessor churches, in 1969. Her family grew and grew up in the community, and they now are three generations strong. Mrs. Lindesay usually is the first of the Ushers and Greeters present on Sunday morning at the main door of New Hope to welcome worshipers, whether or not her “team” is scheduled to serve on any given Lord’s day. She maintains regular contact with other long-time members, both by telephone and through home visits to them, especially those who have ceased to be able to attend frequently due to physical limitations. Mrs. Lindesay is a regular member of the devoted group of women who provide home-cooked dishes for repasts, luncheons of the Young at Heart group, and church dinners – as well as taking her place behind the serving table, providing healthy portions of the delicious meals that members and friends relish, before she sits down to enjoy her own meal. The Healthy Congregation Ministry is one of New Hope’s newest, providing monthly preparation of healthy collations after worship, arranging for speakers on topics of interest about physical and mental health and presenting an annual health fair for the congregation and our neighbors. Finally, during the past 2-1/2 to 3 years, Mrs. Lindesay has served on New Hope’s Call Committee, which is leading the congregation in determining the pastor who God is leading them to call to serve in a settled ministry of Word and Sacrament.

Elena Mitru

Sts. Peter & Paul Romanian Orthodox Church, Astoria
Very Rev. Theodor Damian Ph.D., Pastor

Elena Mitru has been a distinguished member of our parish since 2015. As soon as she joined, she was always close to the Church and constantly and effectively involved in its diverse and multiple activities, In these three years she has been contributing in significant ways to the development of the spiritual, pastoral, administrative and cultural work – in particular as she is an artist and writer who presented, on several occasions, her art and books at the Church and at the Literary Society “M. Eminescu,” sponsored by the Church. She contributed significantly to the activities of our Sunday School. Her dedication to the cause of the parish is exemplary. She is a model of faithfulness, dedication and responsibility. The Church is happy and blessed to have her in the congregation.

Maurice Morrison

Grace Moravian Church, Springfield Gardens
The Rev. Earl St. C. Goulbourne, Pastor

Bro. Maurice Morrison has been a member of Grace Moravian Church for over three decades. He is an active member who has served on several church committees, including the Christian Education Committee, Evangelism & Outreach Ministry, Anniversary Committee and Youth Leaders’ Committee. He has served as an Elder of the Congregation and as the Vice Chair of the Elders’ Board. Bro. Morrison currently serves as the Congregation Secretary, a position he has held for several years. He uses his beautiful voice to praise God in all circumstances of his life. As a longstanding and dedicated member of the Chancel Choir, he serves as the Librarian of the Choir Committee. His love for young people is demonstrated in his role as a Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Director and his role of transporting our young people to various youth activities such as Youth Rally or the Grace Steele Ensemble. An ardent preacher, Bro. Morrison’s well prepared and passionately delivered sermons has earned him the affectionate title of “Little Bishop.” Did we mention that he has been a driver for the Church Van Ministry for years? Bro. Morrison’s service to Christ extends beyond the walls of the Grace congregation. He has represented the congregation at District Conferences and both District and Provincial Synods. He also serves on the New York Metro Moravian Youth Council from its inception. He has a passion for men’s ministry and is an advocate for extending and strengthening the men’s ministry with the New York Metro area of Moravian Churches. A servant of God, whose greatest challenge is not saying “no” to whatever ministry or task he is called to do. A man of many talents and gifts, yet very humble and sincere and a role model to our youth especially young men. He is loved by all and commands the respect of his fellow brothers and sisters within and beyond the Grace Moravian Congregation. A faithful, dedicated and true disciple of Christ who continues to serve in great humility but with immense joy of serving His Lord and with fellow workers in God’s vineyard.

Mother Jennie Outcalt

Latter Rain Christian Fellowship, Jamaica
The Rev. Brenda Huger-Hazel DMin, Pastor

As a member of Latter Rain, Mother Jennie Outcalt has and continues to serve, in her own words, “wherever I’m needed and whatever I can do to help.” To this end, she has served on the original Usher Board, as Pastor’s Aide, Count Room personnel, Deacon, Prayer in the Sanctuary Co-coordinator, and presently, as a Mother of the Church. Add to this, a faithful and integral participant of the Latter Rain “A Right Mind Ministry” monthly outreach, bringing times of refreshing to residents and staff of Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, Queens Village, over a period of twenty years. Mother Jennie, at the age of 72, also participated on Mission Team Kenya 2007. No longer able to travel overseas, Mother Jennie’s support is felt in donations as well as intercessory prayer. Seeing a need and wanting to meet it, Mother Jennie established an additional ministry of support to the church by collecting recyclable bottles. Through her witness of the love of Christ to others outside of the church, her family, neighbors and people she encounters in various places now regularly donate bags of bottles for redemption, soundly augmenting the church budget and meeting a variety of special event needs through the proceeds. At 82 years young, and even with increasing physical limitations, Mother Jennie continues passionately to serve the Lord. There she is – in church, at Bible Study, in the community, on the phone or sending a text, on good days and not so good, encouraging the distressed, forever bearing Witness to a heavenly Father’s love.

Lay Minister Bernice Reese

First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica
The Rev. Patrick H. O’Connor, Pastor

Lay Minister Bernice Reese is a Community Builder, Comforter and Encourager. Born in Aiken County South Carolina, Bernice met the Lord at Fairfield Baptist Church in New Ellington, South Carolina. She migrated to NYC in 1959 settling first in Brooklyn and then in 1981 moved to downtown Jamaica, Queens. Professionally, Bernice has served the residents of our city as a healthcare worker and nurse retiring in 1999. Bernice began visiting First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica in 2003 after her husband Lewis’ death. She became a member in 2007. At First Church her life and ministry has blossomed. She has served at the Clothing Closet, Soup Kitchen, as PW Hostess, Deacon, Lay Minister, Visitation Ministry, Pastor’s Armor Bearer and Bereavement Ministry. She is a connector who epitomizes welcome to the stranger and all who are members of our church and neighborhood. Bernice has excelled in providing comfort and care on an individualized basis to families who have suffered loss. She holds the distinction of knowing all the funeral homes in Queens and Brooklyn and if there is someone hurting she will show up at your family’s funeral for free and bring a team with her. She has developed a team that provides personalized support for the bereaved and walks with the family wherever they are in their journey of grief. Bernice stands on the shoulders of her family, her husband Lewis (deceased after 43 years of marriage), 5 children – Lewis II, Gynise, Lanette, Robert, Myra (deceased), and Otis – seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Bernice declares “I have a passion and love for serving God and helping a diversity of people is not a job it’s a joy. They are God’s people.” Her mantra is “Let the work that I have done speak for me.” First Presbyterian Church is grateful for the dedicated leadership and service of Lay Minister, Deacon Bernice Reese.

Ronald B. Walker

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, Jamaica
The Rev. Owen E. Williams, Pastor

Deacon Ronald Walker is the oldest son of Pastor John and Fanny Walker. Ronnie attended York and Mercer Colleges, he is a Vietnam Veteran serving in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge for his time spent in Country. Deacon Walker is a founding member of the St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church and original member of the men’s and choir ministries. A loving father, grandfather and faithful son Ronnie tries to spend time with all of his children even though they are in different parts of the United States. Deacon Walker is a member of the trustee committee, men’s choir and a faithful presence at the pastors bible study. He has been walking with God most of his life and his faith and commitment to the church, pastor and his responsibilities is even stronger after all of these years. He lives his life by this scripture in Matthew’s Gospel 11:12 – “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.”

Elder Rosemarie Whaley

Grace Alive Christian Fellowship, Rosedale
The Rev. Pamela L. Ward, Pastor

Rosemarie Lewis Whaley was born to Minnie and George Lewis in Brooklyn, New York. She is the fifth of nine children. Rosemarie is a product of the New York City School System and attended SUNY Buffalo. Elder Whaley serves on the Ministerial Staff of Grace Alive Christian Fellowship, where Reverend Pamela Ward is the Pastor. She was ordained in May of 2014. Elder Whaley serves as the Outreach Director of Redeemed Outreach Ministries and Publications International, a faith based nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the self-worth, quality of life and value of women and girls worldwide. Mrs. Whaley served as a community organizer for Habitat for Humanity, NYC. She was also a member of their Queens Board of Directors. She is a former treasurer of the Queens branch of the NAACP, and represented the branch on the Board of Directors of the Southern Queens Park Association (Roy Wilkins Park). As an Ordained Elder of the Presbyterian Church of New York City and Hempstead, she served on many committees on both the Church Presbytery levels. Her commitment to children and human rights have allowed her to serve as President of the President’s Council of School District 29, as well as various positions on the executive boards of the schools her children attended. She is married to Dennis Whaley. They are the parents of three children and the grandparents of five. They reside in Laurelton, New York. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)

 


 
Queens Federation of Churcheshttp://www.QueensChurches.org/Last Updated October 18, 2019