Pastor’s Report 2009

 Once again we can say that we are blessed in that the Lord has allowed us to see the dawning of a new year (2009). We have had our high moments and our low moments but through our faith and our love, we have managed to support each other through all circumstances. As with each year, we lose members to other homes (some earthly and some heavenly).

 We thank God that we have no debt or outstanding loans, but it is my prayer that this year we will embark on a journey to begin looking at ways to bring in funds to proceed with the installation of an elevator. We must prepare God’s house for accessibility to worship for all. Membership has not increased and we still are struggling to activate our youth and young adults.

 I made an error in math last year because I reported that I had been at Genesee for eleven years. Well, I will allow you to do the math. The pulpit committee called me to be the senior of this wonderful church on January 6, 1996. Therefore, January 6, 2009 makes thirteen years.

Two of our love ones went to their heavenly homes. We lost John Underwood(in January) and Donald White (in February).

In February, we were honored to have as our black history speaker Carolyne Blount, editor, of The About Time magazine. She blessed us with an excellent display of the history of their business. We were enlightened by the invaluable history that she shared with us.

There were two graduating seniors this year Akeem Gomes and Jasmine Anderson. They were the speakers for our annual Children’s Day program. They both headed off to college.

Six children were dedicated this year. Nya McElroye,J. Louis Owens-Hernandez, Julio Aida Owens-Hernandez, Matthew Eli Owens-Austin and Janiyah Burke (dedicated by Rev. Lois Golbourne). I was also blessed to dedicate my grandchild, Sidney Marie Glenn in Anniston, Alabama.

In May we were blessed to have as our Mother’s Day speaker, the Rev. Yvonne Singleton, who lifted our souls as she started off with the song: The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow.

In July we celebrataed our annual Caribbean Sunday. Many thanks to Linford and Deloris Hamilton who always work diligently to organize the service.

The Summer Arts Program: Creating a Healthy Me was a joint program this year with the Baptist Temple. Rev. Arlan Vernava and members of his congregation were very instrumental with organization and may exciting crafts. The children had the opportunity to make journals, scrapbooks, beading and knitting. Mrs. Brenda Nitsch served as the administrator and often led the children in gentle movement and yoga exercises. We look forward to one more Summer Arts Outreach program.

In August we hosted the ordination of the Rev. Paula Alexander. She was supported by her husband, Harolton Alexander and a host of family and friends from around the states. In September we were blessed to have Mrs. Nellie Evans as our Women’s Day speaker. She was embraced by a host of friends and especially the Red Hatters who graced the congregation with their red hats. And in October, our own Mr. Arthur Johnson was our AB Men’s speaker. We are so thankful that they agreed to accept that invitation to share with us what God placed on their hearts. We were indeed blessed by their messages. Also in October, our 137^th Anniversary preacher was the Rev. Allen Potts of Newark, New Jersey. He preached until we were standing to our feet and the cadence from the organ by Ms. Brooks.

In December the Board of Christian Education presented a Christmas play entitled: The Twelve Angels of Christmas. The play was written by our own Atty. Carol Elizabeth Owens. We are blessed to have one with such great talent in our church family.

I continue to thank Gloria Brooks for her professional and superb presentation of music. We thank Elizabeth Eng who always go far and beyond the call of duty in her continued and dedicated administrative support. I want to thank Bernadette Snow for an excellent job and her excellent leadership as chairperson of the Deacons. I continue to thank Gayle Conklin and Linford Hamilton for their leadership of the Board of Christian Education and Trustees, respectively.

 My vision for the year is to increase our membership, aggressively establish programs for our youth and young adults, and plan for the groundbreaking of a new elevator.

 May God bestow upon you these blessings for a successful and prosperous new year.

Respectfully submitted,   

Rev. Dr. Vera E. Miller, pastor