First Church of God 70th Anniversary Program

The 70th Anniversary Theme Scripture This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:10-11 (NIV)

The 70th Anniversary Celebration Schedule Wednesday, December 10, 2014 @ 7:30 PM Speaker: Minister Chenetta Hagin First Church of God, Jamaica, NY Worship led by The Women’s Ministry

Friday, December 12, 2014 @ 7:30 PM Speaker: Reverend Jimmy O. Terry Westbury Divine Church of God, Westbury, NY Worship led by The Youth Ministry

Thursday, December 11, 2014 @ 7:30 PM Speaker: Minister David Collymore United Community Church of God, Laurelton, NY Worship led by The Men’s Ministry

Saturday, December 13, 2014 @ 5:00 PM Reunion Concert (Featuring the combined choirs & former members)

Sunday, December 14, 2014 11:00 AM Morning Worship Reverend Jason Sylva First Church of God, Jamaica, NY 4:30 PM Evening Worship Pastor Virginia Robinson

To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Hath Done!

PASTORAL GREETINGS. To everyone who, through the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God our Father, and Jesus Christ our Savior, by the Holy Spirit, received a faith so precious, and dares to pass it on, I say like Paul, “Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Seventy years! How good it is to realize that we didn’t just pop up here yesterday! We are part of a story that started long ago… A moving story… A continuing story.

We are not just in a vacuum. Life is a series of dramatic scenes. We live in a story, a narrative that has a shape and a size to it with plots and characters. There are those behind us, and those ahead of us, who assure us that we are standing on firm ground. God knows we all need somebody with whom we can identify. That’s why He orchestrated everything so we can find our identity in Him. You see, ultimately, it is God’s story, God’s story from beginning to end and His story from Genesis to Revelation. And if we are not fitting into God’s story, our story will soon vanish into nothingness.

So it is seventy years ago, somebody brought to this community, the story of a “Man crucified”, a story of one who declared, “If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me.” Thank God for those, who believed; those, who sowed the seeds; and those, who lived out, and are still living out Daniel’s exclamation, “The people who know their God shall be strong and do exploits.”

And the story continues… From generation to generation, it continues!

To the faithful, committed men and women of God, entrusted us with the responsibility of a torch lit seventy years ago, the torch must never go out, or even be dimmed on our watch.

A legacy to guard A faith to live out A vision to fulfill Seventy years: an ending, and a beginning.

We hold on to the same promises: “I know the plans I have for you” God declares, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Reverend Virginia Robinson, Pastor

Our Mission Statement

“Our mission is to bring people into a personal relationship with Christ and incorporate them into the community of believers to be loved, nurtured and developed into Christ-like maturity.”

Church History In the year 1944, Sis. Sarah B. Grant and a few sisters from Freeport relocated in Jamaica, New York. The traveling back and forth to service from Freeport afforded a hardship on them and they became very concerned about having a Church of God here in this borough in which to worship.

Sis. Grant was given a vision from the Lord that a church was needed in this part of His vineyard. Others had tried previously to start a work by having tent meetings, but, to no avail. These individuals were: Bro. Bluitt, Bro. and Sis. Noah Reid, Sr. and Bro. Early Downer.

Sis. Grant and the sisters prayed about this situation and they contacted Sis. Ivory Downer and explained their desire to her. Sis. Downer readily gave her assistance in setting up the church with “cottage meetings” in Sis. Sarah Grant’s home and the Sunday School in Sis. Patsy Bonaparte’s home. “So build we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.” (Nehemiah 4:6). Sis. Downer was the leader of the group at this point. God added saints to the group such as Sis. Irene Henry, Bro. and Sis. Fred Caldwell and Sis. Irene Harris. Sis. Harris was later named Mother of the church.

An adequate facility was needed by this time, so the group moved from Sis. Grant’s home to the Fenetta Hall which was located on Union Hall Street and 108th Avenue. Sis. Lillian Ancrum accepted the Lord as her personal Savior in 1946 under Rev. Ivory Downer. After a few months in Fenetta Hall, the group moved to a little store front on South Road.

The original names of the sisters who spearheaded the “First Church of God”, in Jamaica, New York were: Rev. Ivory Downer, Sis. Irene Henry, Sis. Sarah B. Grant, Sis. Patsy Bonaparte, Sis. Mabel Antonio, Sis. Elizabeth Whaley and Sis. Mabel Burrell. This was the nucleus of the very beginning of the First Church of God, Jamaica.

Others who were instrumental in the growth and development of the church were Sis. Pauline Deas, Sis. Ruth Kitrell Whittaker, Sis. Jessie Judson and Bro. and Sis. Caldwell. Some of the first officers and workers in the early part of the church were: Sis. Sarah B. Grant, Sunday School Superintendent and Treasurer; Sis. Rosamund Garrett Eubanks, Secretary and Pianist; Sis. Patsy Bonaparte, Sunday School Teacher; Sis. Mabel Antonio, one of the first Missionary Presidents; Sis. Elizabeth Whaley, did not desire an office, but was a willing worker; Sis. Irene Henry functioned as associate leader under Mother Downer; Rev. Ivory Downer, our first “leader” who set up cottage meetings and Sunday School classes in the Grant and Bonaparte homes; Sis. Mabel Burrell filled in wherever and did whatever was needed.

Moving from the “house to house” stage to an organized group, the issue arose of having a leader. Some desired Rev. Ivory Downer to become the official Pastor, others had questions. A desire for a man to be a Pastor over this Godly group of women was heartily expressed by Sis. Mabel Antonio. Sis. Antonio suggested that Rev. Otis Wilson, Sr. in Freeport, New York, be asked to come and become Pastor. In time he was installed and First Church of God in Jamaica, New York has its first ordained leader.

Over the past years, First Church of God, Jamaica has had other Pastors which include: Rev. Lloyd B. Jones, Dr. Emery C. Williams, Rev. Roy Lee Conwell, Rev. Ben Gibson and presently Rev. Virginia Robinson.

We trust the Holy Spirit to continue to be our guide as we submit to God’s will and purpose to reach this community and beyond with the good news of Jesus Christ.

“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established.”

Proverbs 15:22 (KJV)

THE PASTORAL STAFF Pictured, from left to right:

Reverend Jason Sylva, Minister Chenetta Hagin and Pastor Virginia Robinson “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?

As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!””

Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)

THE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Consists of Pastoral Staff and Ministry Leaders Pictured, front row, left to right: Judith Lindo, Trustee Chairperson; Reverend Jason Sylva; Silethia Reid-James, Women’s President; Pastor Virginia Robinson; Beverly Sylva, Deacon’s Chairperson; and Sattanya Wilson, Minister of Music Back row, left to right: Chenetta Hagin, Treasurer; Jacqueline Thompson, Sunday School Superintendent; Eric McKay, Men’s President; and Glenn Thompson, Jr.; Youth President

“ The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor,�

I Timothy 5:17a (NIV)

THE DEACON MINISTRY

Pictured, left to right: Carlisle Coppin, Elene Esterine, Eric Mc Kay, Edna Chisholm, and Beverly Sylva The Deacon Ministry was formed in 1944 with Brother & Sister F. Caldwell; Brother & Sister Richard Walker, Sr.; Brother Rouse; and Mother Irene Harris.

The purpose of this ministry is to support the Pastor in various spiritual areas of the church.

Many members have served faithfully including: Brother & Sister Corrie Heard; Sister Edna Harris; Sister Beatrice Davis; Sister Beatrice Lemon; Brother Frank Chisholm; Brother & Sister Charles Terry, Sr.; Sister Delphina Shaw; Brother & Sister Lloyd Jones; Sister Viola Hall; Sister Greene; Sister Landy; Sister Lillian Ancrum; Sister Elizabeth Bettis; Sister Sybil Collymore; Brother Ashley Shaw; and Brother Gilbert Joell. Currently, Sister Beverly Sylva is faithfully leading this ministry.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God ’s grace in its various forms.”

I Peter 4:10 (NIV)

THE TRUSTEE BOARD

Pictured, left to right: Judith Lindo, Silethia Reid-James, Anthony Miller, Chenetta Hagin, Rosemary Terry, and Sylvia Johnson

The Trustee Board was organized in 1944 with Brother Richard Walker, Sr. who served as chairman for twenty years.

The responsibilities of the Trustee Board are to manage and protect the church’s assets and property including stewardship of the financial and business concerns of the church.

Other chairmen who have served include: Brother William Rose, Brother Charles Terry, Sr., Brother Raymond Terry, Sr., Brother Carl Terry, Brother Walter Moore, Brother Gilbert Joel and Reverend Jason Sylva. The current leader serving with distinction is Sister Judith Lindo.

“…God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.”

I Corinthians 12:18 (NAS)

THE MEN’S MINISTRY

The Men’s Ministry was created to provide fellowship to the men who are part of our congregation.

The men of the church have worked faithfully over the years to accomplish many necessary changes and improvements in and around our church building as well as helping other churches with their building projects. One of their most memorable projects included getting our first church van, which was named the Albert S. Morgan, Sr. Bus, dedicated October 1, 1978. The Men’s Ministry has often enjoyed each other’s company with fishing trips, trips to the men’s convention, fellowship with Men’s groups as well as other activities.

Past presidents included: Brother Albert S. Morgan, Sr., Brother Matthew Ashton, Brother James Dowe, Brother Torrance Effinger and Reverend Jason Sylva. The current Men’s Ministry leader is Deacon Eric McKay, Sr.

“Older Women Teach Younger Women” (Titus 2:3-5)

THE CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S CONNECTION (The Women’s Ministry)

The Women’s Ministry began as the Missionary Board in 1945 as the Missionary Circle. The first president was the Pastor’s wife, Sister Viola Wilson.

The purpose of the Missionary Board has been to engage in evangelistic and inspirational activities, missionary education and financial support to missionaries serving in different areas of God’s kingdom. In the late 1970s the Missionary Board was renamed the Women of the Church of God (WCG). In 1987, the missionary was separated from the WCG and now stands as a separate ministry. The WCG most recently has been renamed “Christian Women’s Connection”.

Past presidents also include: Sister Edith Rouse, Sister Beatrice Davis, Sister Mabel Antonio, Sister Alexine Wilson, Sister Aileen Patterson, Minister Lillie Barnett, Sister Margaret Coutryer, Sister Jeanette Campbell, Sister Ola Edwards and Sister Racquel Effinger. The current Women’s Ministry leader is Sister Silithea Reid James, who has lead the women through great fellowship and ministry including, retreats, outreach, trips and more.

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young.

Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”

I Timothy 4:12 (NLT)

TEAM IMPACT & IMPACT JUNIOR (The Youth Ministry)

The Youth Ministry was organized in 1948 with Sister Lillie Moore as the first president. Realizing that the responsibility of this ministry was to train future leaders, the youth department provided teaching, instruction and other fellowship activities for youth ages 13 and up.

Many have served as distinguished leaders including: Sister S. Walker, Brother Calvin Delph, Brother D. Judson, Sister A. Wilson, Brother R. Walker, Jr., Brother J. Davis, and Sister Almina Johnson. Others who served among them were: Brother Raymond Terry, Sister Viola Terry, Sister Mary Moses, Brother Freddie Arnold, Sister Hope Webster and Brother William Thomas. Many former youth fellowship members have grown up and gone on to serve as leaders in the ministry, thus realizing the goal of training leaders.

These included: Brother Andrew Patterson, Sister Liza Effinger, Reverend Jimmy Terry, Sister Bonnie Mondesir, Reverend Jason Sylva, Sister Amanda Holloway, Brother Anthony Miller, Sister Angela Sylva and Sister Christina Celestin. The current Youth Ministry leader is Brother Glenn Thompson, Jr., who is carrying on the mantle.

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.�

Romans 15:4 (NIV)

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL MINISTRY

The Sunday School Ministry began in the home of Sister Bonaparte in 1942, along with help from Sister Antonio Grant, Sister Henry and Mother Downer. The first superintendent was Brother Richard Walker, Sr. Many have faithfully served the church in this role, including: Brother F. Caldwell, Elder Edna Harris, Sister Pauline Smith, Brother Matthew Ashton, Sister Aileen Patterson, Sister Rosie Terry, Sister Roxanne Moses and Sister Jean Marfo. The current superintendent is Sister Jackie Thompson, faithfully continuing to teach children the word of God.

“O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things.”

Psalm 98:1a (NIV)

THE MUSIC MINISTRY The Choir

Pictured, front, left to right: front: Anthony Miller, Sylvia Johnson, Natacia Selman, Eugenia Angel, Glenn Thompson, Jr., Elsye Ashton, Shirley Morgan, Francena Williams, and Heather McKay Back, left to right: Beverly Sylva, Sattanya Wilson, Sue A. Coppin, Silethia Reid-James, Grethel Campbell, and Rosemary Terry

The Praise Team Pictured, left to right: Angie Sylva, Glenn Thompson, Jr., Jason A. Sylva, Christina Celestin, Sattanya Wilson, and Reverend Jason Sylva.

The Musicians Pictured, left to right: Sattanya Wilson, Elsye Ashton, and Jason A. Sylva

The Music Ministry of First Church of God has gone through much iteration over the years. No matter the changes, the ministry has always served to edify and uplift the worship of the church through songs and praise. The Music Ministry has expanded to include: praise teams, liturgical dance, mime ministry and drama. The Choir ministry began with the Senior Choir formed in 1948 with Sister Sylvia Walker as pianist and director alongside Sister Kathryn Rose as the first choir president. The Youth Choir and the Santuary Choir were combined in 1994-1997 and renamed “Chenaniah” under the leadership of Minister Jimmy Terry.

Currently, our longest still serving members are: Sister Elyse Ashton (pianist, organist and past Minister of Music), Sister Eugenia Angel (past president), and Sister Shirley Morgan. Our current Minister of Music is Sister Sattanya Wilson.

Over the years, the Music Ministry has expanded to include the Youth Choir, which was formed in 1952 under Brother Calvin Delph and Sister Sylvia Walker. Many others have served as leaders including: Sister Carol Walker, Sister Evelyn Davis, Sister Elsye Ashton, Sister Cheryl Chisholm, Sister Hope Webster, Sister Vanessa Davis and Sister Angela Sylva.

The Children’s Choir originally founded as the Happy Hour Group was inspired by a suggestion from the late Brother Calvin Delph and organized by Sister Ruth Whittaker in 1959. The group was formed with children from five to twelve years old; the original purpose was to teach the bible and organize fellowship programs for children. The Children’s Choir is currently part of the children’s ministry lead by Sister Racquel Effinger.

“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand.

I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

Psalm 84:10 (KJV)

THE USHER MINISTRY

Pictured, left to right: Sylvia Johnson, Betty Joell, Rose Duncan (President), Judith Lindo and Sue Coppin The Ushers Ministry was founded, in 1946, by Sister Pauline Deas.

The Ushers’ responsibility is to meet, greet and seat those who enter the sanctuary for worship and to help maintain an atmosphere of worship. The Ushers have also trained many junior ushers who have gone on to serve in other areas of ministry. Many have served the church through this dedicated ministry.

Past presidents were: Sister E. Rouse, Sister Pauline Deas, Sister Lillie Moore, Sister Mattie Johnson, Sister Millie Jones, Sister Olivia Ricketts, Brother Charles Terry, Sr., Brother Raymond Terry, Sr., Sister Z. Hazzard, Sister N. Brady, Brother Walter Moore and Sister Estelle Massenberg. The current leader is Sister Rose Duncan who is is faithfully leading the Ushers forward.

“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord ’s people.”

(Ephesians 6:18)

THE PRAYER BAND MINISTRY

The Prayer Band Ministry was organized in April 1960 by Sister Lillian Moore and has continued for many years.

The primary purpose of this ministry is to intercede in prayer for families, for the church, for the community, for our leaders (Spiritual and Governmental) and for our nation. The Prayer Band Ministry’s main desire and prayer is to bring souls to Christ through the power of prayer.

Past presidents were: Sister Vernell Stevens, Sister Millie Jones and Sister Olivia Ricketts.

Eventually the Prayer Band became known as the Tuesday Prayer Band, which meets faithfully every Tuesday at 12:00 noon. Members come from other churches to meet in fellowship and agree in prayer. Sister Esmee White continues to join hands with others as the leader of this important ministry.

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