Winter 2017 CHURCH OFFICE HOURS St. Peter’s...
Transcript of Winter 2017 CHURCH OFFICE HOURS St. Peter’s...
Winter 2017 St. Peter’s Keywww.stpetersrosedale.org
Winter 2017 St. Peter’s Keywww.stpetersrosedale.org
To communicate and promote God’s Word from the life and witness of the parish family of St. Peter’s
St. Peter’s KeyWinter 2017
In This Issue2 ......... Rector's Message
4 ......... Homecoming International Day
5 ......... Building & Property Corner
5 ......... Stewardship Corner
6 ......... Ministry Spotlight - Episcopal Charities
7 ......... Good News
7 ......... Did You Know?
8-9 ...... 110th Anniversary Dinner Dance
10 ....... Parish Choir Concert
10 ....... Youth Convention
11 ....... Barbados' 51st Celebration
12 ....... Calendar
13 ....... The Endowment Fund
14-15 . Photo Gallery
Most healthy adults need seven to eight hours of sleep per night. However, most people sleep less than seven hours. Statistics show that one-third of the population have reported that sleep
deprivation interferes with their work and social life. However, lack of quality sleep will hurt more than your social life. Studies have shown that not getting enough sleep on a regular basis increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and other medical conditions.
Fortunately, there are several ways to help improve the quality of your sleep. Here are a few changes that can help to make the most of your“SHUT EYE”.
Schedule of ServicesSunday
8:00 am - Said Mass (Rite I)10:00 am - Sung Mass (Rite II)
10:00 am - Sunday School (Sept. - June)Wednesday
9:30 am - Morning Prayer10:00 am - The Holy Eucharist
(followed by Bible Study)
CHURCH OFFICE HOURSTuesday & Friday11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Wednesday & Thursday10:00 am - 3:00 pm
office: (718) 528-1356fax: (718) 341-8635
fb@stpetersrosedale
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church137- 28 244th StreetRosedale, New York 11422
Acknowledgements Coordinators/Editors:
Patti Rookwood & Donalee Thomas Photographer: Patti Rookwood
Layout Designer: Dianne Darbouze
continued on page 3
The Importance of SleepBy Hyacinth E. Raphael-Lopez
Eat well for improved energy.
A balanced diet can lead to improved energy during
the day, resulting in healthy sleep cycles. Do not
eat big meals late at night.
Avoid rich spicy foods within two hours of bedtime. Spicy
and acidic foods may cause heartburn especially while lying down in bed.
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Winter 2017 St. Peter’s Keywww.stpetersrosedale.org
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Editors' Note Rector’s Message
The Reverend Steve L. Foster
Photo Gallery
~ Adopt A Family Christmas Wrapping ~
~ Legal Eagles Affinity Health & Domestic Violence ~ ~ YAFC Blessing Bags For The Homeless ~
~ Sunday School Harvest Presentation ~
~ Greeting New Families ~~ Blessing Of The Animals ~
Greetings –
Soon and very Soon we are going to see the King!!!
This is the refrain from Hymn #14 in Lift Every Voice and Sing. For many it speaks of preparation and expectation. On the one hand it is preparation for the Feast of the Incarnation, Christmas as often referred and known by the secular world. On the other, it is our preparation for death and the eternal life.
The Season of fall/winter where the leaves begin to fall, and the earth be-comes hardened, the animals hibernate, the birds migrate, our activities and connections are reduced, and we become locked in our individual homes and agendas. For some, there is the scurrying around for the last-minute items which cannot be ascertained on the internet. Many persons are fo-cused on gift-giving and exchanging gifts but fail to acknowledge or recognize the greatest gift given to humanity in the form of the Incarnate One, Jesus Christ. Moreover, with the upsurge each year of commercialization of Christ-mas to XMAS, where there is constant thrust to push the MAS(S) and forget about Christ, the reason for the season. In the political and public spheres, we have been told our Christmas gift as a nation is the sweeping tax reform. However, I wonder what this will mean for many of us, and our sisters and brothers who are one paycheck away from poverty or economically poor? Is it truly a “gift”?
In the life of the church, Advent is upon us and like I often wonder, how many of us use this season to prayerfully prepare ourselves spiritually to welcome the Christ, the Innocent Babe in the Manger, the Holy Child of Bethlehem? I invite us not only to pause and reflect but to think of ways in which we can incarnate Christ’s presence with our sisters and brothers who will be lonely, marginalized, abused, ostracized and victimized. The secular
Fellow Parishioners,
As St. Peter’s continues to celebrate 110 years in love and service to God, we will share with you highlights and pictures of St. Peter’s Choir Concert, our International Day event, Annual Dinner Dance and Barbados’ 51st Independence celebration. We will talk about the importance of sleep and how St. Peter’s ministries give back to the community especially during the holiday season.
The Advent season reminds us to be alert and to keep awake for the second coming of Christ. Although we give throughout the year, as Christians, Christmas is a time that we truly reflect on the less fortunate including the homeless. 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40.
The members of The Key wish you and your loved ones a
Merry Christmas and a
Blessed and Prosperous New Year!
Winter 2017 St. Peter’s Keywww.stpetersrosedale.org
Winter 2017 St. Peter’s Keywww.stpetersrosedale.org
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Photo Gallery
~ Prayer Breakfast ~
~ Back to School Night ~ ~ Senior Appreciation Day ~
~ Costume Party ~
~ Honoring Veterans ~~ Men's Communion Breakfast ~
world often teaches, we all need gifts and presents. Our church, religion and faith impresses upon us, we need each other’s physical presence on the journey, so that together we can transform this world from what it has become to a reality love, com-passion, care, collegiality and mutual sup-port. Unfortunately, the church can often be lulled into the practices of the secular world and forget what is crucial for our survival as the body of Christ. With the events of the past weeks staring squarely in our faces with haunting memo-ries, I invite you to reflect with me on words from Henry Van Dyke – The Spirit of Christmas.
He writes “Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world – stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death – and that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem nineteen hundred years ago, is the image and bright-ness of the Eternal love? Then you can keep Christmas. And if you keep it for a day, why not always?”
When we think of God’s love for us by taking mortal flesh and dwelling among us, it con-veys that the Prince of Peace – Emmanuel – God is with us regardless of our situations or circumstances. The challenge for us is to radiate this love to others – now and forever.
Hallelujah – Emmanuel is with us. I pray this Christmastide may be illuminated with
grace, peace, love, joy and happiness.
Remember sleep plays a vital role in healthy brain function and emotional wellbeing. “The way you feel while you are awake depends on how you slept the night before.”
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Food or beverages with
caffeine may disturb some people’s sleep, and alcohol intake can interfere with staying asleep.
Avoid drinking fluids
too close to bedtime. Certain medications, for
example, diuretics (water pills) are better if taken during the day. The need to
urinate frequently interferes with sleep. (Please follow instructions for all prescriptions.)
Quit smoking. Nicotine in cigarettes is a stimulant which
can interfere with sleep pattern.
It is recommended that
exercise, vigorous cardio workout is done at least two hours
before bedtime. This is enough time for the body to cool down and the heart
rate to return to normal.
Ensure a quiet comfortable
environment. Avoid extreme temperatures.
Turn off lights, televisions, cell phones and other electronic gadgets.
Winter 2017 St. Peter’s Keywww.stpetersrosedale.org
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Homecoming International Day September 16, 2017 Lighting the Path in our Community
For the first time in 110 years, the community of Rosedale came alive with an International Home-coming event on the lawn of St. Peter’s Episcopal
Church. The event started with a Parade of Flags by our St. Peter’s children wearing their 110th Anniversary shirts and waving the flags of the various countries – Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, Nigeria, Panama, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago and the United States of America. The International Day Celebration tenets the belief that diversity equals enrichment. The program was a feast for our eyes, ears and taste buds, with an array of island costumes, music and performances. The sam-pling of dishes from different cultures was the highlight of this celebration, served from booths dressed in their island best. The celebration on the lawn was a spectacular display of the richness of the various countries and the booths expressed our diversity.
The event showcased the diverse talents and insular cui-sines of our multicultural congregation. Barbados’ native dish is Cou Cou and Flying Fish which was well received, as it was effectively washed down with a generous amount of mauby – both flavored and unflavored. Dominica entertained in song and served up Pelau. Grenada served up their national Oil Down, Guyana served up their native Cook up Rice and Salt Fish and Haiti took to the stage showcasing their talent in dance while serving up their ethnic Diri ak Djon (Black Mushroom Rice). The Ivory Coast entertained in Dance and Drums while serving up their Poisson a La Braise (Grilled Fish). The St. Peter’s Jamaicans took to the stage proudly singing Bob Marley’s, “One Love”, while guests sampled their ethnic cuisines
which included the national dish, Ackee & Saltfish. Mar-tinique was represented in song while serving up Court-Bouillon de Poisson (Boiled Fish). Montserrat proudly displayed their masquerade group and at the booth their ethnic Goat Water and Tamarind Drink could be sampled by all. The Nigerians had a lot of fun with their family fashion expo and enjoyed serving up their native Jollof rice and African Stew Chicken. Panama served up their ethnic Arroz Con Pollo and proudly showcased their National Dress worn by our own Tatyana Connell, while St. Kitts & Nevis delighted the crowd with poetry, Bread-fruit Casserole and Sweet Potato Pudding. The Vincen-tians happily joined their performer on stage, dancing and singing, as he rendered with melody, the well-known calypso "You Ain't Nothing but a Teaser". Their ethnic food, Roasted Breadfruit and Saltfish was appetizing with a taste and desire for more. Trinbago was in the house full of excitement featuring local Trini cuisines such as Home-made Ice-Cream, and showcasing their talent with kids in colorful carnival costumes and our own young pannist Kezia Sealy. The United States dessert table was filled with Apple Pies, Chocolate Cake and even a Candy Station. The children flocked the dessert table, constantly looking for more. Their entertainment was from our very own Arianna Garnett who sang “America the Beautiful.”
Mrs. Pam Jackman Brown & Mr. Garey McKenzie hosted the event and added their special flavor to the display of cultural talents. Everyone had a good time as they swayed to the music of the St. David’s Praises in Steel Band and the melodies from DJ Josa. A great time was had by all with Fun, Food and Festivities; stay tuned for Homecom-ing International Day number 2 in 2019!
By International Day Committee
The Endowment FundBy Sandra GeorgeAs part of the 110th Anniversary Celebra-tion, an endowment fund was established, with a goal of rais-ing $110,000 to help fund future ministries and also to ensure the continuance of current ministries. Through Sunday, August 27, 2017, we raised $7,740 which is 7% of the target goal. As of now, December, 2017, the
thermometer has moved and we are now at $28,000 which is 25%. Please continue bring-ing in your donations. Thank you.
Legal Eagles Presents
Tour of Niagara Falls on New York
and Canadian sides
Erie Canal One Day Cruise &
Harriet Tubman Museum
Monday, August 6, 2018 to
Friday, August 10, 2018
DEADLINE FOR $100 DEPOSIT
IS JANUARY 1, 2018
Contact Information: 718-528- 1356 OR
EMAIL: [email protected]
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Winter 2017 St. Peter’s Keywww.stpetersrosedale.org
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Additional Events and Activties to Look out For
DECEMBER2 ........................Quiet Day and Reflections3 ........................FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT10.......................SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT - Advent Lessons and Carols 4:00PM Remembrance Sunday with Poppies17.......................THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT19.......................244th Street Block Association Meeting 8PM-10PM21.......................SAINT THOMAS, Apostle - Mass 10:00AM24.......................FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT -- CHRISTMAS EVE Mass 10:00PM25.......................CHRISTMAS DAY - 9:30AM26.......................ST. STEPHEN, DEACON AND MARTYR27.......................ST. JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST28.......................HOLY INNOCENTS31 ......................WATCH NIGHT/NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION JANUARY1 ........................Holy Name6 ........................EPIPHANY - Mass 10:00AM7 ........................Sunday School’s Christmas Pageant16 ......................244th Street Block Association Meeting 8:00PM - 10:00PM17.......................Annual Parish Meeting -7:30PM Mass, 8:00PM Meeting18.......................THE CONFESSION OF ST. PETER - 10:00AM
21.......................Sunday School Presentation/Praise Dancers25.......................CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL - Mass 10:00AM FEBRUARY2.........................THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - Mass 10:00AM4 ........................Pastoral Care- Black History Month Presentation4 ........................Grenada’s 44th Anniversary Celebration10 ......................Pre Valentine Day Celebration - Legal Eagles11 ......................Men’s Guild Black History Month Presentation11 ......................Classical Concert and Reception13 ......................SHROVE TUESDAY - MASS 8:00PM - POT LUCK SUPPER14 ......................ASH WEDNESDAY MASS 6:30AM, 10:00AM, 8:00PM16 ......................Stations of the Cross - Soup and Salad17 ......................Legal Eagles - Free Tax Income Tax Preparation by IRS18 ......................Youth Group and Young Adults Black History Month Presentation20 ......................244th Street Block Association Meeting 8:00PM - 10:00PM23 ......................Stations of the Cross - Soup and Salad24 ......................SAINT MATTHIAS, APOSTLE - Mass 10:00AM24 ......................Defensive Driving Course - Daughters of St. Peter25 ......................Praise Dancers
Stewardship in its Entirety
The St. Peter's Property Update
Fall, 2017
Stewardship Corner
By Judi Alloko
Building and Proper ty Corner
By Phyllis E. Harris-Williams, Chairperson
The Property Committee members, Ves-try, Heads of Organizations and Mem-bers of the congregation are working
hard to keep up the interior and exterior of St. Peter’s property. The kitchen will be renovated sometime in the near future. All proceeds from The Washington trip, given by the Legal Eagles have been designated to the commercial kitchen project.
The Parks Department has been notified to remove the tree stump on the curb between the Rectory and the church. There is a green marking on the sidewalk notifying us that the request has been recognized.
We are not finished, stay tuned for more to come. God Bless.
Many parishioners do not understand stewardship in its entirety, where the tendency is to focus on “treasure” and
pledging. Persons overlook acts which can be viewed through the lens of stewardship.
Stewardship is a way of life which is lived out both in your lives and in the parish rather than a once-a- year campaign to ascertain pledge dol-lars. We are called to give back to God from the first fruits.
A year-round stewardship practice invites parishioners to look inward at their relationship with God; to become involved in activities or actions which can transform the world from the nightmare it has become to the dream of God. It is making life more bearable for the poor and marginalized in the promotion of equality, justice and peace, caring for the environment and the physical body. Instead of only giving money to a cause, it is being a physical presence such as at the soup kitchen to be the face of Christ greeting the other and engagement with the community.
Sunday School’s
Christmas Pageant on
Sunday, Jan. 7th 2018
at 10:00AM
CLASSICAL CONCERT
AND RECEPTION~~~~~~~~~~
Featuring
Tiffany Townsend, Soprano
Sunday, February 11, 2018
Christmas Eve Service
Sunday, December 24
Caroling at 9:30PM
Mass at 10:00PM~~~~~~~~~~~
Christmas Day Service
Monday, December 25
at 9:30AM
REMINDER REMINDER REMINDER
Winter 2017 St. Peter’s Keywww.stpetersrosedale.org
Winter 2017 St. Peter’s Keywww.stpetersrosedale.org
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During the Holiday season, we should be mindful of others who are not as f ortunate as ourselves. So giving someone
a little encouragement or a simple smile on their face, is reason enough to give your time and sup-port. That is what parishioners of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church have been doing for the past 4 years. With the help of businesses in the commu-nity and our faithful parishioners, coordinated by Ms. Monica Carrington, our Thanksgiving Drive has been successful. Many parishioners donate turkeys, hams and trimmings for this occasion. On the 3rd Saturday of November, parishioners come together in our parish hall, to fill many thanksgiving bags which are then delivered to shelters in Queens and Brooklyn. We also donate and deliver bags of toiletries along with infant and
children's clothing to 2 shelters in Brooklyn. It is certainly a blessing to be able to give back to our community.
During this season, slightly used coats and cloth-ing are also collected and given to the United Farm Workers (UFW) of Long Island. The duration for this collection usually lasts about 3 weeks in November and as always, St. Peter's parishioners have been generous with their con-tributions. We also have year-round contributions of non-perishable food items and toilet articles which are donated to the UFW and Christ Church at least 3 times per year. As the chairperson of the Episcopal Charities of Long Island, I would like to send my gratitude and heartfelt thank you for everyone's continued support.
On Sunday November 26, 2017, Bajans and fellow parishioners of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rose-dale celebrated Barbados’ 51st anniversary of In-
dependence. The Preacher, Rev. Deacon Anthony Bowen, delivered an inspiring message that interspersed the Gos-pel text with remarks on Barbados’ development over the last 51 years through Pride and Industry. He noted that the Country was still able to assist its island neighbors during times of disaster even while it continued to suffer from the effects of the economic downturn. During the Mass, the congregation joined with all Barbadians in an enthusiastic rendition of the National Anthem, “In Plenty and in Time of Need,” accompanied by Jean Calixte on trumpet.
The celebration continued downstairs in the Undercroft where we were serenaded by the sweet sounds of the Bajan Voices who performed “Da Cocoa Tea” and “Barbados Ah Come From” as parishioners joined in the chorus for each folk song.
Dr. Marvo Forde presented a historical perspective on the oldest Synagogue in the Western Hemisphere that was built about 1651 by Jews from Recife, Brazil, fleeing Portuguese lands to English territories during the Inquisi-tion. The original building was destroyed by a hurricane in 1831, and was rebuilt two years later. The Bridgetown, Barbados synagogue was deconsecrated early in the 20th century when the Jewish population dwindled. It was seized by the Barbados Government and scheduled for de-molition. However, through the tenacity of the island’s tiny Jewish community, it is now a Barbados National Trust property and is undergoing a $1 million restoration.
The music celebration continued with Jelani Pitter on Alto Saxophone accompanied by Robert Newton on Piano, performing “We’ll Understand it Better By and By,” and “Glory, Glory, Hallelujah.”
Mrs. Anthea Elcock shared a write up on the Scotland Dis-trict which has very unique properties, some of which may be unknown to the general populace. This area is actually the top of a sub-marine mountain range that stretches all the way from Trinidad in the south to Puerto Rico to the north in the Caribbean island chain. It is the only location in the range that is above water. The district can be de-scribed as "half-bowl" which houses what could be con-sidered the only highlands of Barbados as its scenery and overall landscape is far unlike any other parts of the island. Due to its land composition, the Scotland District is more prone to landslides than any other part of Barbados, thus one of the reasons why it is not largely used for agricul-ture like other parts of the island. The Scotland District has rock formations between 30-50 million years of age, composed of clay stones, chalk and volcanic ash. It runs through the parishes of St. John, St. Joseph and St. An-drew. The island's highest point, Mount Hillaby, is located in the Scotland District. At just 1,115 feet in height, this not-so-mighty mount pales in comparison to the towering volcanic peaks found in other parts of the region.
Jelani concluded his performance on Saxophone by play-ing “When the Saints Go Marching In.”
Brunch consisted of a smorgasbord of delectable Bajan delights, including appetizers such as buljol & bakes, pudding & souse, and fishcakes. The cuisine also included baked pork, baked chicken, curried chicken, baked/fried fish, rice & peas, macaroni pie, and cou cou with codfish gravy. Desserts included conkies, sweet bread, currant slices, and fruit cake. Featured beverages included mauby, sorrel and fruit punch.
Barbados’ 51st Anniversary of Independence Celebration
By Pearson Griffith
Barbados Ah Come From
Episcopal charitiEsIt is Better to Give than to Receive
By Dahlia Henriques
Winter 2017 St. Peter’s Keywww.stpetersrosedale.org
Winter 2017 St. Peter’s Keywww.stpetersrosedale.org
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By Shadiyah Evans
Did you ever wonder what the symbols around the pulpit represent. Many of us may not know they represent the Twelve Apostles.
This edition we will focus on the Feast Day of Saint Thomas who is celebrated on December 21.
Thomas’s (also known as Doubting Thomas) shield displays a carpenter’s square with a spear. He is con-sidered the patron saint of builders and architects. Thomas is believed to have built a church with his own hands in India while carrying on his ministry. While in India, Thomas was persecuted and killed with a spear by a pagan priest.
Saint Thomas is best remembered for being absent from the upper room the first time Jesus appeared to his disciples after His resurrection. Thomas simply did not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe. Thomas said to him, “My Lord and My God!” then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20: 26-29)
Congratulations are in order for:
St Peter’s International Homecoming Day was cov-ered in Caribbean Life. The article also appeared on The Diocese of Long Island’s website. https://www.caribbeanlifenews.com/stories/2017/9/cl-saint-peters-international-homecoming-2017-09-22-cl.html Monica C. Harris celebrated her 70th birthday on November 9th.
Pearson A. Griffith was elected Treasurer of the Diocese at The 151st Convention Of The Diocese Of Long Island.
It is by the grace of God, that we would like to announce the birth of our son, Zane Andrew Trotman on Monday, November 20th. Thank you to our St. Peter's Family for all your well wishes and prayers.Cassandra Regis-Trotman and Andrew Trotman
Walter Desmond and Marcelle Pennycooke celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary on November 30th.
On December 11, 2016, God blessed us with the greatest gift of all! Happy First Birthday to Avery and Alicia!! May the Lord continue to Bless you with great health and many more years to come.Love, Jillian (Trotman) and Gamal Costillo
The St. Peter’s Parish Choir Concert was held on Sunday, June 25, 2017. Once again, the audience was treated to clas-sical and contemporary pieces by Mozart, Bach, Paris, Rodgers, Mancini and others, as well as traditional Spirituals.
Our guest artist, trumpeter Dr. Peter A. Archer, rendered Handel’s Sonata in D, accompanied by our organist, Eiichi Shimada. Dr. Archer also accompanied the choir. The concert featured several soloists. Janice Marriott sang “Were You There?”. Hyacinth White sang “Give Me Jesus”. “I Want Jesus to Walk With Me” was sung by Robert Newton and Henrietta Kerr sang “Moon River”.
The concert was followed by a grand wine and cheese reception in the parish hall. During the reception, we celebrated the 50th wedding anniversary of our choir members Robert and Patricia Newton.
We thank the members of the Music Committee for planning and preparing this event.We applaud our Organist and Choir Director, Eiichi Shimada for his expertise and dedication.
Youths at this Year's Convention
On November 10 -11, 2017, we represented St.
Peter’s at the 151st Con-vention of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island as youth delegates, where the theme for this year was “Path to Peace”. What we both enjoyed and appreciated over the weekend sessions was learning about Camp De Wolf. We also enjoyed and participated in different group activities. There was one particular game that stood out. This game taught us to communicate with each other through body language. We counted to 10 as a group
without interrupting or re-peating each other as some-one yelled out a number. This was both challenging and fun at the same time but through teamwork, we finally accomplished it.
We also assembled into small groups and discussed what the Word of God means to each of us. One of the sessions that was also
informative was meeting college students who are singing majors and tour different states. We had prayer and Holy Eucharist. This experience was a great way to meet other kids who attend different churches in the Diocese.
By Angelie Darbouze and Jada Thomas
Parish Choir ConcertBy Patti Rookwood
Winter 2017 St. Peter’s Keywww.stpetersrosedale.org
Winter 2017 St. Peter’s Keywww.stpetersrosedale.org
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The Men’s Guild and the 110th Anniversary Committee held their marquee event on Friday, November 17th at Antun’s Catering Hall in Queens, and it did not disappoint. With over 400 in attendance for the Annual Dinner Dance, the atmosphere was electric and attendees were greeted with an open bar and a scrumptious cocktail hour consisting of Caribbean and American delights.
Father Foster gave the opening remarks noting how delighted he was that so many had turned out to celebrate this momentous occasion and welcomed some of the other churches that had come out to support us: Church of the Transfiguration in Freeport, St. George’s, and St. James the Less to name a few.
Our MCs for the night, Dr. Wayne Campbell, Mrs. Karen Mayne Lee and Mrs. Yvonne Robinson, greeted everyone and had the pleasure of honoring our six unsung heroes who were highlighted for their witness and ministry throughout the parish and the community: Mr. Adolphus Cameron, Ms. Sharon Locker, Mr. Norman Newman, Ms. Hettie Powell, Mr. Huxley Smith and Ms. Pauline Williams. It was clear that all the honorees were humbled by their awards, speaking of how much St. Peter’s means to them and how much they enjoy serving and helping others in the church. In addition to our unsung heroes, three organi-zations were recognized: Jacque Jones of Jacque’s Catering, Sybil Evans and Cisyline Peters of OB’s Res-taurant and Bakery, and Natalie Kuri of Dignity Memorial. In her remarks, Ms. Kuri quoted a verse from Matthew 5:16 which summed up our thoughts on all of our honorees. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
The event was full of celebrations with State Senator, James Sanders, stopping by to congratulate us on our milestone anniversary and offering his help and support for our community events. Father Foster had the honor of announcing our special honoree, Mrs. Henrietta Kerr, described as “the lady who knows what’s going on” who was obviously touched by the award. She acknowledged that she could not do it all without the help and support of Mr. Neville Maynard and Ms. Pauline Williams.
Once the formalities were done, the dance floor opened with Road International Crew of Irie Jam Radio “on the ones and twos”. The packed dance floor spilled over into the aisles as the reggae classic “Stealing Love on the Side” pulsated across the room. After dinner it was time to burn calories by dancing to some soca music and familiar line dances. The DJ finally slowed it down with some three-stepping, and we offered up praise dancing to Mr. Vegas’s “I am Blessed” and Hezekiah Walker’s “Every Praise is to our God”.
The Red Carpet photo booth was busy all night with people smiling and posing for the camera and the evening came to an end with the drawing of the gate prizes. Six chance prizes were announced and one lucky winner walked away with a week for two in Aruba! With journals in hand, we can say that it was certainly an epic evening and it was very obvious that fun was had by all!
Happy 110th Anniversary St. Peter’s!
By Marcelle Pennycooke