Wm. Stanley – "Stan The Man" – was the epitome of a dedicated and faithful church worker. For more than thirty-eight years, he was a committed, highly esteemed, conscientious, sincere, and passionate servant to the Lord through his church work and numerous community activities. Stan was elected and served many terms as member and chair of the Trustee Board, member and president of the Men's Fellowship, member and chair of the Church's Building and Grounds Department, and soloist for the Men's Chorus. He was the single handed force behind the church acquiring a van as well as extending additional space to the Alcoholics Anonymous group. He was the impetus behind the church becoming handicapped accessible. In addition to his elected positions, Stan was the cheerful, thoughtful and all around volunteer helper for every organization in the church. Stan's influence as a dynamic man of God was felt far beyond his home church. Though he has been called to his just reward, there are still many testimonies to the good that Stan did for others while he lived. His joy for living, his playfulness, his infectious sense of humor and the ridiculous at times, and his charm, endeared him to many. His zeal was indefatigable and he fought hard for every cause he believed in; the words this "cannot be done" were not in his vocabulary. He loved people and enjoyed children. Stan's personal motto was "one day at a time." We pray that God has granted him eternal rest and we will long remember his contributions to our church and wider community.

Iris Berry is a conscientious and humble person who dedicates her life to serve others. First, in her spiritual life as she serves the church and community, and in her profession as a Registered Nurse for over thirty-five years. Iris has been active in the First United Methodist Church of Jamaica as a member and Chair of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, a member of the Board of Trustees and current Treasurer. She volunteered to be the Coordinator of the Food Pantry Program and has been diligent in her service to feed the hungry in the community while she maintains her full time position as a Registered Nurse. Iris is married and is the mother of two daughters.

From the moment she entered Deliverance Temple, Evangelist Dolores Corsey has proven herself to be a willing worker with a servant's heart. In every possible facet of ministry, Evangelist Corsey has faithfully volunteered her time to God's purposes in our house for over 15 years. During her years of service she has been an Evangelist for ecumenical services, the head of the Sunday School Department, a Sunday School Teacher, Director of Community Outreach Ministry and Assistant Director of the Food Pantry Program. Dolores can be depended upon to be in our church rendering her services wherever needed. Without notice, she is always prepared to offer someone a ride, clean a bathroom, preach a sermon, or serve a plate of food. We appreciate the opportunity to publicly reward this humble spirited servant of God for her work. It is an honor to nominate Dolores Corsey for the 2005 Citation for Faithful Service.

In every house of worship there is someone that almost everyone goes to when they have a question. That person knows the ins and the outs of almost everything that goes on and even if they do not know, they know where to find out. The person at New Hope Lutheran Church who has that title is Mrs. Henrietta Francis. Mrs. Francis does just about everything at New Hope except preach! She is chairperson of the Worship and Music Committee and a member of the altar guild. She is part of our Shepherding Ministry that goes and visits our sick and shut-in members. She is chairperson of our seniors group, "The Young at Heart," and in this role she not only offers the members fun activities, but she has guest speakers come with valuable information for the group. She is also a member of the Staff Committee. But what Mrs. Francis is probably appreciated most for is her "behind the scenes" work. She encourages people to sign up to place flowers on the altar. She makes sure we always have all the supplies we need for communion. She finds a pastor to preach when Pastor Smith is on vacation. She calls sick and shut in members just to see how they are doing. She is consistently there to set up the altar for funerals and weddings. A phrase you will hear often at New Hope Lutheran Church is "Where is Mrs. Francis?" because we are looking for her to help us with some task. Aside from all that she does, she is also respected for her honest assessment of a situation. If you want to know the truth, ask Mrs. Francis. She will certainly tell you. Her service, her honesty, her dedication to excellence and her love of the Lord is a model for all of us to live by. It is with much respect and love that she is nominated for this award.

Since 1995 Mrs. Cornelia Grosaru has been a permanent active member of our parish and, in the last four years, an active member of our parish committee. She has dedicated distinguished and quality service to the Church community. She initiated, organized and managed the Church's social programs through which people in need from the Romanian community in New York and from Romania received significant help. Every Sunday she helps to organize meals at the socialization time after the liturgy and festive dinners at the many cultural events and celebrations in our church. All this is done by her on a voluntary basis. Her dedication and generosity, her effort and love for service are exemplary and acknowledged in the congregation.

Charles Spencer Jenkins is a native of Sanford, Florida. His formative years were spent in the Greater New York City area. Charles received his early education in the Florida public schools and pursued his educational ambitions at Bethone Cookman College in Daytona Beach and, later, at City College of New York and New York University. He has been a member of Allen A.M.E. Church for close to 40 years and an officer for 35 years. A tenor, he is a member of the Music Ministry of the Greater Allen Cathedral and is also soloist at Christ for the World Chapel at JFK International Airport. He retired many years ago from the NYC Department of Social Service and is presently a staff member of the Greater Allen Cathedral. He is married to the former Edna McKenzie and they reside in Jamaica, New York.

Gale Kirchner joined Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, along with her husband Paul and son Warren about 17 years ago. She brought her love for singing and added her lovely voice to the choir. Since the choir has gone the way of all good things, Gale is always trying to recruit new singers. But if that doesn't work, we know we can depend on her to sing a solo, at least at a special service such as Christmas, Easter, etc. That's not all she does.... She recently graduated from the Diakonia program, a training program for Deacons in the Lutheran Church. She now conducts Sunday services and has been doing a great job! Gale also is half of our Altar Guild and serves for the second time around on our Congregation Council. All this she does in good humor and in addition to an already full agenda of full-time teaching, an active member of the Order of Eastern Star and singing with a community choral group. Thank the Lord for folks like Gale Kirchner!

Dolores M. Knight's ministry for The New Covenant Church of Christ (Baptist) started when she accepted salvation at a young age; allowing her to grow and be molded in Christ, God's Church and Church efforts. She has used her spiritual growth to work with, lead, or enhance the Church objectives and Church Units. Over the many years she has used her secretarial skills to work closely with the past Pastor and continues to work with this Pastor and leadership. She has been a member of the Dramatic Club and the United Christian Dramatics Club. She was in the Youth Choir, Youth Council President, Financial Recorder, and on the Cradle Roll Staff. She was on the Boy Scouts Executive Board and Registrar and Student for the Virginia University. She was also a member of the Vacation Bible School serving as Assistant, Teacher and Principal. She has not limited her time and talent to just some Church efforts, but is available to all that call on her for help.

Barbara Lambert has been a regular, hard working member of the Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church of Jamaica since April 1985. During this time she has been serving in various capacities. After becoming a member of the Missionary Society she became its recording secretary and served in that office from 1990 to 1997. In 1998 she was elected president of the society and remains its president to this day. Sister Lambert has been a caregiver in the Food Program where hot meals are served three times a week and the Food Pantry is in operation on Wednesdays. Sister Lambert is proud of having distributed clothing to shelters, nursing homes and the homeless. As some of her responsibility as a missionary, she has visited hospitals, nursing homes, health related facilities and home bound members of the church. She was, and still is, a regular attendant of our Sunday School.

Vernon Lee Lane is a native of Delvidere, North Carolina. He grew up with eight siblings who all came to know the Lord as their personal savior. He graduated from Central High School and moved to New York looking for greater opportunities. Deacon Lane married a beautiful wife. They have six children and twelve grandchildren. He attended ACI and obtained seven certificates and licenses including all facets of Building Maintenance and Security Guard. Since becoming a member of Greater Mt. Calvary Church Of God In Christ he has shown great devotion and sincerity in his work in the church. He is loved by all and does everything he can to help the pastor. He is a man of wisdom and has served in many capacities such as Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, Usher Board, Food Distribution, Vice President of Prayer and Bible Band, member of our men's choir and outreach worker. He is a role model with an in depth understanding of the scriptures. He is very deserving of this great honor.

Russ (as he is known) has been a faithful servant of God in this church for 27 years. He has served the church as Elder, Deacon and Clerk of Session. He was a Boy's Club leader for years. Currently he is serving as Treasurer and Trustee and non-ruling elder. He is a member of the Budget and Finance Committee. Assisting in repairs of Youth room is an example of his many volunteer hours given to the church. Russ has taught children in the children's message. He was a member of the Christian Service Brigade, a Moderator of Service and the Soft Ball Team. Russ's dedication to the Lord and to this church is consistent and outstanding. He is an example to all in serving Christ. Russ was born in the Bronx. He lived outside NYC for a few years, but for the last 34 years he made Queens his residence. Russ is married to Christine for almost 35 years. They have 3 children. Russ owns and runs a Foundry. He is a Veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served as a helicopter pilot. He is a member of the retired officers club of Long Island.

Shirley Mills joined the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Jamaica in 1969. Ever since her commitment to membership, she has been a faithful steward in many facets of the church’s operation and is considered a pillar of the church which is truly an understatement to her involvement. Her diligent service to God and man has been an unrelentless, yet gratifying experience. Her ingenuity is boundless. For many years she has been a Sunday School teacher, head librarian in the church’s Reading Room, active board member, Chairperson and last but not least, she has served ongoing as First Reader for over twenty years. Mrs. Mills was also very involved in the community and support of any issues that affected churches in the Jamaica area. She attended civic meetings held at the local precincts to establish closer relations with and understanding of the citizens so as to make an impact on outreaching more effective. Shirley Mills is a beloved steward of great convictions. Her compassion and generosity is very exemplary of the Christian spirit of true brotherhood and charitableness to any and all who are privileged to know her, whether intimately or casually. It is our pleasure and honor to acknowledge Mrs. Mills today in this circle of faithful stewards even though she may seem modest in accepting such bestowals. She can truly be put in the ranks of those whom the Master proclaimed as “well done good and faithful stewards.” We love and cherish her dearly as a great leader, friend and exemplary citizen. May God continue to bless her in boundless ways.

Ethel Nyquist's serving the Lord in various areas of missions in the community and the world has been in response to the call to reach the world for Christ. This call was passed down to her through generations of family members serving in the mission fields of Lappland, Northern Europe, Asia, China and Japan. Says she: "I am most grateful to The Lord for having been born into such a privileged family – so, how could I do less?" Ethel became a charter member of The Evangelical Covenant Church of Long Island, renamed Floral Park Community Church, 60 years ago when a satellite church was formed in Floral Park in the 1940's by young families moving from the Mother Church in Brooklyn. Teaching Sunday School and working with the Youth Group was an enriching experience preparing her for further involvement. She has held the offices of Deacon: serving Holy Communion and visiting the sick and shut in; Minister of Music: selecting the music for the worship services and planning special musical events; Vice Chair and Chairman of The Congregation. Ethel Nyquist, a retired Cardiac Nurse, is herself a 15-year heart attack survivor. She is the mother of two sons, William and Lawrence, and has 4 grandchildren.

Mr. Ramdayal was born in a Christian home in Guyana, South America. His father, Rev. Peter Ramdayal started his ministry in the Methodist church in Guyana, and later was ordained as a minister of the Methodist church in that country. Rev. Peter Ramdayal served for forty nine years of his life in the call of the Gospel. Mr. Cecil Ramdayal began his services in 1976 in Guyana, as a fully accredited local preacher in the Methodist church in Guyana. He continued in that capacity until he migrated to this country in 1989. At Grace Lutheran Church in Jamaica, New York he has been the Treasurer of this organization since the year 1992. He takes part in the worship services regularly and on several occasions he led the entire service. He is a standing member of our Church Council, and his ideas and thoughts are of immense use to this church. He is fully employed in all activities of this church. Mr. Ramdayal is a loving family man, and he is of excellent character. He is an asset to this church, and we take pleasure in recommending him for the citation award.

Barbara Robinson is a very unique young lady and a faithful servant through Christ for the World Chapel at JFK Airport. Born in Brooklyn, she is a product of the New York Public Schools and of SUNY at New Paltz. During her college years, she was chosen to participate in an exchange program and attended the Universidad Durbino in Persaro, Italy, in 1974. After graduation, she taught at Newburgh High School. In 1978, she began what has become her life's career at Citibank. Barbara is single and has a very close relationship with her family in the tri-state area and scattered in Virginia, Texas, Georgia and California. Barbara's mother instilled the roots of her faith early but left the final commitment to her own decision. She chose her path and was baptized at the JFK Protestant Chapel by Fr. Marlin Bowman. She continues to fellowship at the Airport Chapel (now named, Christ for the World Chapel), and at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Exmore, Virginia. Barbara's faith and life is supported by Aunt Antha Stewart, her second mother. She has great faith and strength which Barbara tries to emulate daily. With the help of her pastor, the Rev. Patricia A. Evans, and her family, Barbara knows all things are possible. She is willing and ready to stay and enjoy being on the right path.

Gwendolyn Stevens has been a faithful and dedicated member of our congregation for the past 25 years. She is President of the Usher Board and is a great administrator. She is also President of our Saturday Tutorial Program. She organizes and arranges teachers and students to meet in preparing for the citywide and regent exams. Sister Stevens puts her heart in helping these students pass the exams with confidence. Sister Stevens also serves as a member of the Women's Committee where she has valuable input in our daily operations. She also does an impeccable job as a fundraiser. As a result of her tireless effort, we have traveled to various places as a church, seen many plays and shows and dined in fine restaurants. Sister Stevens is also a great cook. She has assisted us on many occasions in preparing meals for our annual community feast where we feed the hungry. She also is a great organizer. She spearheads our annual black-tie affair which is held every year. She is a member of the nurses unit and the Gospel Chorus and a member of the Board of Trustees. She knows how to motivate others and spends her energy in supporting many other causes. Despite all of the above, Sister Stevens holds a full time job as a registered nurse at Elmhurst General Hospital working in the oby-gyn clinic. If there is a citation for faithful service, she deserves it.

Mary has been a member of Unity Center of Flushing for more than 18 years. She has served as Volunteer Coordinator for 10 years and continues to assist the current Coordinator. Mary has been a facilitator for "The Course of Miracles" and has served as a Board Member several times and currently serves as Treasurer. She is a dedicated member who has made a commitment to give generously of her time, talent and tithing. Mary also holds a BA in Psychology and Education and has taught at the New School in New York City. We are very proud to have her as an important part of this Ministry and thank God for her.

Thandi Tudor has been a member of Fullness of Joy Ministries since its inception. Thandi is multi-talented and a single young adult who has previously served as a volunteer in the Church's Joy In the City Afterschool Program, as a coordinator and choir director of the Shield of Faith Choir, and as a dance teacher for the Souls for Christ Dance Ministry. Presently, Thandi serves her church in many other capacities. She is an intercessor, worship leader, one of the church drummers, a member of three evangelistic teams, a member of the pastor's aid committee, teacher ministry, chaplain for the women's ministry, chaplain for the Shield of Faith Choir, member of the church van ministry, and is an armor bearer to the pastor (helping with church administration and attending to ministers in the pulpit). In addition, she finds time to counsel youth and young adults outside of the church in the southeast Queens community. Thandi is a deacon in training and has acknowledged the prophetic call on her life. She is developing her spiritual gifts through systematic bible study, leadership development classes, ministry opportunities, and through personal Bible study and devotions. She plans to pursue a music career as a gospel songwriter and psalmist. In addition, she plans to own her own gospel publishing company and record label.

Minister Wilson was director of our Summer Day Camp for five years where she encouraged the older youth to get their working papers so she could train them to work with the younger children and that they also would have something meaningful to do during the summer. She is the Supervisor of our Youth Ministry where she plans Retreats and leads the young people into wholesome activities. She is President of our Praise Dance Ministry for children and adults. They minister at various Nursing homes and other Churches. Minister Wilson is a social worker and gifted to teach and work with the youth. She has been a choir member, a Sunday School teacher, a workshop leader, a Director of Drama Minister and is licensed to preach.