2016 Senior Celebration Honorees
On April 27, 2016, more than 300 people gathered at Washington National Cathedral to recognize the contributions of 43 special people: the honorees of Senior Celebration 2016. Nominated for their service to the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, the United Church of Christ Potomac Association, and Seabury Resources for Aging programs, their stories are truly remarkable – so we are pleased to share them here. Hats off to you, Senior Celebration honorees!
Murad Akbar, Seabury Resources for Aging, Ward 5
Murad Akbar is a DC native who graduated from Spingarn High School and served 30 years at the Department of Treasury. He started his volunteer service with The Halal Kibar Nutrition Center located at 1519 4th St, NW on 3 June 2013, and has remained committed to providing our seniors with the best service possible. He is certified by the DC Department of Health as a Food Safety Manager, and serves as Kibar’s lead kitchen volunteer. Mr. Murad maintains state-of-the-art kitchen services, follows established Department guidelines, pays attention to details, and willingly accepts responsibility. He is also a self- starter who is flexible even though requests may be outside of his normal duties. Lastly, Mr. Akbar is held in high regard by our senior participants as he provides positive interactions with them on a daily basis. His performance and approach to his responsibilities is exemplary.
Pamela (Pam) Alexander, St. George’s Episcopal Church, DC
Pam Alexander is a longtime leader of St. George’s, DC, whose countless hours of volunteer service reflect her deep faith and commitment to serving Christ in our community. Pam directs the St. George’s Parish Voices and Children’s Choirs, while also serving as the organist/pianist during worship services. Pam also directs several concert series and special musical performances during the year – most recently “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” a full opera production starring the young people of St. George’s. Her longstanding dedication to young people is evident in her leadership of our “Free To Be Me” summer camp for neighborhood youth. Pam has been an active member of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of St. George’s, where she serves currently as Vice President. She coordinates our annual ECW Christmas Bazaar, stewarding the silent auction and poinsettia sales as well as the overall event. However, Pam’s many affiliations and numerous activities tell only part of the story. Pam embodies compassion, creativity, and joy in abundance as a true disciple of Christ in community. Quick to smile, Pam is generous of heart and shares her many gifts freely. She always has time to listen, to share a bit of wisdom or a moment of comfort. All of us at St. George’s are grateful for Pam and her ministry – and the ways she shows us Christ’s love in ways big and small. We are honored to celebrate Pamela Alexander as part of this 2016 Senior Celebration.
Dr. James W. Baldwin, Episcopal Church of the Atonement
James Baldwin was confirmed at the Episcopal Church of the Atonement in 1960. His record of service to the church includes: Senior Warden; member of the Vestry (two terms); Sunday School teacher; Vice-superintendent of Sunday School; Vice-director of the Brotherhood of Saint Andrew; member of the Counting Team; teacher of the Adult Bible Study Group. He is currently Acting President of the Brotherhood of Saint Andrew; President of Many Stars Daycare Center Planning Committee; Assistant teacher of the Adult Bible Study Group; Interim Secretary for the Episcopal Church of the Atonement Young Adult Employment Ministry Board of Directors. “Whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God.” 1Corinthians 10:31 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10
Quentin Banks, Jr., Christ Episcopal Church, Clinton
Quentin Banks has been an active member of Christ Episcopal Church for many years. He serves as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and Lay Eucharistic Visitor. Quentin is also an active member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. He always makes himself available to help set up tables and chairs for the church’s Easter Sunrise service, jazz concerts, International Sunday, Christmas Eve, and countless other church activities. He is one of the welcoming faces that greet both visitors and parishioners on Sundays.
Ellen Baynard, St. Stephen & the Incarnation Episcopal Church
In 1968, St. Stephen’s Church members noticed that people were drifting in from the street to join the church coffee hour. It was obvious that doughnuts and coffee alone were not going to be enough to fill our guests’ needs. Parishioners began to volunteer to prepare a hot meal and serve it in the dining room, and thus Loaves and Fishes, St. Stephen’s hot meal program, was born. Today, 48 years later, Loaves and Fishes continues to serve more than 150 meals every Saturday, Sunday, and federal holiday, when many other feeding programs are closed. Ellen Baynard has been a mainstay of the Loaves and Fishes program for many decades, coordinating the preparation of the first Sunday meal and serving on the program’s management committee. Her unflagging dedication to providing food for people in need has helped thousands of hungry people and inspired hundreds of volunteers. For her service, St. Stephen’s Church says, Thanks be to God!
Ruby Brackett, Transfiguration Episcopal Church
Ruby Brackett has been instrumental in directing our Community Thrift Shop. She has also been a prime mover for the annual elegant Altar Guild Tea. She gives greatly of her time and talent to make both things run smoothly.
Lloyd Brooks, Transfiguration Episcopal Church
Lloyd Brooks is now the retired president of Transfiguration Men’s Group after seven years of service. Under his leadership we have refurbished the kitchen, installed a new informational sign, and accomplished mold remediation. Quiet but effect would describe his leadership style.
Beth and John Cartland, All Saints’ Episcopal Church
Individually, Beth and John Cartland merit recognition for long, distinguished and productive service to All Saints’ Church and their community. Together, they are an even better choice, with 50+ years of marriage and a wonderful family to be celebrated. Beth and John exhibit remarkable integrity, strength, joy, humor and love. Their Christian faith is deep, challenging, welcoming, and forward-looking. John is an engineer and logistician who has served his country in the U.S. Army and private sector his full career. Beth is an artist who both teaches and practices her craft – with work exhibited worldwide. These seemingly opposite careers complement each other beautifully. The Cartlands contribute deeply to All Saints’ Church’s spiritual life and activities. For over 25 years, each has been a key member of Covenant Groups and has contributed to Christmas in April/Rebuilding Together (John regularly as House Captain). Each has served on Vestry and key committees (John: Safety Security, Men of All Saints; Beth: Local Mission, Flower Guild, and Parish Retreat). They have been go-to volunteers in numerous Fall Festivals, Community Based Shelter dinners, Martha’s Table turkey drives, and Christ House support. Their welcoming hospitality is legendary – opening their house frequently for parish functions. John and Beth’s Cursillo training with the Diocese was a key growing point for them. Individually and together, John and Beth are a joy to be with and a pleasure to honor.
MaryRose Chappelle, Calvary Episcopal Church
MaryRose Chappelle is an active member of Calvary Episcopal Church, DC, where since 1956 she has thrice been elected a member of Vestry. She served as the first chairperson of the Pastoral Care Committee, a rewarding challenge. She has chaired several guilds, organizations, and the 93rd and 100th Anniversary Committees of Calvary. She thoroughly enjoyed serving the youth of Calvary, as advisor to the Youth Committee from 1961-1994; as Church School teacher; as co-director of programs and dramas for 28 years; and, as Church School superintendent for 10 years, retiring in 2005. Over the years MaryRose was a member of and chaired the Music, Evangelism, Worship, Stewardship, and Christian Education Committees. She currently serves as Lay Eucharistic Minister, Bereavement Officer, President of the Episcopal Church Women and Girls of Calvary, Chair of the Senior Group, Steering Committee member of the Parish Council, and is a newly elected member of Calvary’s Vestry. MaryRose has served on the Washington Diocesan Racism Ad Hoc Committee and as delegate to the Diocesan Convention. She thoroughly enjoyed chairing the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE), Washington Chapter’s Absalom Jones Day Celebration for 12 years. One of Mrs. Chappelle’s labors of love is the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, which she joined in 1956. She remains an active scout of 59 consecutive years.
Bernice Chuku, St. Mary’s Court
Bernice Chuku has been an active resident of St. Mary’s Court since 2011. Her gift for inviting others into activities and creating opportunities for seniors has made her our honoree. As president of the Residents Association she orchestrated the first Residents Talent Show – a big success! This year, she recruited residents to take part in a dramatization of Holy Week’s Passion. She designed the script, adding slides of visual art representing Jesus’ journey to the Cross. Bernice shares her own musical gifts when she plays piano and sings for our annual Remembrance Celebration for residents who have died. She has been a member of the community guitar and glee club group since she moved here. She is a faithful participant in weekly exercise, yoga, and tai chi classes. For a woman of 86 years, Bernice is a model of healthy aging and hard to keep up with! Bernice participates in a Senior-to-Senior Storytelling group that matches high school students and residents in learning to tell stories about their lives. Bernice actively recruited other seniors to participate in this group. Before retiring, Bernice’s lifelong career was as a registered nurse in her native Nigeria, and in England and Australia. She still pursues that calling when she notices residents who need help, and she is able to assist them in quiet ways. Bernice is the mother of four children and has 10 grandchildren. It is a joy to honor her as St. Mary’s Court’s senior volunteer.
Mary Cooper, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Capitol Hill
Mary and her husband Bert joined St. Mark’s when it was newly revived following a long period of decline. They did everything they could to help get things going again: chaired the canvass or were canvassers, put out the newsletter (he edited and she typed). Mary was treasurer of the church for many years and later Registrar of the Vestry several times. Mary and Bert were the Parish Historians. They prepared a booklet describing various features of the church, especially the stained glass windows. They went to Germany to see the workshops where the windows had been fashioned. Right now the windows are being restored with money given by the Coopers. Mary is now a member of the Altar Guild, the Historic Preservation committee, the Archives committee, and the Liturgy Planning committee. She answers the phone in the office on a regular basis and while she is there, she sorts material for the archives.
Robert Bruce Crane, St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church
Bruce Crane has been a faithful member of St. Augustine’s Church for over 30 years. He has served as Senior Warden, a member of the Vestry on several occasions, as Summer Coordinator for our weekly Bread for Life Meal Program, and as the Chair of our Stewardship program for many years. Bruce is a member of our seasonal choir, a weekly office volunteer, on our hospitality team, and the coordinator of our monthly Game Night. Bruce is a quiet presence and a bright light, always ready and willing to serve Jesus in others.
Anona and Wayne Fowler, St. Columba’s Episcopal Church
Anona and Wayne are pillars of our parish. Anona has worked on staff for decades (currently two days per week as Pastoral Associate ) and she has served in the healing ministry, coordinated the prayer chain, led book groups on healing, managed the book store, and has served in many other ways too numerous to list here. Wayne began his service at St. C’s as Acolyte Master and worked with our former Rector, Bill Tully, to develop the Sacristan Program. The role he is most known for is as our Verger (that many of us best understand as our “stage manager”) for our services. Wayne has held this role and trained countless acolytes, sacristans, and assistants since the early 1970s. They are both amazing people and St. Columba’s is extremely pleased to have them represent our parish as our 2016 Senior Celebration honorees!
Patricia Frye, Westmoreland UCC
Patricia Frye has long stood out for her remarkable blend of compassion and commitment. A member since 1973, she first made her mark in dried arrangements workshops sponsored by the Women’s Guild. In addition to her time as a Deacon, she was a member of the Board of Christian Education and chair of the Board of Community Action, where she was a prime mover in the re-establishment of Vacation Bible School. Patricia has been a faithful member of the chancel choir for more than 35 years and more recently has also performed with the bell choir. An avid reader, Patricia has been one of the most loyal participants in the church’s book clubs. In recent years she planned and hosted the pot luck dinners that bring Virginia-based Westmorelanders together. Above all Patricia is known for her contributions of floral artistry to church services of all kinds. Long the chair of the Flower Committee, her creative arrangements grace the sanctuary and inspire her fellow worshippers with their splendor and originality. Patricia’s background as a teacher has also served the congregation well in the floral design workshops, classes, and tutorials she offers to interested students. Her many-faceted service, her cheerful personality, and the kindness she radiates are a blessing treasured by all who know her.
Olivette Guy-Williams, Episcopal Church of Our Saviour
Olivette Guy-Williams began and continues to lead our weekly “Soup-to-Go” ministry to the homeless. Every Thursday Olivette and other church volunteers make delicious homemade soup and deliver it directly to the homeless around our church. This ministry started two years ago from our Ashes-to-Go ministry. Olivette has a deep passion for this work and it is meeting a great need in the Hillandale community of Silver Spring. I am delighted to recommend Olivette as our honoree from Our Saviour, Hillandale in recognition for her hard work, dedication, diligence, and love to our neighbors.
Brian Hamilton, St. Philip the Evangelist Episcopal Church
Mr. Hamilton is a second-generation member of St. Philip. His parents raised him and his sister in the church; he has been a faithful member all his life. Over the years he has been on the Vestry, and for the last 10 years he has served as Church Treasurer. He’s on the Board of Directors of the Child Development Center. His spiritual life reflects his caring for his church and he also contributes to his wife’s church, where she is a minister. During a church leadership transition, Mr. Hamilton was instrumental in keeping the affairs of the church current. His special skill in accounting has been a blessing to the church. He has sung in the Gospel Choir for many years and is also a member of the Men of St. Philip, a group which sponsors activities that are spiritual and fun. He has many talents and has shared all of them with St. Philip. St. Philip has been blessed by Brian. He is an invaluable contributor to the successful operation of St. Philip.
Helen Hanes, Seneca Valley United Church of Christ
Helen Hanes has been a strong volunteer and a wonderful addition to the congregation since joining Seneca Valley United Church of Christ in Germantown, Maryland in 2005. Helen has volunteered for Habit for Humanity, Called to Care, social concerns, the church council, and deacons. Additionally, she continues to teach Sunday School, provide a children’s sermon, help with emergency assistance, and serve on the pastoral search committee. Helen likes helping others and is always willing to provide a meal or a dish at church events. As a retired school teacher and the daughter of a minister she lives out her faith through her works. As she begins her eighth decade, Helen still puts in many hours helping our church as well as volunteering with local organizations. Helen is truly an example for all members of our congregation and a senior to be celebrated.
John D. Horrocks, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
John Horrocks has served Holy Trinity in many ways, but notably as a trusted and wise adviser. He is our current Treasurer, holding that position since 2008, and has been the church’s investment chair since 1996. He has been a vital part of the finance committee since the 1980s. In addition, John was a Vestry member for five years, Sr. Warden for six years, and spent nine years teaching Sunday School. John is a constant friend and member of our community, always filled with optimism and good cheer. Since his retirement in 2008 he is busier than ever, but I suspect his favorite time is as a Grandpa, having become one in 2015 with the birth of his granddaughter.
Lane Jennings, Seabury at Friendship Terrace
Lane Jennings became the Friendship Terrace “Poet in Residence” in 1992, when he assumed leadership of what was then called the IONA Poetry Group at Friendship Terrace. He had become involved with the group when his father was a part of it as a neighbor living just up the street from Friendship Terrace! The Poetry Group at Friendship Terrace has had members from the greater surrounding community as well as residents of the building. The group reads and discusses the poetry of others and writes original poetry. Over the years the group has had four published collections of poems. Lane has a PhD in German, and began his working career as a translator/interpreter. However, it was not long before he moved to journalism with an emphasis on future studies. For most of his working career Lane was a writer/editor with the World Future Society of Bethesda for The Futurist magazine and its successor, The World Future Review. Seabury at Friendship Terrace is fortunate to have a person such as Lane Jennings volunteer his skill and talent to the greater Friendship Terrace community for more than 20 years. It is with great pride and gratitude that we nominate him to be the Seabury at Friendship Terrace Senior Celebration Nominee for 2016.
Ann Korky, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, K Street
Ann Korky is St. Paul’s Parish’s 2016 remarkable volunteer who deserves recognition for her faithful and outstanding service to our congregation, the Diocese, and the wider community–local, national and international. Ann is a retired Foreign Service Officer and uses her diplomatic skills to advocate personal involvement in ministry. She has modeled this ideal in her own life and has ably articulated the theme in many articles for The Epistle, our parish newsletter, and in countless bulletin announcements. Ann enriches and inspires us with her volunteer work, especially as Chair of the Commission on Mission (CoM), the principal avenue through which the parish engages in “Christ-like living” and offers the chance for hands-on service to those most in need. The CoM oversees St. Paul’s Weekend Grate Patrol and Food Pantry Donations (organized and managed by Ann to supplement neighboring United Church’s non-perishable food distribution). The CoM also partners with Georgetown Ministry Center to host the rotating Winter Shelter and provides support for the Bishop Walker School in DC plus three overseas missions in Gaza, Jordan and Malawi. Ann was a member of the recent Search Committee for the 10th Rector of St. Paul’s and was a principal author of the parish profile. In addition, she has served on the Vestry and is currently a lector, usher, and member of the Flower Guild. She is a docent at Washington National Cathedral and on the Board of the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ). We are grateful for Ann’s commitment to worship and service and for her embodiment of the Eucharistic command “to love and serve the Lord.”
Richard Marks, Episcopal Church of the Ascension
A member of Ascension for over 30 years, Richard “Dick” Marks has faithfully served our parish in many leadership positions. Among are Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Vestry member, Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Rector Search Committee member, Choir Member, Lector, Seminarian Committee member, and Outreach Facilitators group member. Currently, Dick is once again serving as Junior Warden. During his current term, Dick has worked diligently to ensure that all of the church’s equipment – furnace, elevator, fire alarm system, etc. – are in good working order and up to code; has supervised the upkeep and beautification of our grounds and Memorial Garden; and is active in our Capital Campaign, assessing building needs and researching licensed contractors. Dick also currently serves on the Outreach Committee and is very active in local, national, and global social justice ministries, his particular passions being AIM (Action in Montgomery), NRCAT (the National Religious Coalition Against Torture), the diocese’s companion relationship with Honduras, eradicating racism and fostering racial reconciliation, advocating for stricter gun legislation, supporting our Muslim neighbors who are being targeted and discriminated against, and supporting Syrian refugees. In sum, Dick is a gift, offering generously his time, talent, and treasure to the glory of God, and to Ascension, the diocese, the surrounding community, and the world.
Judith Mayotte, Washington National Cathedral
Judy Mayotte came to Washington National Cathedral a little over four years ago upon moving from Cape Town, South Africa. In that rather brief time she has found herself at the center of life in this dynamic place of Christian community, witness, and worship. Judy’s presence and beautiful faith are immediately recognizable upon meeting her. In a word, she is the light of any room and people simply want to be with her. She has a very welcoming and inviting presence and with that is a wonderful ambassador for the Cathedral. Judy has also been quite active in the life of the Cathedral. She serves on the Christian Formation Committee and has taught many courses, most recently one on the environment that centered on Laudate Si, by Pope Francis. She was also responsible for a day-long conference with the Cathedral and St Alban’s Church on “Caring for Creation in a Changing Climate.” Her outreach ministry has been with Friendship Place and Martha’s Table. In addition, she has convened and chaired the Seminarian Committee providing community, guidance, and good counsel for the Cathedral seminarian and helping to prepare them for ordination. In addition she has served on committees devoted to helping others discern for a vocation in the priesthood. With her warm and generous spirit, Judy is a friend to many at the National Cathedral and welcoming to all who come to us. She is a truly a bearer of the light of Christ.
Mary L. Miers, St. James’ Episcopal Church
In Mary Loosbrock Miers, St. James’ has a devoted leader and lay minister. Raised in Montgomery County and educated in Catholic schools, Mary went to Cornell University, then returned home for a distinguished career in government as a program analyst. Mary worked in congressional relations, strategic planning, science policy analysis, and many writing tasks, rising to Branch Chief. She and husband John raised three daughters in the Episcopal Church, joining us in 1982. Mary has served St. James’ as vestry member, Jr. Warden, and three-time (and current) Sr. Warden. Her wardenship is important as we search for a new rector. Having been chair of a Profile Committee, Mary is well¬-prepared for guiding us through the process. Mary sings in the choir, heads the Flower Guild (her “therapy”), edits the newsletter, and serves as LEM and Lay Pastoral Visitor, visiting the hospitalized and homebound. Mary is committed to “paying it forward” as she puts it. After two challenging events, Mary poured herself back into service. Returning from an alumni weekend in 2006, Mary was in a horrific accident requiring months of intensive care, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. With her husband as supporter and partner, she continued ministry as soon as possible. The unexpected illness and death of John in 2011 kept her committed to her ministries. In 2013 she walked the Camino de Santiago, finding God’s guidance and showing her recovery. Mary wants to serve “with God’s help.” St. James’ is grateful that she serves among us.
H. Clay Miller, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Bethesda
H. Clay Miller is involved in many aspects of life at St. Luke’s Church in Bethesda. Most volunteers specialize in one or at most two activities, but Clay is a true “Renaissance Man” with an involvement in many different areas of the church’s life, from the weekly social time to the ongoing financial affairs and a continuing commitment to helping those in need. Most of Clay’s work is behind the scenes and not obvious. His one very public volunteer activity at St. Luke’s has been as the chair of the Outreach Committee. For years, Clay has worked to advocate for financial resources in the parish budget, which are then distributed to designated social service agencies. To help us learn more about these various agencies, Clay developed a program called “Outreach Concern of the Month” highlighting a different need in the local community or abroad that could use our financial resources, our services, or just our awareness. He has arranged for our church to provide a meal to the Children’s Inn at NIH, coats, hats and gloves to Bethesda Cares, food items to Bethesda Help, a week of meals at the Community Based Shelter for Women, a home-cooked meal for the Men’s Shelter once a month and many other activities. All of these programs required the organizing talents of Clay to find the volunteers to staff them and if there is a void, he does the work himself. As befits a retired math teacher, Clay is in charge of the teams of counters, volunteers who meet after the services each week to process and deposit donations received that day. For years he was also a member of the Finance Committee, which advises the Vestry on long-term planning for the church. All of these volunteer activities take place very much behind the scenes and work smoothly because Clay organizes them without fail. Lastly, he is the organizer of coffee hour, a team of volunteers who are charged with providing refreshments for the time after the two Sunday services. He tirelessly recruits volunteers, provides instructions on what to do and oversees the ordering and storing of all supplies. This alone is a full-time volunteer job. We at St. Luke’s are proud to nominate Clay Miller for the Senior Celebration!
Shirley Montague, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church
On any given Sunday at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Shirley Montague might be found reverently bearing the cross in procession. When the Peace is exchanged, she slips away to check on the refreshments for coffee hour. Shirley is both Mary and Martha, a seamless blend of devotion to God and service to others. At home, she mothers a colony of stray cats. On special occasions her artistry transforms the parish hall to a place of festivity. She works wonders with wild grasses and flowers gleaned from the roadside. She finds peace in beauty and order, in the liturgy and in her surroundings. Shirley joined St. Timothy’s in 1989 and quietly, modestly became an indispensable member. She was confirmed by Bishop Haines in 1993. She was born Shirley Ann Williams, in 1943, in Williamstown, a section of Williamsburg, Virginia named after her long-established family. After a year at Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina, she came to Washington, DC and finished her education at the Cortez W. Peters Business School. She enjoyed a long career in health care administration. In 1970 Shirley married Herman Leslie “Monnie” Montague, “my friend, my lover, my husband.” They enjoyed a rich and happy life together until his death in 2008. Biking was a favorite pastime, especially at the Tidal Basin during cherry blossom time. Shirley’s life teaches discipleship. St. Timothy’s honors her ministry.
Nathaniel Moore, Peoples Congregational UCC
Nathaniel Moore has been a member of Peoples Congregational UCC for more than 50 years. He has always been an active and dedicated member serving in many capacities as an outstanding volunteer and leader. He can be found at the church almost daily working with the Food Pantry, supervising activities of the kitchen and events in the Fellowship Hall. He also helps to coordinate the distribution of food each Friday to needy families and for Thanksgiving and Christmas he oversees the distribution of food packages to more than 400 families. In addition Nathaniel provides food for homeless shelters. He still finds time to work with groups and organizations within the church including the Music Aid Circle, the Music and Arts Committee, the Peoples Jazz Society, and the Chancel Choir. Peoples Congregational UCC is pleased to nominate Nathaniel Moore as an Honoree for the 2016 Service of Senior Celebration.
Glenda Neal, Christ Congregational Church
Glenda Neal has volunteered all of her life, mostly with children. She began by teaching Sunday School at Takoma Park Baptist Church in the 1960s and by tutoring third and fourth grade students. After joining Christ Congregational Church (CCC) in 1972, she taught Sunday School, provided child care for meetings, served on boards, including Deacons, Sanctuary Committee, Board for Church Life and the Christian Education Board, which she chaired in 1990. Glenda made many of the Christmas tree ornaments after introducing the Chrismons to CCC. She has led Chrismon workshops for CCC as well as numerous other churches from Vinemont, Alabama to most recently, one at Seneca Valley Congregational Church in Germantown, Maryland. As a retired preschool teacher and director, she used her talents and love of children to design a Parent’s Night Out program. She ran this cooperative child care program for almost 25 years. She also taught Parenting Classes at CCC, in her home, and in area preschools. After her retirement, Glenda provided care for her grandsons, volunteering in their schools from preschool to fifth grade. She also volunteered in Vacation Bible School. Recently she has volunteered in her former preschool and Burnt Mills Elementary School. The recent loss of her husband, selling her home, and moving to a retirement community has occupied Glenda’s time this past year. In the near future, Glenda looks forward to once again volunteering in the Christ Congregational Church nursery and to provide child care for church meetings.
Joanne Noll, Christ Lutheran Church
Joanne Noll has been an extraordinary member of our church for decades. She was church secretary, congregation president, on the church council and more. She fell in love with another congregant, married Cal and raised two fine sons in our church. She has served as the chief steward for the building and grounds, as well as the chief honcho for our annual yard sale of 33 years, now the main income source for our church’s social outreach ministry. She uses her many creative talents as a decorator and as a clown to host pancake suppers, strawberry festivals, and silent auctions, always bringing fun and people together. Her old car has carried many collectibles from estate sales for our yard sales. Her resources are infinite for when such as wheelchairs are needed. And her casseroles are great addition to the parish lunches. Her organizational talents, creativity and hard work have been such a blessing to our congregation!
Mary Potter, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Mary Potter has been tireless in her service and ministry to the hungry and homeless in our region. She has coordinated our “Warm Nights” shelter for many years, mobilizing volunteers and managing the hard work of running a homeless shelter one to two weeks every winter. Mary’s involvement with the Community Crisis Services, Inc. organization (which oversees the Warm Nights program in Prince George’s County) has enhanced the work of that program and the care of homeless men, women and children in our county. Through the years, Mary has also helped to plan, prepare, and serve hot lunches as part of the “Loaves and Fishes” program at St. Andrew’s, which takes place the first and fifth Sunday every month. Mary is a caregiver who ministers to the wounded Christ among us. She contributes, in both a formal and informal way, to the pastoral care of our members, through pastoral visits, arranging meals and driving individuals to doctors’ appointments. Mary has also played a vital role in liturgy and Christian formation. She has served as chair and member of Altar Guild, sung in the choir, and helped with our children’s programs. Mary is one of the saints among us who can be counted on to help organize special events and receptions, and to reach out to those on the margins of our parish. Mary would rather not be singled out for this honor, which says a lot about her servant’s heart and explains why it is an honor for us to honor her in this way.
Nathan R. Queen, Faith United Church of Christ
Nathan Queen is involved with every aspect of Faith United Church of Christ. Currently he is the church Treasurer and works monthly with our Mobile Food Pantry. He is a member of the Faith Usher Board and teaches fire safety and ensures that we have fire and shelter-in-place drills. He is a retired firefighter and former president of the Black Fire Fighters Association. He is also a veteran of the U. S. Marine Corps. He is active in the Washington, DC community with groups such as United Black Fund, the Congressional Black Caucus, and Zion Baptist Church. Nathan has served on the Board of Directors of the Central Atlantic Conference (CAC) UCC and chaired the Mission and Vision committee. Currently he is a member of the Annual Meeting Task Force of the CAC UCC. This group plans the annual meeting conference for the UCC churches in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and a portion of West Virginia.
Carlin Rankin, St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church
Carlin Rankin is a passionate Episcopalian who has worked throughout the church for the full inclusion of women and the use of expansive language in liturgy. As a member of St. Margaret’s, Carlin has been a tireless voice for mission and outreach, both in our community and internationally. She has traveled to Honduras and Cuba in order to raise awareness of the needs of Christians in those communities. Every year, Carlin gives many hours to St. Margaret’s Annual Rummage Sale that provides low cost clothing and housewares for the Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan communities. In addition to serving on St. Margaret’s Vestry, Carlin also serves on the board of PAL (People. Animals. Love.), a local non-profit dedicated to making people’s lives better through interaction with animals. She and her dog Clover are great ambassadors at St. Margaret’s annual celebration of St. Francis’ Day.
Eula Ratliff, Seabury Resources for Aging, Ward 6
Ms. Ratliff is 80 years old and has volunteered at Greenleaf Senior Center for over four years. She is committed to service and always goes beyond the call of duty for the seniors of Ward 6. Despite her schedule she always remain dedicated to the seniors and staff. She always goes the extra mile to ensure that all participants at the site are provided a quality service. The staff recognizes that her commitment goes beyond just showing up to the senior center and for that reason we recognize and celebrate her as Ward 6 volunteer of the year.
Marguerite Sayles, Christ Episcopal Church, Kensington
Marguerite Sayles has led the Women of Christ Church in the past few years, keeping touch with all the participants and making sure they feel connected to the church and engaged in ministry. We salute her dedication!
Grace and Michael Shirey, Grace Episcopal Church, Silver Spring
Grace and Mike have been involved in so many ministries over the years. Mike grew up at Grace Church and has done everything from acolyte to serving on Vestry. Grace, too, has been a key leader in many areas. Perhaps most notably they have been tremendously involved in the Pennyworth Shop, our thrift store in downtown Silver Spring and the longest running ministry of Grace Church. They have served Pennyworth in many different capacities, and I am not sure where Pennyworth would be without the dedication of Grace and Mike.
Sterling Tucker, Trinity Episcopal Church, DC
Trinity is the home church to history maker Sterling Tucker, a civil rights leader who served as the first Chairman of the DC City Council, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, head of the Washington DC Chapter of the Urban League, and the Drug Czar of Washington, DC. During the 1960s, Sterling Tucker served on the Diocesan Standing Committee and worked with fellow activists Suffragan Bishop Paul Moore, Father William Wendt of St. Stephens & the Incarnation, and others to get the Episcopal Diocese more actively involved in the Civil Rights movement. One accomplishment was the establishment of a position focusing on civil rights issues. In the early 2000s, Mr. Tucker was a founding member and first Chair of the Trinity Development Corporation (TDC), a leading provider of HIV/AIDS education and prevention services in Washington, DC. He helped organize the efforts of 75 churches to get involved with HIV/AIDS programs in the city. TDC also raised funds for such programming for about six churches. Mr. Tucker has served on the Vestry and as head of the Men of Trinity (an outreach organization that serves the Church through programs, speakers and general support of church activities). He currently serves on Trinity’s Capital Campaign committee. Mr. Tucker chaired the search committee that called for Father Harmon to be the Rector of Trinity Church. He also headed the transition committee and co-convened sessions for Father Harmon to hear the concerns of the congregation.
Ruby Van Croft, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, DC
Ruby Van Croft has been active at the parish, diocese, province, and national level. She served on the vestry, and as a LEM, lector, chalice bearer, President of the ECW, and Sunday School Teacher. In the diocese, she served on the ECW Board, the Personnel Committee, as Representative to Province 3, and as Assistant Secretary for the Convention. She was Vice President of the Province and President of the Province 3 ECW. She was also Provincial 3 Representative to the National ECW Board.
Eleanor (‘Ellie’) Wheeler, Knollwood Episcopal Congregation
Ellie Wheeler serves as altar guild head for the Episcopal congregation at Knollwood, the Army Distaff Foundation’s military retirement community near Rock Creek Park. She is also a member of Knollwood’s ecumenical Chapel Committee, serving as a greeter, assisting with memorial services, and bringing Communion to residents unable to attend services. She has coordinated many social events related to Knollwood’s faith community, including a recent reception to celebrate the first ever Visitation of Bishop Magness, Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Forces and Federal Ministries. Ellie is a cradle Episcopalian, while her late husband, Col. Bernard ‘Barney’ Wheeler, became an Episcopalian after their marriage. Commented Ellie, “We were a typical Episcopalian military family. My husband was confirmed at Fort Benning, having been raised in the Baptist tradition; our daughters were confirmed at Fort Leavenworth. By the time Barney and I reached Knollwood, we had moved 31 times!” After retiring from active duty, the Wheelers first moved to Saudi Arabia, then to the Greater Washington Area, and eventually to Columbus, Georgia, where Ellie served for over 20 years in many capacities – including as altar guild team captain – at her “beloved Trinity Church.” From making Palm Sunday crosses, to laundering linens, to fundraising, to making church bazaar gifts, Ellie has done it all. She remarks, only half in jest, “Did I mention the polishing?!” In retirement, Ellie fulfilled a lifelong dream to make a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral. One of her projects for 2016 is reading the Bible through from Genesis to Revelation. Ellie’s reverence for preparing God’s table is reflected in the elegance and beauty of the Knollwood chapel’s chancel. We are grateful for her loving service.
Floyd White, Church of the Atonement
Floyd White has been a contributing member of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement for over 60 years. In the early years when Atonement was still a Parish, he was involved in the Men’s Club. Since then he has held positions on the Vestry, Usher Board, and Counting Team. Today, at 93, he remains active in the Brotherhood of St. Andrew and the Men’s Club. Down through the years, the Episcopal Church of the Atonement has served as his church home and family. It continues to ground and sustain him.
Rosa Wilson, Lincoln Congregational UCC
Rosa Wilson has been an active and dedicated member of Lincoln Congregational UCC for more than 40 years. During that time she has assumed many responsibilities and participated in numerous groups and activities in the life of the church, including the Women’s Fellowship, Sunday School, the Lincoln Reporter, the United Black Christians, and continues to sing with the choirs. Because of Rosa, members and guest worshipers can look forward to a delicious repast following each Sunday service. With the help of her two daughters, she decorates, prepares and serves food for special occasions in the church such as Homecoming Sunday, Ash Wednesday, and the Potomac Association Spring Meeting. She also visits sick and shut-in members and prepares and delivers meals to them when needed. Rosa demonstrates her spiritual commitment by living each day to the fullest according to God’s Word. She is a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, church member, and friend, someone who loves to help others with no expectation of anything in return. She is a truly remarkable woman. It is with pleasure that the Lincoln Congregational Temple UCC nominates Rosa W. Wilson as an Honoree at the Service of Senior Celebration.
Venus Wren, St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
Venus Wren has been a member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Adelphi Parish for over 30 years. She has served our congregation in numerous capacities: member of the Choir, Vestry, Sunday School Teacher, Altar Guild, Vacation Bible School Assistant and organizing member of several events. Ms. Wren’s love for children and her dedication to St. Michael’s has been unmatched. She was for some years the only Sunday School Teacher, teaching Sunday School every Sunday, in a one-room classroom, to an average of 25 children ranging in age from 2 to 12. Whether it was her homemade ice-cream at Maypole observances or delightful baked goods at church functions, Ms. Wren’s creations were always the best. Despite all her contributions to St. Michael’s parish life, Ms. Venus remained a silent worker and one of our unsung heroines who deserves to be recognized for enriching our church family life.
