W. FRANKLYN RICHARDSONCELEBRATING

40YEARS OF GRACE: A PASTOR AND HIS PEOPLE

40 YEARS AS SENIOR PASTOR OF GRACE

52 SOUTH SIXTH AVENUEMOUNT VERNON, NY 10550

PHONE: (914) 664-2676FAX: (914) 664-2833

WWW.GRACECHURCHTODAY.ORG

THE CALL TO WORSHIPHow then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard ? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach

the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Praise ye the Lord!

GRACE AT WORSHIPSunday, April 12, 2015

WORSHIP LEADERSErica James (7:30a.m.); Ruth Lugo (9:30a.m.); Jim Pruitt (11:30a.m.); Kayla Suarez (6:00p.m.)

THE HYMN OF PRAISE“How Firm A Foundation”

THE INVOCATION7:30a.m. - Deacon Evelyn Edwards

9:30a.m. - Deacon Raymond Barclay11:30a.m. - Deacon Felicia Hackett6:00p.m. - Deacon Mytle Mitchell

*THE RESPONSIVE READING7:30a.m. - David Fears

9:30a.m. - Yazmin Sweeting11:30a.m. - Sharon Laviscount

6:00p.m. - LaToya McNair

*THE INSPIRATIONAL HYMN “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

WORDS OF WELCOME7:30a.m. - Sydney Edwards9:30a.m. - Vanessa Granby11:30a.m. - Owen Burnside

6:00p.m. - Suzette Oyeku-Jones

CONCERNS OF THE PARISH

REFLECTIONS7:30a.m. - Derrick James9:30a.m. - Andre Artis, Sr.

11:30a.m. - Orchid Richardson6:00p.m. - Mary Dolberry

PRESENTATION OF GOD’S TITHES & OUR OFFERINGS

*THE OFFERTORY “All Things Come of Thee, O Lord, and of Thine own

have we given Thee.” Amen.

SACRED MUSICThe Men of Praise

*THE HYMN OF PREPARATION“Amazing Grace”

THE SERMON7:30a.m.

Reverend Johnnie G. McCannSt. Luke Baptist Church

New York, New York

9:30a.m. & 11:30a.m. Dr. Jawanza K. Colvin

Olivet Institutional Baptist Church Cleveland, Ohio

6:00p.m.Pastor Michael A. Waldron, Jr.

& CongregationFirst Corinthian Baptist Church

New York, New York

THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE

*Please Stand

40TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS • APRIL 12 - JUNE 14, 2015

W. FRANKLYN RICHARDSONCELEBRATING

40YEARS OF GRACE: A PASTOR AND HIS PEOPLE

SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015Pulpit Series• 7:30AM - Dr. J. G. McCann• 9:30 & 11:30AM - Dr. Jawanza Colvin• 6:00PM - Pastor Michael A. Waldron & Congregation

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015Community Night• 7:00PM - Town Hall featuring Rev. Al Sharpton

SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015Pulpit Series• 7:30AM - Rev. Reginald Bachus• 9:30AM - Rev. William F. Richardson, III• 11:30AM - Dr. Dwight C. Jones• 6:00PM - Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey & Congregation

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2015 (May is the Season of Women)Women’s Ministry Honors the First Lady of Grace, Mrs. Inez Richardson• 12:00PM - 3:00PM - 40th Anniversary Luncheon in honor

of Mrs. Inez Richardson

SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2015Pulpit Series: Annual Day• Host & Hostess & Birthday Ministries Annual Day

FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015Women’s Ministry with Honor Our First Lady of Grace, Mrs. Inez Richardson • 7:00pm – 9:00pm - “Steppin’ With Our First Lady”

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015Women’s Ministry Hosts Inaugural Jazz Vesper Night • 7:00pm - Special Guest Artist : Rev. Kim Jordan

SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015Pulpit Series: Convocation Sunday

SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2015Pulpit Series

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 201440th Anniversary Premier Musical Concert

SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 201440th Anniversary All-White Benefit

JOIN US! DON’T MISS IT!WE INVITE YOU ALL TO

For more information, contact Deacon Richard Thompson at (917) 270-7672 or a member of the

40th Anniversary Committee at (914) 664-2676 or via email: gracejournal2015@gmail.com.

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PEA

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McCann Colvin

Richardson

Lacey

SharptonWaldron

Jones

Bachus

WORDS FROM OUR PASTORWE WELCOME TO THE PULPIT

My Loved Ones ,

How does one begin to capture a reflection of 40 years? The most formative issues of my career have taken place in the past four decades as pastor of Grace. Majestic mountains, deep valleys, glorious sunshine and impenetrable clouds, laughter and tears, births and deaths, the paradoxes of life - we have endured them all. There is a word which captures my feelings as I reflect on my sojourn at Grace. That word is gratitude! I come to this moment overcome with gratitude . Thankful to almighty God for His provision, protection and everlasting presence in my life. I have never felt alone one day during these past forty years. He has always been accessible. He has provided my every need, “morning by morning, new mercies I see. All I have ever needed His hand has provided” and I am ever thankful for God’s anointing on my life.

I am also extremely grateful for the great people I found here at Grace 40 years ago, as well as those that God has added since I arrived . No pastor could have a more dedicated, generous and loving congregation than I have served these many years. Moreover, my life in ministry has been attended to by a wonderful family! I’ve been blessed with an extraordinarily devoted wife, Inez, prayerful parents and loving children. They all have contributed enormously to my developement and growth. As you can see, the dominate emotion I feel today is GRATITUDE. It is a gratitude grounded in GRACE! Unearned Divine favor! So, please join me as we celebrate God’s faithfulness with pregnant anticipa-tion as we trust God’s promise about our future! He is not finish with us yet! Hallelujah !!!

Love,

Pastor

The Reverend Dr. J. G. McCann, Sr., is a Bronx native, one of the eight children born to the late Ruben O. McCann, Sr. and the late Frances L. Spencer. Dr. McCann, who is also referred to as “Johnnie,” was called to preach God’s Word on January 8, 1981. He started his ministry as a Youth Minister at the Thessalonia Baptist Church in the Bronx. Since his initial call to preach, he has always possessed a deep fervor for evangelical preaching. Dr. McCann was licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ on June 12, 1983 by the Thessalonia Baptist Church in the Bronx under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Shellie Sampson, Jr. He was later ordained under the same leadership of Dr. Sampson on February 1, 1985. On December 17, 1984, Dr. McCann was called to be the Pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York. On December 30, 1992, the St. Luke Baptist Church Family of Harlem, New York, overwhelmingly voted and called on him as their Pastor. He graciously received and agreed to this call. Dr. McCann is a multi-faceted young man who is active and involved in many organizations such as the Hampton Ministers’ Conference of Virginia; several Ministers Conferences in New York; and Phi Beta Sigma Incorporated, Beta Psi Sigma Chapter.

The Reverend Dr. Jawanza Karriem Colvin is the 6th pastor of the Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland, OH. As servant-leader of this 4,000 member congregation, Reverend Colvin follows in its historic tradition of community builders, preacher-scholars and social activists. Reverend Colvin is a cum laude graduate of Morehouse College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Religion and History. He earned a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He also holds a Doctorate of Education (ED.D.) in Organization and Leadership from Columbia University. Committed to service in both the public square and within sacred walls, Reverend Colvin continues to serve on numerous community and faith-based organization, advisory boards, committees and working groups. As a founding co-chair of Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC), the largest multi-racial, interfaith coalition in northeast Ohio, he worked to bring together churches, mosques, synagogues and temples to address issues of health care, criminal justice, hunger/sustainability, job-creation and education throughout the state and region. Reverend Colvin has distinguished as preacher and leader, having been the recipient of numerous honors and citations noting his commitment to Christian ministry, scholarship and service.

Michael A. Walrond, Jr. is the Senior Pastor of First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC) in Harlem, New York. Walrond—affectionately known as Pastor Mike—is quickly rising as one of the most prolific and sought-after teachers and preachers in the country. Considered a visionary, cultural architect, and game-changer by his peers, Pastor Mike has not only catalytically changed the traditional prospective of black church, but he is innovatively shifting the paradigm of Christian understanding and culture. Within two years of his leadership at FCBC, the church experienced exponential growth, tripling its membership. Over the past ten years, membership at FCBC has grown from 300 to 9,000 members. Pastor Mike is a graduate of Morehouse College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. He continued his studies at Duke University School of Divinity as a Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholar and earned a Master of Divinity degree with a focus in Theology. He served Duke University as the University Minis-ter and Director of the African American Campus Ministry for eight years. Pastor Mike served as the Senior Pastor of Zion Temple United Church of Christ in Durham, North Carolina for eight years. He is a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the Morehouse College Alumni Association.

7:30 AM

9:30AM & 11:30AM

6:00PM

WORDS TO OUR PASTOR IN GOD’S GRACE & LOVING CARE

I want to thank God for 40 years of an intimate love affair with Pastor W. Franklyn Richardson and the Richardson family. We want to state boldly how much we love you and we want to state it publicly. It has been a great journey for us over these 40 years and the relationship is as fresh and vibrant as it was in year one. As a flock we give God the greatest praise for sending us a shepherd such as you. A shepherd who for the past 40 years has led us to higher heights and deeper depths in our faith and in our knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through your preaching, teaching, and witness, not only has Grace Baptist Church been blessed, but the world at large has been enriched, by your salvific ministry. When we say we love you, our words are an inadequate manifestation of our true feelings, but “love is patient, love is kind, does not envy, does not seek its own, is

not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, and love never fails.” The men of this church use you as a measuring stick and role model to look up to, to follow and emulate. From you we have learned how to love each other and love others. Men didn’t always have a history of demon-strating healthy and nurturing love for other men, and as a result of your love for us, we certainly have a stronger Men’s ministry in Grace Baptist church. Despite a number of strong men in our church and it’s history, The backbone of Grace has always been the women, going back to when the church was founded by the five women. The tradition of women in leader-ship roles in our church continues today and we are a stronger church now than ever before because your ministry ministers to the whole family, and a family that prays together stays together. The Deacons are overwhelmingly in love with you Pastor. Because of your tremendous leadership, guidance, and insight, you keep us on the cutting edge of tending the flock, caring for God’s people, and addressing the concerns of the congregation, helping us to meet them in their place of need. Everyone knows that the Youth and young adults, not only of this church, but of this community have always been near and dear to your heart. It’s always been a high priority for you to help our young people find their way and stay focused on what’s important on their journey. By placing such a high emphasis on education in their lives, you have made room for their input, growth, and development in worship and in the life of the church. The future of our church is assured because of the investments you have made in our youth and young adults. Our ministry at Grace encompasses the full spectrum of life, and our seniors are a big part of that. While modern day society would push them away, the empathy you show to build affordable housing for them and provide a safe and loving environment for them to thrive, ensures their golden years are lived with the dignity they rightfully deserve. Time and space will not permit further elaboration on all the things you do for us, but whatever the issues are that concern and confront our community, city, state, and nation, you are never afraid to seek God’s voice and then speak publicly about it, after being led by the Holy Spirit. That is exactly what God calls us to do. When and where there is injustice, we are to oppose it, and fight against it. We admire you for being such an outspoken advocate for those people, who have no voice, because to you people matter. As we begin the next chapter in the book of Pastor and People, may our prayers, and well wishes serve as fuel for the journey as we follow you as you continue to follow God, knowing all the while that we’ve come this far by faith.

Richard Thompson Chairperson Deacons Ministry

Praise God for 125 yearsof unbroken service

and faithfulness.Deacons Richard and Dorothy Thompson and Family

R & R SECURITYRespectable and Reliable Security

RICHARD THOMPSON, CEOMt. Vernon, New York 10552

(914) 664-0894 (917) 270-7672 Cell

SICK AT HOMEAudrey GlenCatherine & William WashingtonEthel WashingtonEthelyn McCallaErnestine JohnsonFredoner WilkesGeorge BernardGeraldine GeorgeGwendolyn GallishawJoan DeGraceJohn ColeJosephine HendersonJulia WilsonDeacon Lance ChambersLeola McMillianLinwood HartmanLuvenia BoylanMary GardnerPatricia CashRachael RobertsRobert ChambersRosalie McMillianVonetta HairstonWanda FerreeZessie H. Blakeney

NURSING HOMESBainbridge Health Care CtrGeorgia Kokason

Beth Abraham Nursing HomeTheola Watson

Dumont Masonic HomeNorman Williams

Glen Island RehabCarolyn Smith

Greenwichwood Health CareErnest Ricketts

Mohegan Park Home For AdultsHelen Juanita Spear-Jones

Sans Souci Rehab CtrRaymond I. Jones

Shaffer Extended Care CtrVelma BrackettHelen Goodman

Medora (Joy) RobinsonLillie Wilson

Split Rock Nursing HomeMinnie Lineberger

Sutton Park RehabGrace Byers

United Hebrew Geriatric CtrRose Henderson

Wartburg Nursing HomeCora Ricks

Fred BullockInes Baker

Ivolette HutchinsonJuanita Hewlin (Sweets)

Mildred Rushie

Wartburg Rehab CenterShelia Mack

Westchester RehabRuby Burnham

Shirley GreenMary Redd

Dennis Wilson

EXTENDED CHURCH FAMILYBrenda Carmicheal -Split Rock NHEula Boyles-Hoefer-Columbia, SCJames Sheppard – St Joseph NH

Deacon Minnie Ruth SeatonPhyllis Brown – Springfield, MA

Rosalind O’Neal

DATE/TIME MINISTRY ANNOUNCEMENT/EVENTSun. 9:30 a.m.Mon. 7:00 p.m.

New DisciplesClass Schedule

Lesson 1: 1st Sun & 1st Mon of the monthLesson 2: 2nd Sun & 2nd Mon of the monthLesson 3: 3rd Sun & 3rd Mon of the monthLesson 4: 4th Sun & 4th Mon of the month

April 2015 April marks the highpoint of our Passion to Pente-cost Season and launches the celebratory period of Dr. Richardson’s 40th Pastoral Anniversary!

This week in April we celebrate Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday, the pinnacle occurance in Christian faith. Today, we also begin the celebration of our pastor’s, Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, 40th Anniversary as shephard of Grace Baptist Church. We hope that you will join us to celebrate “40 Years of Grace: A Pastor and His People” from April 12 - June 14, 2015!

Sun, Apr 12 Pastor’s 40th Anniversary Celebration Begins

Get ready to celebrate Reverend Richardson’s 40th Pastoral Anniversary April 12 - June 14! Come out and celebrate “40 Years of Grace: A Pastor and His People!”

Sun, Apr 12 Nursery Angels Ministry Needs Volunteers!

The Nursery Angels serves young children ages 0-3 on the first, second, third and fifth Sundays. Volunteers are urgently needed. If you are able to assist please contact Tracy Austin at 347-734-1459 or Tina Harper (President) 914-843-3356.

Mon, Apr 13 Health Awareness & Prevention

Join Dr. Aisha Primm for Zumba this Monday at 7:00 p.m. Come out and get fit!

Mon, Apr 13 Station of Hope Family Members with loved ones who are incarcerated are invited to join our monthly support group this Monday and the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00p.m.

Wed, Apr 15 Pastor’s 40th Anniversary Event: Community Night

Join Reverend Al Sharpton as he delivers a powerful keynote address in honor of Dr. Richardson’s commitment to community, people and faith. Don’t miss this exciting event in the life of our church and our pastor as we celebrate, “40 Years of Grace: A Pastor and His People!”

Sun, April 19 Pastor’s 40th Anniversary Celebration Continues

We welcome to the pulpit Rev. Reginald Bachus, Rev. William Richardson, III, Dr. Dwight C. Jones, and Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey & Congregation to help us continue the celebration of Pastor Richardson’s 40th Anniversary at Grace. Don’t miss it!

Thurs, Apr 23 Youth Ministry: Job Shadow Day

You can help change the trajectory of a child’s life by hosting a unique opportunity to open the door and give and GBC youth a peek inside and industry/career that they are interested in pursuing! Volunteer today! For more information, please contact Leslie Cousins at (646) 245-3898 or Phyllis Cole-Hollis at (914) 246-1622.