54th District Council in NEW YORK CITY

“I am the light of the world.” John 8:12
Liberty
Where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is
2 Corinthians 3:17
54th District Council
in NEW YORK CITY
O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e N ew Yo r k D i s t r i c t o f t h e A s s e m b l i e s o f G o d
SPRING 2008
VOLUME 54 • NUMBER 1
DISTRICT SPRING CALENDAR
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
MARCH
1 Pastor’s Wives &
2
3 Sectional Council:
9
10
Queens, Capital,
Hudson Valley,
N. Central, Lakeshore
4 Sectional Council:
Women Credential
Holders Retreat; Trinity
AG Liverpool
L. Island, Brooklyn/Sl,
Northeast, S. Central,
Central, Southern Tier,
Western
5
6
11
12
13
BGMC Day
7
Sectional Council:
BMW – Crossway
Christian Ctr, Bronx
Resolutions
Committee Meeting
Executive Presbytery
17
18
19
8
Girls Ministry Sponsor Retreat - Sheraton Syr. Univ.
14
20
15
Women’s Ministries Team Meeting; District Office
12–15: National Royal Ranger Council; Springfield, MO
16
World Day of Prayer
21 Good Friday
22
(District Office Closed)
Palm Sunday
20–22: Youth Convention, Syracuse
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
31
1
2
3
4
5 WM Spring Rally
Easter Sunday
APRIL
30
6
7
8
13
14
20
Women’s & Girls
Ministries Quarterly
Reports Due
WM Spring Rally
Western @ 10:30 am;
Oak Orchard
District Royal Rangers Council
Central, Capital,
BMW, N. Central
9
10
11
12
15
16
17
18
19
21
22
23
24
25
26 WM Spring Rally
28
29
30
1
2
3
9
10
Secretary/Treasurer
Orientation
@ District Office
National Youth Day
27
WM Spring Rally
Lakeshore @ 6:30 pm;
Burgundy Basin Inn
Administrative
Professional’s Day
New Credential
Holder’s Orientation;
District Office
WM Spring Rally
Hudson Valley
WM Spring Rally
Northeast, Southern Tier
Queens, Long Island,
Brooklyn/SI,
South Central
National Day of Prayer
5 District Presbytery
4
LFTL Day
Full Gospel N. Y. Church
Flushing
6
4–6: RR – FCF Swap Meet; Greene
M AY
7
8
6–8: District Council: Full Gospel New York Church, Flushing
4–10: National Family Week
11 Mother’s Day
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Pentecost Sunday
World AG Fellowship
Day of Prayer
20–31: Experience Zambia Missions Trip (w/ Nancy Clark)
25
26 Memorial Day
District Office closed
27
28
29
30
31
Teen Girls Ministry Retreat; Iroquois Spring Camp
20–31: Experience Zambia Missions Trip (w/ Nancy Clark)
ECCLESIASTES 3:1 TO EVERY THING THERE IS A SEASON, AND A TIME TO EVERY PURPOSE UNDER THE HEAVEN:
SECRETARY/TREASURER
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21
AVAILABLE FOR MINISTRY
CAPITAL
Noel Crombout - 518-393-1247
Margie Overly - 518-781-3083
Lawrence Schertel - 518-784-5695
Jim Steffens Sr. - 917-903-2383
CENTRAL
Bruce Green - 315-568-2609
Terry Spiwak - 315-687-7635
Matthias Walcott - 315-652-7847
HUDSON VALLEY
Jerry Bricker - 845-342-2528
Douglas Loftis - 845-334-8640
Thomas Zahradnik - 845-452-8071
NEW YORK CITY
Timothy Dzindzio - 917-669-3100
Linda Goble - 212-362-8124
Philip LoPue - 631-231-9775
Phil Sessa - 646-773-1221
Robert Subjenski - 718-850-7535
NORTH CENTRAL
Stephen Battista - 315-583-9795
James Kushner - 315-265-0412
SOUTH CENTRAL
Alan Kessler - 607-625-2307
Paul Miller - 607-775-1903
Robert J. Paquet - 845-482-5864
Ina Warren - 607-756-4916
WESTERN
John Sperrazza - 716-693-5649
Transferred In
Cheryl Brewington (C) from Tenessee
Deborah R. Jonnes (L) from Minnesota
Allison Parker (Spec-L) from Penn-Del
Jeremy Ziegler (L) from Louisiana
Transferred Out
Rocky Burnett (O) to So. New England
Kevin Darby (O) to South Carolina
Grace Festa (L) to Pen-Florida
Justin Hansen (L) to Northwest District
Richard Johnson (O) to Peninsular Florida
Brian Kisler (C) to Penn-Del
Francis Mather (O) to Peninsular Florida
Douglas Suvino (O) to New Jersey
Carley Touchstone (O) to Southern MO
Resigned
Jozef Malinowski (C)
Reinstated
Joe Casey (L)
Charles Tesch (L)
Dismissed
Antonio Nastasi
WERNER KORDON RETIREMENT
MEARLE GROSSGLASS
MGROSSGLASS@NYDAG.ORG
Werner and Mabel Kordon
celebrating his 80th Birthday while being
honored after 54 years of pastoral leadership of Howard Beach Assembly of God.
Retirement Banquet was observed by
congregation, family, and friends on
Sunday, November 11, 2007.
Pastoral Changes
Timothy Adour
(Church of the Revelation, Bronx)
Paul Mead
Gospel Lighthouse, Hudson Falls
L. Nelson Naicker
El Bethel AG, Staten Island
Church Address Changes
New Life Assembly of God
PO Box 507
Oneida, NY 13421-3644
Assembly of God
172 Willis Avenue
Mineola NY 11501
(formerly Port Washington AG)
Church Closing
Perinton Assembly of God, Fairport
Deaf AG, Rochester
Church Location Change
New Hope Community Church
Meet at: 7th-Day Adventist Church
105 North Main St., Massena NY
13662
Church Name Change
Tabernacle of Hope Assembly of God
(Formerly Greenpoint AG)
S. Ozone Park, NY
LOCAL CHURCH CREDENTIAL
Reminder to all General Council affiliated assemblies who are anticipating
issuing “Local Church Credentials” after
January 1, 2008. A background check
processed through the district office is
now required by General Council. Cost is
$100 which includes a felony and credit
check. Contact District
Secretary/Treasurer’s Office for details.
IMPORTANT DATES
FOR CREDENTIAL APPLICANTS
July 28, 2008
Deadline for taking required
credential exam
September 11, 2008
Meeting of Credential
Interviewing Committee
(Exam must be completed before
scheduling of interview)
DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTIONS
Superintendent
Women’s Ministries Director
Women’s Ministries Assistant Director
Executive Presbyters
(Eastern & Metro)
District Presbyters
Four Nominations for
General Council Executive Presbytery
General Nominee (One must be a pastor)
General Nominee (One must be a pastor)
Ordained Minister under 40 Years of age
Ordained Woman
WITH THE LORD
Rev. Robert A. Canterbury
deceased 1/24/08
Robert W. Rook deceased 1/6/08
New Credential Holders
Dale Andrews (C)
T.R. Suresh Ebenezer (L)
Stephen Rahamatulla (C)
Curtis Thompson (L)
Matthias Walcott (Recog of Prev Ord)
SUPERINTENDANT
RANDOM THOTS
DUANE DURST
DPDURST@NYDAG.ORG
DISTRICT COUNCIL
District Council every year is like a family reunion. It is our one opportunity for the entire district family to meet together in one place
for worship, business, and most importantly, FELLOWSHIP! Many of you have already seen the information for the 54th annual New
York District Council at the Full Gospel New York Church / Promise Ministries in Flushing, Queens May 6-8. This is the first District
Council in New York City since 1982 when the Council was held at Bethlehem Assembly of God in Valley Stream. Pastor Nam Soo
Kim has graciously invited us to their great church. Pastors David Wilkerson and Carter Conlon of Times Square Church will be
sharing in the Ministers’ Seminar. “Brother Dave” will minister in the ordination service. Bishop David Huskins of the International
Communion of Charismatic Churches will be ministering in the Wednesday evening and Thursday services.
When one thinks of New York City there are many things that come to mind, especially for those who are rarely in the City: costs,
traffic, parking, to name a few. We have those covered. There is housing available for as little as $30 a night including breakfast at
NYSUM. Shuttle service from the Clarion Hotel (LaGuardia) will be provided for those who sign up for it. There is more parking at the
church than perhaps any other church in New York City. Meals will be available on site for lunch and dinner, Wednesday and Thursday.
Advancing the Vision Banquet Plans for the Wednesday night service have changed. We will be celebrating our Advancing the Vision
campaign for the Hills of Windsor at the church at 6:00 PM. All festivities will take place in the gymnasium of the church. Cost will
only be $10.00 per person for the evening. Advance registration is necessary for planning purposes. All churches in the Metro Region,
and from all over the state, are encouraged to bring their leadership team and church members. Seating will be limited to 1,000.
ONE FOR ONE CHURCHES
The following churches have committed to being “One for One” churches by committing 1% of all non-missions church income to
support district ministries to the local churches:
Batavia Assembly of God
Faith, Hope Love Assembly of God
Forest Hills Community Church
Granville Assembly of God
Kingsboro Assembly of God
Mercy Tabernacle
New Life Assembly of God
Penn Yan Assembly of God
Saratoga Assembly of God
Harvest Fellowship
Grace Assembly of God
Batavia
Brooklyn
Forest Hills, Queens
Granville
Gloversville
Hopewell Junction
Ogdensburg
Penn Yan
Saratoga Springs
Sodus
West Richmondville
(If your church has committed to being a “One for One” church and is not listed, please e-mail the office at jsanty@nydag.org )
SENIOR PASTORS
Caring for our pastors is an important aspect of keeping the church healthy. The pastor is not doing a job but giving his life. Unlike
almost any other profession, what a pastor does is who he/she is 24/7/365. All hours of the day and night he/she is available. One of the
things a church can do to bless their pastor is to make sure there is a regular day off. Secondly, make sure there is the time and resources
for the pastors’ family to vacation, as in “get away!” Finally, many of our churches are learning something that has blessed other
fellowships and that is a sabbatical policy. If the church is able, an additional compensated time off of 4 to 12 weeks every seven years
provides time for study, travel, and intellectual, spiritual and physical renewal. The General Presbytery just passed such a policy for the
General Council Leadership Team. A sample policy and further considerations are available by e-mailing my office: jsanty@nydag.org
MISSIONS
Moving Forward In Nyack!
NEW YORK DISTRICT
ITINERATING MISSIONARIES
WORLD MISSIONARIES
Rev. John & Rainy Dawn Blondo
(Northern Asia)
jpbnyc@aol.com
917-257-7936
On November 4, 2007 Laura and I
had the joy of ministry in the new
church plant in Nyack, Savior
Community Church. Pastor Frank
DeLalla and congregation continue
to move forward to reach this large
community. Please continue to pray
that multitudes will be reached and
discipled for the glory of God.
BILL KIRK
BKIRK@NYDAG.ORG
With pastor Frank & Erica Delalla
Kathryn Nelson (Netherlands)
Kathryn.nelson@ma.agmd.org
845-803-4012
Rev. Terry & Bridget Rosch
(Panama)
ptrosch@yahoo.com
315-430-1530
Rev. Tina Richter (Northern Asia)
Tina.richter@sunrisefoundation.com
631-413-5847
US MISSIONARIES
Rev. Samuel & Salemoy Asiedu
(Intercultural Ministry)
Samuelasiedu@optionline.net
347-272-6323
New sanctuary being
rented for services
Greeters at the door
Gathering before service
Destiny Tabernacle Incorporates
On Sunday, January 20, 2008 Mearle Grossglass and I had the joy of preaching and leading the new church
plant in Canarsie, Brooklyn through its incorporation.
Under the leadership of Pastor Roy and Sharon Lamazon, this 1½ year old church plant is moving forward with
intentionality, passion and fruitfulness. Forty nine people attended the incorporation service. Tens of thousands
of people surround the meeting place (Public School 276).
On this Sunday, the building fund was started! The congregation is looking forward to the day of securing a
permanent facility to call home. Congratulations to Destiny Tabernacle for its vision to reach lost people
throughout the Canarsie community!
Rev. Michael & Denise Bartel
(Human Trafficking)
Thebartels@pactec.net
646-315-5832
Rev. David & Tamara Bienemann
(Urban Ministry)
Davidbienemann@usmission.org
646-208-2728
Rev. Robert & Florence Durham
(Chaplaincy)
bdurham@globaluniversity.edu
417-832-9533
Rev. Paul & Julie Kraus
(Intercultural Ministry)
krausmission@aol.com
417-299-2103
Mearle entering into public school 276
with pastor Roy & Sharon Lamazon
Adults gathering for worship
Teens with the smile of God
upon their faces
Children excited over learning
the Word of God
Mearle conducting the
incorporation service
Legal papers being signed!
Thank You Women’s Ministries
Nov $9,401.00
Dec $11,005.00
Jan $13,187.00
New Church Planters Roy and Sharon Lamazon from
Brooklyn and Doug and Sue Lombardi from Massena
were presented with new communion sets and offering
plates during BootCamp 2007 in Binghamton this
November. What a joy to bless our pioneers on the front
lines of battle! “Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.”
ladies all across New York. You are making a difference!!!
Roy & Sharon
Lamazon, Bill
Kirk (L)
with Linda
Morrison, Doug &
Sue Lombadi, (R)
DISTRICT DOINGS
VFCC VISIT
During the fall semester of 2007, Valley Forge Christian College opened and dedicated
Cardone Hall, the new classroom building for the college. On January 31, 2008,
Superintendent Duane and Beverly Durst, Assistant Superintendent Bill and Laura Kirk,
Executive Assistant Lawrence and Sharon Frank, Regional Executive Presbyter Randy
and Mary Ann Czyz, Presbyter Chuck and Cindy DeGroat, Presbyter Mark Gregori, and
AGFS Representative Paul Coran attended chapel service where the Superintendent
ministered, visited the New York District Leon L. Miles classroom in Cardone Hall, and
had lunch with New York District students. The Leon Miles classroom was built through
the financial contributions of the New York District and was given in memory of Leon L.
Miles to provide training for future church planters. Leon Miles served as Assistant
Superintendent from 1970–1988 and was the architect of the MANY program. MANY
became the prototype for church planting in many of the Northeast districts.
Pelham Bay AG Installation
On Sunday, November 25, 2007
Superintendent Duane Durst
conducted the installation service
of Rev. David Sainz at Pelham Bay
Assembly of God, Bronx. Pastor
Sainz, his wife Karen and their
children were welcomed with a
celebration meal after the service.
El Bethel AG Installation
Rev. L. Nelson Naicker was
installed as the pastor of El Bethel
Assembly of God, Staten Island by
Superintendent Duane Durst on
October 14, 2007. Pastor Naicker
is joined by his wife Valerie and
their two children.
Leadership Training in Ontario
On Saturday, January 26, 2008,
Living Word Assembly of God in
Ontario, NY held its Leader’s
Appreciation and Training Day.
Under the leadership of Pastor
Barden Gerace, the congregation
continues to grow strong inwardly
(in its health) and outwardly (in its
influence) to the community.
Advance planning and preparation
were evident as people came
hungry to grow and ready to
march forward. Assistant Superintendent Bill Kirk covered subjects:
The Leader’s Encouragement,
Attitude, Power and Relationships.
for
ALUMNI
of Eastern Bible Institute
who graduated in the
1950’s or 1960’s
Wading River AG Installation
On Sunday, January 27, 2008,
Executive Assistant Lawrence
Frank conducted the installation
service of Rev. Nick DeRosa at
Wading River Assembly of God.
Also attending the service and
dinner following were Presbyter
David Nuzzolo, Regional
Executive Presbyter Jerry
Stewart, and several Long Island
Section pastors.
DATES:
May 19 – 21, 2008
LOCATION:
Phil Bongiorno
Conference Center,
430 Union Hall Road,
Carlisle PA 17013
CONTACT:
Mary (Goumas) Mitchell
187 Park Place Drive
Wadsworth, OH 44281
330-334-7425
EMAIL:
ebireunion@aol.com
TEEN CHALLENGE
NEWS FROM SYRACUSE TEEN CHALLENGE
Imagine having a family of 35 or so young
men. How many pairs of heavy jeans, khacki
pants, shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, sox, blankets,
towels, sheets, etc. would have to be washed every
week? How many loads of laundry would it take to do
all this? How many washing machines and dryers
would you use in a year?
One of our supporters recently considered all this and
blessed us with a brand new heavy duty washer and
dryer. This very generous person also thought our
active family of men could use some new, very large
and thirsty towels.
We are very grateful for this caring supporter and,
indeed, for all the people who give to this ministry.
We appreciate your help and the thoughtful ways you
bless Teen Challenge.
Thank you for donating your old cars and giving us
food, detergent, and office supplies. Thank you for
hiring us to do a move job or clean-out and for renting
our tents. Thank you for asking us to shovel your
walks, driveways and roofs.
Dave Pilch, Teen Challenge Director (right), with some of the
students admiring the new washer, dryer and towels recently
donated to the Center.
Together we are doing a good work and lives are
being changed. Someone very
recently said, “The Lord takes a
mess and turns it into a message.” The young men in
Teen Challenge are living messages of hope to others
still trapped in addiction.
Thank you for standing with us.
David Pilch (center)
with Matt (l.) and
Eddie (r.) checking
out the new
appliances recently
donated to
Teen Challenge
REMINDER
Our Annual Spring Banquet is Saturday, April 19,
5:30 p.m. at LeMoyne Manor, Old Liverpool Road,
Liverpool. Teen Challenge will be celebrating 34
years of continuous ministry and we invite you to
join us.
Reservations are required.
Please give us a call at (315)-478-4139
P
lan on joining the New York
District Assembly of God family for
the 54th District Council, May 6–8
being held at Full Gospel New York
Church in Flushing.
54T H
N E W YO R K
FULL GOSPEL NEW YORK C HURCH
The Council begins on Tuesday
after noon with a Ministr y Seminar
featuring Pastor David Wilkerson and
Pastor Carter Conlon of Times
Square Church and ends the day with
the Ordination ser vice with David
Wilkerson ministering.
Superintendent Duane Durst will
minister during the Wednesday
mor ning Communion ser vice with
Damaris Carbaugh providing
special music.
Council business will be conducted
Wednesday and Thursday after noons.
Wednesday evening will feature a
celebration Banquet to rejoice in
God’s provision of the Hills of
Windsor property. Bishop David
Huskins of Cedartown, Georgia
will minister.
Missions will be the feature on
Thursday mor ning with Bishop
Huskins ministering and then he will
minister again that evening.
The Council will conclude Thursday
evening with a celebration of the
Lord’s faithfulness and the belief in
His great plans for the future of the
New York District.
NAM SOO K IM
SENIOR PASTOR , PROMISE MINISTRIES
EXECUTIVE PRESBYTER OF THE AG
REGISTER NOW either on line or
by sending in the registration for m.
DAVID WILKERSON
DI S T R I C T CO U N C I L
M AY 6 – 8 , 2 0 0 8
Remember, there is only one foundation,
the one already laid: Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:11
Speaker
JEANNE MAYO
And
Worship by
JEFF DEYO
DUANE DURST
DAVID HUSKINS
GIRL’S MINISTRIES
2008 Retreats!
LISA DURANT
Girls Ministries Retreats are right around the corner. The Teen Girls Ministries Retreats,
for girls in grades 6–12, will be held May 30–June 1. Stars Retreat, for grade 3–5 is
planned for June 6–8. Both events will be at Iroquois Springs Camp in Rock Hill, NY.
our theme is:
HLDURANT@ALLTEL.NET
Idols? I don’t need an idol, I have a Savior! (1 John 5:20-21)
The Girls Ministries Committee
felt we could really highlight some
relevant issues with this theme, and
we are excited about that.
Churches who do not currently
have Girls Ministries groups are
encouraged to attend -every girl
will be ministered to!
Our Teen Girls Ministries speaker
is Shannon Schmidt. She has been
ministering to young teenage girls
in the New York District for 11
years. Her desire is
that young girls
will encounter
God’s grace,
forgiveness, and
healing now so that
they will seek
God’s direction and
guidance in years to come. She and
her husband have two sons, and
currently pastor Batavia Assembly
of God.
Rev. Karen Rydwansky will be our
speaker for Stars, and she is no
stranger to our District. Her use of
creative illustrations and knowledge of God’s Word, along with her
sensitivity to the
Holy Spirit, allow
her to minister
effectively to girls
and women. She
has pioneered, and
is currently pastoring a church in
Weymouth, Mass.
Registration cost per person is $105 for churches that have
chartered with Girls Ministries. Non-chartered groups and
those who register after the April 28
deadline will pay $115.
Please visit the Girls Ministries page at www.nydag.org or contact Lisa Durant for more information.
District Office Renovations:
During the past year your District Office has dramatically changed in
appearance. With new paint colors, new carpeting, new furniture,
new ceilings and lighting, new office configuration, new
bathrooms, a remodeled high-tech conference room, new kitchen
and a new large seminar/conference room there has been a
much-needed upgrading. In addition the
Emerge offices have been created, are outfitted
and ready to open. The entire office has been
updated technologically to meet the needs of the
21st century. We invite you to visit and enjoy the
new updated look in which you can have pride and can enjoy
the multiple benefits.
A
licia Britt Chole, a former atheist,
speaks to leaders, professionals,
women’s groups, ministers, and
college students concerning spiritual
life, temptation, conflict, disillusionment, commitment, choices, deception, mission, and mentoring. She
has authored several books and
audio/video series including:
Anonymous: Jesus' Hidden Years and
Yours; Pure Joy; Reflections of a
Young Atheist; The Making of A
Mentor; Real Life, Real Pain, & A
Real God; Choices: To Be or Not To
Be a Woman of God; Until The
Whole World Knows; and Sitting in
God's Sunshine.
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
September 25–27th
Binghamton NY
Conference Speaker:
LINDA MORRISON
MORRISONS33@VERIZON.NET
20
As a speaker Alicia Britt Chole
delights and disarms her audience
with genuineness and vulnerability,
captivates their attention by wrapping vivid illustrations around
life-changing truths, and delivers her
message with conviction (and a good
dose of humor!). Her messages
awaken hearts and minds to consider
the intimacy and intensity of God.
08
2008
CONFERENCE
Sectional Spring Rallies:
SECTION DATE
Capital
Central
Hudson Valley
Lakeshore
Long Island
Bronx/Manhattan/W’chester
Brooklyn/Staten Island
Queens
North Central
Northeast
South Central
Southern Tier
Western
April 5
April 5
April 12
March 28
April 26
April 5
April 26
April 26
April 5
April 19
April 26
April 19
March 29
REPRESENTATIVE
LOCATION
On November 25, 2007, a
beautiful brass communion set
and offering plate ensemble
were presented to Rev. Pete
Richardson of Grace Church
in Flushing. They extend their
thanks to the Women’s
Ministries Department and
want all of the ladies to know
they will be using them
proudly! Pictured here is
Superintendent, Rev. Duane
Durst, presenting the
ensemble to Rev. Richardson
and his wife, Donna.
TIME SPEAKER
Rachel Moore
9:30 a.m. Julie Kraus
Clarion Hotel, Albany
Sharon Frank
9:00 a.m. Rosemarie Brown
LeMoyne Manor, Liverpool
Brenda Cates
Anthony’s Pier 9, New Windsor 10:30 a.m. Linda Morrison
Patty Teed
Burgundy Basin Inn
6:30 p.m. Linda Morrison
Anna Ramos
Melville Marriott
9:30 a.m. Karen Wainright
Sarai Williams
Yonkers Christian Assembly 1–5:00 p.m. Jacqui Strothoff
Becky Hublal
Cypress Hills AG
2:00 p.m. Gloria Broomes
Meena Persaud
Calvary AG, Ozone Park
4:00 p.m. Ruth Puleo
Tammy Day
Glidden Hall, Carthage
10:00 a.m. TBA
Judy Steinmetz
Fort Wm. Henry, Lake George 10:00 a.m. Esther Terry
Rachel Quigley
City Lights Café, Binghamton 11:00 a.m. Vicki Farina
Joanne Sonnleitner
Central AG, Horseheads
11:00 a.m. Brenda Cates
Diane Thurber
Oak Orchard AG, Medina
10:30 a.m. Anna Ramos
E ...to join the 2008 MAPS team sponsored by Women’s
THERE’S STILL TIM
Here we come!
Ministries that will be serving with veteran missionaries John and Liz
Ramos in November of 2008. Suzanne Bellinger, who has traveled as a
leader with Eleanor on many of her missions trips, will be going with
us to Guatemala and we will be blessed to have her expertise with leading teams on the field. This trip of a lifetime is open to any woman or
husband/wife team that wishes to minister with us. Email Linda Morrison at morrisons33@verizon.net or check out our website for an application www.nydag.org (under Women’s Ministries)
VOLUNTEERS IN CORRECTIONS
T
DON SNYDER
DSNYDER45@LOCALNET.COM
he last of 2007 was exciting for Volunteers In Corrections! I was blessed
to be able to attend the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Kairos in
Western NY in September. You can see me enjoying the worship,
making my contribution with the ‘bone. Many ex-offenders
who were touched in prison retreats were there to
rejoice with the volunteers!
It was my joy to re-connect with
a released man who had been
part of my ‘inside’ congregation
almost 30 years! In mid-August
of 2007, I walked with him to
the front gate to meet his ride.
October 12 and 13th, we held our “Partners In Transformation” Conference at First AG, Binghamton. We were blessed to have 116 people in
attendance from over 40 different churches and organizations. This
conference was a collaborative effort by VIC, Prison Fellowship,
Celebrate Recovery, Golden Key Prison Ministry, Operation Urban
Impact, Upstate Jail Ministries, and others. There were displays by
various ministries.
Rev. Dr. Glorya Askew, Protestant
Ministerial Program Coordinator with
the NYS Department of Correctional
Services, presented a workshop titled
“Good Grief!” which detailed the
many losses that a person experiences when incarcerated. Other workshops presented were Transformational Mentoring, Family Reconciliation, Celebrate Recovery, and Leading
a Prison Bible Study. The conference concluded with a panel of 3 successful ex-offenders discussing the topics of what was needed for successful
reentry and how the church can help in that process.
O
Pebbles Grubb led worship for the very
diverse group attending this conference.
Someone said that the worshippers were a
snapshot of heaven with diversity of
language, culture, ethnicity, background,
and experience. But all love Jesus!
We ended up with 2 keynote speakers. Bishop Hugh Nelson of the
Church of God of East Flatbush validated his success in prison/jail
ministry by bringing a person he had mentored over the years into
spiritual success! He also did a workshop on “Networking the Community”. Father Peter Young of “Peter Young Housing, Industry, and
Treatment”, outlined his many years of working to develop the lives of
ex-offenders.
n November 9 and 10th, there was a “The Least, The Last, The
Lost Ministry Conference at Glad Tidings AG, Reading, PA. The
conference was sponsored by the national Chaplaincy office for the
northeast region. Chaplain Manny Cordero was the convener and had
invited many chaplains to share their areas of expertise with others
present. Chaplain Bob Durham was able to share the developments of his
ministry. Chaplain Wayne Hampton and I together presented a workshop
on “Dealing With Sexual Offenders.” One of the last events was the
interviewing of Pastor Alex Velasquez by Chaplain Alvin Worthley, the
national Chaplaincy ministries Director. Pastor Velasquez, now successful
in Philadelphia, had once sat in Chaplain Cordero’s congregation in a
Federal prison. God is so great!
That conference was both inspirational and informational. The fellowship of chaplains from diverse ministries enriched all attendees.
HONORBOUND & LIGHT FOR THE LOST
New Director of Discipleship and Training
We welcome Rev. Tony Pelella as our new Director of Discipleship and
Training. He has joined our District Men’s Ministries team and will
bring a new dimension to our programs for reaching, and teaching the
men of the NY District.
He currently is the senior pastor of Medford A/G in Long Island. He and
his wife DyAnna have two children. Rev. Pelella has taught at our NY
District HonorBound Convention and has been active in his support of
men’s ministries. Please welcome him to the team.
WILL FOX
WILLFOXJR@ROCHESTER.RR.COM
MAY 4TH 2008 FIRE BIBLE SUNDAY
New York District Light For
The Lost has designated
Sunday May 4th as Fire Bible
Sunday. This date is normally
set aside as Light For The Lost
Sunday. We feel that the
message about Fire Bibles
needs to be emphasized for
2008.
It costs $10 to put a Fire Bible
in the hands of a missionary or
pastor who may have never had
a bible of their own in their
own language. We challenge
you to count the bibles you
have in your home and then
pray about donating $10 for
each one to LFTL Fire Bibles.
Bring your check to church on
Sunday May 4th made out to
LFTL Fire Bibles and bless the
men and women serving Christ
as He has blessed you.
For more information you may
call Tony Rampersaud at
718-848-4979.
God blessed the Saturday morning healing service at the 2007 Men’s Convention with healing testimonies that are still coming in. One brother
was healed of Gout that he had in both knees for over eight years as he walked into the service. The power of the Holy Spirit swept over the
Forum Theater. Another brother who has been plagued with depression since he was a teenager was delivered. A man with Prostate Cancer was
healed.
At the 2008 HonorBound Convention we will once again have a Saturday morning healing service. Please register early and make hotel
reservations because we believe God will fill the Forum Theater and we will have to turn men away. You can download the registration form and
the poster from www.nyhonorbound.org.
The theme is “Get Back In The Game” (and get off the sidelines) with two retired pro football players. Lee Rouson (NY Giants + Cleveland
Browns) and Joe Jackson (NY Jets + Minnesota Vikings) Remember that the NY Giants won the SUPER BOWL.
THE HOMEGOING OF REV. ROBERT A. CANTERBURY HONORARY DISTRICT PRESBYTER
On Thursday January 24th our beloved Pastor
Canterbury went to be with Christ. Born in
Scranton, PA, March 9, 1915, he graced this
world for nearly 93 years. He left with us his
devoted wife of 70 years, Mildred (Wells)
Canterbury, one daughter, three sons, one
daughter in law and their families. It is and has
been a remarkable family filled with love and
compassion. They have distinguished
themselves through life and the crisis times.
After he and his wife graduated from Zion Bible
Institute in 1940, Brother Canterbury received
credentials from the Assemblies of God. He
pastored churches in Watertown, Syracuse,
Hudson Falls (24 yrs.) and Geneva (16 yrs.). In
each section he served, he filled one or more
offices including Sectional Presbyter in the
Eastern and Lakeshore sections for fourteen
years. He was involved in the building of nine
churches, and much of the construction at
Mountainview Camp where he served as Camp
Chairman.
Upon retirement in 1986 he and his wife
returned to the home he had built on Glen
Lake, near Glens Falls, NY. He was then
elected “Pastor Emeritus” of Gospel
Lighthouse in Hudson Falls. For many years he
served as interim and supply pastor to several
other churches.
Rev. Canterbury was known especially for his
kind, gentle, prayerful, exemplary model for
other ministers. More than twenty ministers
entered the work of God under his leadership.
He was an accomplished musician. As a gifted
preacher, anointed by the Holy Spirit, he
lovingly and compassionately ministered to the
flock of God. The influence of his life will
ripple through eternity.
Superintendent Duane Durst and Assistant
Superintendent Bill Kirk participated in the
Celebration service. Other ministers also took
part in the service directed by Superintendent
emeritus A. M. Bartholomew. While much
more could be said, two things are lifted from
the memorial message “The Wise Master
Builder.” “When Brother Canterbury prayed,
Heaven moved and Hell trembled;” and, “Jesus
gave his life for you. Robert A. Canterbury
spent his life for you.” We salute a spiritual
giant, bidding him fond farewell and circling
his wife and family in prayer.
by Superintendent Emeritus A.M. Bartholomew
ROYAL RANGERS
2006-2007 NY District Ranger of the Year
JOHN OVERTON
JOHNPAMHERST@AOL.CO
2008 District
Royal Rangers Council:
The New York District congratulates the 18 Royal Rangers that
participated in the Ranger of the Year evaluations for the 20062007 year. High scorers in the their respective age groups
included (left to right) Expedition Ranger David Schmidt,
Outpost 103 (Long Island Section); Discovery Rangers
Timothy Mandera, Outpost 71 (Hudson Valley Section) and
Michael Sanky, Outpost 99 (Long Island Section) finished in a
tie, and Adventure Ranger Paul Voorhees of Outpost 34
(Central Section). David Schmidt went on to represent the
District at the Northeast Regional ROTY evaluation, in
January, where he received a rating score of “Outstanding.”
THE COMMANDER AND
THE LOCAL CHURCH OUTPOST
P
lan now to attend the New York District
Royal Rangers Council to be held April 4-5,
at First Assembly of God in Binghamton. The
council is open to all commanders and those
interested in the Royal Rangers ministry. This
year’s theme is “Serving as Leaders” and will
focus on leadership development and making
the local outpost the best it can be. Participants
will have the opportunity to enroll in the World
Class Outpost national training seminar,
designed to help maximize the effectiveness of
the Royal Rangers outpost in the local church.
Additional training will
include the Ranger
Basics course, the new
elective module Your
Legacy, and the Ranger
Orientation module.
Guest Speaker:
NY Assistant
District Superintendent
Rev. Bill Kirk
For registration information, World Class
Outpost registration and details about other
activities planned for the 2008 Royal Rangers
Council, please visit the Web site at
www.nyroyalrangers.org.
Deadline for “early bird” Council registration is
March 21.
To participate in the World Class Outpost
seminar you must register with the National
Royal Rangers Office by March 7!
John P. Overton, District
Royal Rangers Commander
“I would like to extend my personal invitation
to all Ranger leaders to come be part of the
excitement, worship, fellowship of this year’s
Council. Learn how your outpost can become
more effective in REACHING boys in your
church and community for Christ!”
Of Achievement
Awarded to Alex Haima
On November 10, 2007, Alex Haima, Outpost
148, Word of Life Assembly of God, Baldwinsville, NY was presented the Gold Medal of
Achievement in a special Court of Honor
Ceremony in his home church. Alex is the
5,806th boy to earn the Royal Rangers highest
award. He started in Royal Rangers as a
Straight Arrow (now Ranger Kids) and
progressed through all the age groups. He
earned all the awards for each group, including
all the required and elective merits. Alex is a
member of the Frontiersman Camping
Fellowship and has attended several of the
Junior Leadership Training Academy camps.
Approximately 100 guests attended the
ceremony to share in this event as he was
acknowledged for his achievements with
plaques, and a U. S. flag that had been flown
over the United States capital in Washington,
DC. He was also presented with a black powder
rifle by his grandparents, Earl and Marge
Haima; and a book of congratulatory letters
from church, political and Royal Rangers
officials. Alex’s grandfather, Earl Haima,
administered the GMA pledge, for District
Commander John Overton.
Bronze Medal Presented
The Royal Rangers Bronze Medal of Achievement was represented to Adventure Rangers
Jaden Ohlson and Jacob Richardson at a
ceremony held at Outpost 42, Batavia A/G. The
Bronze Medial is the first step to earning the
Gold Medal of Achievement, the Royal
Rangers highest award. Congratulations!
Photo left to right:
Allen Baun, Northeast Region Program
Coordinator, Jaden Ohlson, Jacob Richardson
and Todd Crossett, Senior Commander,
Outpost 42.
YOUTH MINISTRIES
Congratulations!
TO THE FOLLOWING CHURCHES THAT GAVE OVER
Calvary Assembly
First Assembly
Gospel Lighthouse Assembly
Assembly of God
Bethel Assembly
Grace Assembly
Calvary's Love Assembly
First Assembly
Central Assembly
Bellerose Assembly
Word of Life Assembly
Bethlehem Assembly
Evangel Assembly
Christian Center
Pelham Bay Assembly
First Assembly
Bethlehem Church
First Assembly
New Life Assembly
Assembly of God
Living Word Assembly
Calvary Assembly
Lighthouse Assembly
Assembly of God
Lakeview Assembly
Trinity Assembly
Faith Assembly
Assembly of God
Trinity Assembly
Faith Assembly
Assembly of God
Faith Assembly
Assembly of God
North Central Assembly
Church of the Revelation
Huntington Assembly
Assembly of God
Canisteo Valley Assembly
First Assembly
Gospel Assembly
Christian Church of the Resurrection
Assembly of God
Dayspring Assembly
$1,000 TO SPEED-THE-LIGHT IN 2007!
Ozone Park
Binghamton
Hudson Falls
Kingston
Franklin Square
Syracuse
Johnson City
Port Jervis
Horseheads
Bellerose
Baldwinsville
Valley Stream
Buffalo
Elmira
Bronx
Niagara Falls
Richmond Hill
Marcy
Kingston
Bethpage
Ontario
Glens Falls
Ridgewood
Lewiston
Watkins Glen
Clay
Poughkeepsie
Dalton
New York
Chestnut Ridge
Norwich
Yonkers
Batavia
North Syracuse
Bronx
Huntington Station
Penn Yan
Canisteo
New Rochelle
Ossining
East Syracuse
Dansville
Saugerties
$ 13,072.00
$ 11,483.62
$ 10,581.96
$ 10,251.00
$ 10,250.00
$ 9,808.00
$ 9,482.35
$ 8,372.12
$ 8,149.33
$ 6,896.48
$ 5,840.82
$ 5,294.63
$ 5,192.84
$ 5,165.00
$ 4,233.28
$ 3,440.08
$ 3,414.37
$ 3,003.73
$ 2,741.18
$ 2,640.78
$ 2,448.18
$ 2,338.05
$ 2,318.50
$ 2,267.16
$ 2,027.99
$ 2,019.47
$ 1,872.19
$ 1,835.10
$ 1,575.76
$ 1,549.25
$ 1,525.77
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,471.32
$ 1,326.10
$ 1,222.23
$ 1,187.19
$ 1,182.00
$ 1,153.21
$ 1,150.20
$ 1,130.50
$ 1,096.81
$ 1,050.00
$ 1,000.00
DOUG DEMENT
DDEMENT@NYDAG.ORG
REV. KRUTZ INSTALLATION
unday January 13, 2008 Rev Doug DeMent
S
installed Rev. Louis Krutz as the New Youth
Pastor at Calvary Assembly of God in Glens
Falls, New York. Pictured from left to right
are Louis and Kristen Krutz, Rev. Doug
DeMent and Senior Pastor Paul Keehr with his
wife Peggy.
CHEERFUL GIVERS
Calvary Assembly of God in Ozone Park, New
York took an incredible $12,000 offering at
their Speed-the-Light banquet held October 28,
2007. Senior Pastor Rev. Hanniff Bacchus and
Youth Leader Jean Kissoon planned the year
end event. The following photos highlight the
banquet.
NEW YORK DISTRICT
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
8130 OSWEGO ROAD
LIVERPOOL, NY 13090-1575
phone: 315•622•2700
website: www.nydag.org
NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO 407
LIVERPOOL NY
13088
fax: 315•622•0275
The Beacon is the official publication of
the New York District Council.
EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERY
Superintendent........................Duane P. Durst
Assistant Superintendent.......William N. Kirk
Secretary/Treasurer......Mearle W. Grossglass
General Presbyter....................Jerry W. Terry
Central Region.........................Randy S. Czyz
Eastern Region.....................William T. Cates
Metro Region.........................Jerry L. Stewart
Western Region...............Stanley J. Handzlik
DISTRICT MINISTRIES
Chi Alpha........................................Committee
Christian Education..............Sharon Baldwin
Deaf......................................Michael Hartman
Executive Assistant..............Lawrence Frank
HonorBound & Light for the Lost....Will Fox
Girl’s Ministries............................Lisa Durant
Music..........................................Kreg Godfrey
Royal Rangers............................John Overton
Volunteers in Corrections......Donald Snyder
Widows......................................Beverly Durst
World/U.S. Missions..................William Kirk
Women’s Ministries..............Linda Morrison
Youth.....................................Douglas DeMent
SECTIONAL PRESBYTERS
BMW......................................Mark T. Gregori
Brooklyn/Staten Island......Samlall Ramphal
Capital......................................John W. Ogden
Central..........................Robert N. Richardson
Hudson Valley.....................Gregg T. Johnson
Lakeshore...............Cornelius C. DeGroat, Jr.
Long Island..............................David Nuzzolo
North Central......................Phillip A. Caruso
Northeast.....................................Paul J. Keehr
Queens................................Deo Naraine Geer
South Central.....................Randall E. Eliason
Southern Tier.............Frederick W. Francisco
Western............................Thomas B. Baldwin
Youth................................Douglas K. DeMent
HONORARY PRESBYTERS
Almon M. Bartholomew.........Sup’t Emeritus
William J. Behr
Donald A. Richardson
Joseph R. Flower
Michael J. San Soucie
Lawrence R. Larson
John J. Sperrazza
Ronald E. Piedmonte Stanley A. Thurber
James A. Raynor
Harry J. Tripp
Daniel T. Raught
Raymond A. Sullivan
BEACON – EDITORIAL STAFF
Executive Editor......................Duane P. Durst
Managing Editor..............Lawrence A. Frank
Design & Layout........Christopher Czarnecki
E-MAIL DIRECTORY
Dist. Office.......GenDelivery@NYDAG.org
Superintendent.........DPDurst@NYDAG.org
Exec. Assistant...........LFrank@NYDAG.org
Office of Sup’t.............JSanty@NYDAG.org
Assistant Sup’t..............BKirk@NYDAG.org
Office of B Kirk.......CFischer@NYDAG.org
Sec/Treas...........MGrossglass@NYDAG.org
Office of MWG......MCooper@NYDAG.org
Youth Director.......DDeMent@NYDAG.org
Office of Youth........COliveri@NYDAG.org
Accountant............TLaRocca@NYDAG.org
Design..................CCzarnecki@NYDAG.org
Projects...............EGrossglass@NYDAG.org
Recept’n/Projects.......SFrank@NYDAG.org
Recept’n/Website.......BDurst@NYDAG.org
Special Projects...........JDurst@NYDAG.org