MAY/JUNE

 Our Mothers' Day service was well attended.

    The Griot Drummers performed their new

 piece, "The Raising of Lazarus."  They did

 a wonderful job. 

   Our one-day Leadership Retreat was a huge

success. We have several new leaders in

training.

    The Jazz Concert by Rudy Simpson's

Jazz Unlimited Orchestra was beautiful, as usual.

It was well-attended, and received rave reviews.

    Our first Health Day was successful.  Our presenters

were Vallerie and Berch Harris, Jasmin and Trevor Pitter, and

Sis. Verneda White.  Along with the Health Day, we

also had Pastor Clarke's booksigning for her

book entitled, ...But Now I See: A Celebration of

20 Years As Pastor of the Mighty St. Peter's

Lutheran Church.

      Bro.Harris and Joya                 Vallerie and Berch Harris

    Sis. Verneda White                       Sis. Jasmin Pitter

   Sis. Brenda Sandimani

   Thank you to all who helped to provide a fantastic

 Fathers' Day breakfast for our men.

    The children of the Music Planet performed nicely

on Fathers' Day, as usual.  They were joined by

our St. Peter's Griot Drummers.

  We celebrated the achievements

of all our youngsters on Academic Day with flowers, awards,

and a delicious luncheon. Special thanks to all chefs.

     Fathers' Day Breakfast            Children of the Music Planet

  MARCH/APRIL

 Our Palm Sunday service  was lovely,

 with a grand entrance procession with palms

 to portray Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem.

 Our Annual Outdoor Pageant and Maundy

Thursday Dinner Service were quite

 meaningful .  Easter Day was simply glorious.

Special thanks to all who worked so hard to

 make all our Lenten/Easter events successful.

At the end of April, our African Candlelighting

Ritual  had the highest attendance ever- over 70 people.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

 Our New Year's Eve Watchnight Service

 was well attended. Midnight found us

on our knees in prayer- a beautiful way

to begin our new year.

 On January 10th, we celebrated the

satisfaction of our mortgage!!!

The Revs. Dr. James Thomas and Dr. Derek Paul

 were with us on this special day. They

 are the godfathers of St. Peter's.

 At our congregational meeting, we elected

 new council members.  All is going well.

DECEMBER 2009 

 All our Advent/ Christmas events were 

well attended. Our Griot Drummers went

Christmas caroling and added alot of music,

love and laughter to the homes and

institutions they visited.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009 

    NOVEMBER EVENTS

    Thanksgiving Eve service was again well-attended.

Our Thanksgiving Day Dinner was lovely, with over

twenty people in attendance. The St. Peter's chefs

 donated numerous delicious dishes, and the sweet

fellowship lasted long after the food was gone.

We delivered several meals to people who were

homebound. Thank you to all who helped. :)

 OCTOBER EVENTS

 Our Women's Day was wonderful!

Chairperson, Sis. Vivian Scott, selected

our theme, "Education II: Determination,

Perseverance, Accomplishment."

Our guest speaker was Sis. Marjorie Clarke,

from Jamaica West Indies. She shared

the story of her own struggles to achieve

in spite of numerous obstacles. Her

story was an inspiration to all her hearers.

After service, we had a  delicious luncheon

provided by Sis. Gloria Lamb and the

St. Peter's chefs.

 Sis. Marjorie Clarke

 Sis. Vivian Scott

   OTHER NOVEMBER EVENTS

   On Sunday, November 1st, we held our

second "Star Trek Wisdom" workshop.

It was well attended, the discussion

was lively, and the refreshments were

delicious.

  On Sunday, November 2nd, we held

Prayer Day during worship service time.

 Prayers Day continues to be well attended

and highly appreciated.

   On Sunday,  November 22nd,  we hosted

another jazz concert by Rudy Simpson's

Jazz Unlimited Orchestra, now under the

direction of  Bro. Ray McGill. The orchestra

sounded beautiful.  Some people  enjoyed

the concert so much that they gave an extra

donation on the way out!  Six year old

Jelani Pitter gave his debut performance

on his soprano recorder. He played the hymn,

"When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," and

received a thunderous ovation. Jelani was

accompanied by Pastor Clarke and percussionist,

Bro. Calvin Francis.

SEPTEMBER 2009

September 2009 was filled with wonderful

Anniversaries events which were all

well attended, and all  greatly  appreciated.

We began with our Prayer Vigil.  Then came

our Annual Baptism by Immersion, our

Praise Service and Revival with Rev. Paul, our

Parade and Anniversary Service  with

Rev. Thomas and limousines from Dr. Gaffney.

Our Griot Drummers led the parade this year

on  a magnificent float built by Bro. Johnny  Kirnon, and

Bro. Joseph Kirnon.  We ended our month with a

fantastic jazz concert by Rudy Simpson's

Jazz Unlimited Orchestra.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to all who

helped to create a month full of wonderful memories.

JULY and AUGUST 2009

On July 29th-30th some of us participated in

the annual Urban Leadership Institute.

As usual, it was well attended and overflowing

with new information.

On Sunday, August 2nd, Ms. Ariana Grandison

and Ms. Alexandra Americanos gave us

magnificent presentations on their Study Abroad

experiences. Ms. Grandison spent several weeks

in Ireland, and Ms. Americanos spent several

months in South Africa.  Both of our young

women spoke with authority and wisdom.

We are proud of you!! Please keep up the good work.

  Ms. Alexandra Americanos         Ms. Ariana Grandison

Our Annual Family Outing at Hempstead Lake

State Park was again a huge success. The

weather was perfect, with lots of sunshine and warmth.

Special thanks to all the St. Peter's chefs,

especially Sis. Gloria Lamb and Sis. Hattie Hunt

for delicious food all day long.

           All ages on the carousel at Hempstead Lake State Park.

 Our first session of The Wisdom of Star Trek

 (the original series) was well attended, and

everyone agreed that we should have more

sessions. Special thanks to Sis. Claire Edwards

for providing a delicious meal.

 MAY and JUNE 2009

Our Annual Field Day was a huge success

thanks to the efforts of our director,

Sis. Brenda Sandimanie, and all her helpers.

Children and adults participated in one

fun-filled race after another.  There were

lots of prizes and lots of champions,

and the food was plentiful and deeeeeelicious!!!!

Our Annual Leadership Retreat was a

huge success.  Our emphasis this year

was on wellness of body, mind, and spirit.

Our speakers were Ms.Gayle Jackson,

occupational therapist, Ms. Jasmin Pitter,

Nutritionist in training, and of course

Pastor Clarke. All speakers agreed,

"Whatever you sow now, you will reap later."

Participants declared that this was one of

the best retreats so far.

Mother's Day was especially lovely

this year because The Griot Drummers of

St. Peter's gave their premier performance

of the Prodigal Son. The congregation gave

the group enough  money for the drums

they needed, and for tickets to Dance Africa

at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Thank you St. Peter's.

Prayer Day was well attended and continues

to be a meaningful service for everyone.

The concert by The Rudy Simpson's Jazz 

Unlimited Orchestra was absolutely WONDERFUL!!

Their audience seems to be increasing

steadily, and the orchestra keeps sounding

better and better.

CONGRATULATIONS to The Rev. Miriam Sedzro,

newly ordained pastor of Resurrection Lutheran

Church in Roxbury, Boston. Rev. Sedzro has been

a member of St. Peter's since 1990. She is the

third member of St. Peter's to become an ordained

pastor. The others are Rev. Marcia Parkinson-Harrison,

(Resurrection Lutheran Church in St. Albans), and

her husband, Rev. Eric Harrison, deceased,

(St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Brooklyn).

In June, The Children of the Music Planet

gave their annual Fathers' Day performance.

They did a fine job and were well received.

Leading the line and carrying Mr. Bear,

the puppet, was Jared Justice.

Academic Day was again successful with

a delicious dinner for students and adults,

especially fathers (since our fathers

did not receive their Fathers' Day breakfast

this year). Congratulations to our graduates :

High School:

Rashawn Kirnon, Romae Harriott, Ethel Tirado,

and Elliott Tirado

Graduate School:

Ms. Sophia Walsh-Master's Degree

Post Graduate:

Dr. Rowland H. Green from

Howard University Medical School

(Nephew of Clifton and Norma Green)

APRIL 2009 

  April was filled with wonderful 

Lenten/Easter events. Thank you to

all those who helped to make them successful.

  All of our  Wednesday Lenten services

were well attended.

   Our Outdoor Pageant was beautiful.

Special thanks to Sis. Norma McGregor

for preparing all the costumes.  We were

pleasantly surprised to see the Pannell Family

from Baltimore, Md.  

   Maundy Thursday was memorable, with

a delicious Passover meal prepared and served

by  St. Peter's chefs.

    On Good Friday, our Drama department

presented a forceful courtroom trial of Jesus.

 Special thanks to Sis. Carol Hyde-Dawson

for working to continue the tradition begun

by Bro. Winston Harrison.

   Our Easter Vigil Bible Reading Session was

well attended, with lots of snacks to keep

everyone alert. Thank you to all participants,

and especially to Sis. Milliscent Miller for her

delicious homemade cake.

   Easter Sunday was simply wonderful, with

an intimate 8AM service, and an overflowing

11AM service. Special thanks to Sis. Joy Gavin

and the Praise Dancers.

   Our April special events ended with the

Annual African Candle Ritual and Feast to

Honor Our Ancestors. The event was well attended

and highly appreciated.  Special thanks to

Bro. Darrin Jones from Baltimore,

Sis. Gail Hightower, Bassoonist,

The United African Dance Company,

Director, Bro. Pete Waller,

Artistic Director, Sis. Ghizamboule Price.

MARCH 2009

Congratulations to Sis. Gail Hightower

and her wonderful youngsters for their

exciting new show, "Yes We Can!"

The show was a huge success at St. Peter's,

and will certainly be successful wherever

it goes.

Special thanks to Detective John Leslie

for another informative Current Events Forum.

We are already looking forward to the next one.

Thanks also to those who provided the

delicious refreshments.

Thank you, Thank you to Sis. Akilah Clarke

for two fascinating presentations on

Jordan and Oman.  With photos, slide shows,

clothing, books, DVDs, incense and

delicious authentic food prepared by

Sis. Gloria Lamb and company, we felt

as though we had actually gone traveling.

Sis. Akilah Clarke in Oman                A Home in Oman 

FEBRUARY 2009 

  Sis. Jasmin Pitter's African Heritage Workshops

 were wonderful, well-attended, and full of surprises.

 Sis. Pitter's goal was to highlight the lives of

 members of our congregation who served in

 any of our armed forces.

   During 11AM service,our  speakers were

 Mr. Marion Scott and Mr. Johnny Kirnon. 

  They described their personal experiences

  in military service. Special thanks and congratulations

   to Bro. Scott and Bro. Kirnon.

   After service, Sis. Pitter provided excellent DVDs

  and delicious refreshments. The final

  International Fest was a huge success.

 Food was deeeeelicious and plentiful.

  Special thanks to Sis. Jasmine Pitter

  and all your helpers!!!!

   The concert by Rudy Simpson's

Jazz Unlimited Orchestra was wonderful!

 Over 100 people attended. The musicians

were in tip top shape and our own

Confirmation Class Drummers performed

beautifully.  Mr. Walter Jackson sang one

splendid song after another.

 Special thanks to Mr. Calvin Francis and

Mr. Ray McGill who are carrying the orchestra

forward.

  Our Church Council was installed on the February  22nd.

 Congratulations to Sis. Norma McGregor who joins the

 Council for the first time. Also special thanks to

outgoing vice-president, Sis. Ina Gwen Thompson.

Congratulations to Bro. Trevor Pitter, newly elected

Vice-President, Sis. Verneda White, Council  Secretary,

Sis. Hattie Hunt, Building Fund Secretary, Bro. Rick Jenkins,

 Financial Secretary, and Bro. Marion Scott, Treasurer.

  Sis. Norma McGregor

JANUARY 2009 

   In January we mourned the passing of our

beloved brother, Winston Harrison.

Bro. Harrison served as a Church Council member,

Senior Worship Leader, Drama Department

Director, Choir member, and in numerous

other positions during his time at St. Peter's.

  We also rejoiced at the inauguration of

President Barack Obama as the 44th president

of the United States of America.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008

      From August 11th to October 10th

 St. Peter's registered 500 voters and distributed 1500

registration forms to family, friends, and neighbors

for Election Day, November 4th.

We prayed for the safety of both presidential

candidates.  We congratulate President -Elect

Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

            Thanksgiving Eve Service and Thanksgiving Day

Dinner were both well attended.  Special thanks to

the  chefs of St.Peter's who supplied all the

delicious food.  Our hearts were gladdened by the

return of several of young people who are usually

away at college.

             Thanks also to the Jazz Unlimited Orchestra

for yet another fine concert.

     Our Confirmation Class did a fine job of decorating

the Christmas tree.  Thank you.

       December was a busy month.  Thank you to

our chefs for a wonderful Christmas dinner.

Special thanks to all those who prepared the

costumes for our Pageant, and for those who

made the Pageant come to life.

      Also thank you to all who went caroling

on Christmas Eve.  We certainly cheered up

alot of people.   Christmas Eve and

Christmas Day services were both well-

attended.

 We were overjoyed to see some of our

young people who still call St. Peter's "home"

even though they live in a different state.

  Sis. Casandra Roache                   Bro. Mylen Adlam

AUGUST/OCTOBER 2008

  Our Annual Family Outing was a huge success.

Special thanks to Sis. Jasmine Pitter for all

the games and prizes, and to all our chefs

and drivers.  

     Our month-long Anniversaries celebration

was also quite successful.  Special thanks to

our Anniversaries Chairperson, Sis. Brenda

Sandimanie, and to our guests, The Rev.

Dr. James R. Thomas, and The Rev. Dr. Derek Paul.

Also, Thank you to our balloon crew.

The Jazz Unlimited Orchestra closed our

celebration with a fantastic concert.

JUNE/JULY 2008

Our June events focused on our young

people. On Father's Day our Music Planet

musicians sang,  marched, danced, and

played instruments. They did a great job.

Our adult members of Music Planet played

beautifully also.

Academic Recognition Sunday was a

great success. Congratulations to all

our graduates, and special thanks to

all the chefs and servers for the

deeeeeelicious luncheon.  Special thanks

also to Sis. Dorine O'Garro for the

scholarships for each high school and

college graduate.

Congratulations also to our newly

confirmed young men, Messiaha Davis,

Anthony Williams, and Dwayne Fisher,

as they move into more adult responsibilities

in God's church.                                                       

 Our First Annual Field Day was a

huge success!  All ages participated

and had a day of good clean fun

with a laugh a minute.  Special thanks

to Sister Brenda Sandimanie, Director,

Sister Denese Leslie,  Sister Carol Hyde-Dawson,

Sister Dawn Chance, and Sister Iman

Sandimanie.

MAY 2008

   "Just a Closer Walk"

Our Leadership Retreat was absolutely

wonderful. It was held at the beautiful

Eddy Farm Retreat Center where the

scenery includes acres of lawns with

colorful trees and painted rocks, and even

the Delaware River flowing right through

the Farm property.  Rooms were lovely

and meals were plentiful and delicious.

Thank you to the Pitter Family  for their

powerful workshop on e xperiencing

"A Closer Walk With God Through the

Cleansing of Our Body- the Temple of God."

The retreat was filled with prayer, learning,

laughter, and praise. Thank you to all

who helped.

  Our Memorial Service for Bro. Rudolph O. Simpson

was well attended. The Rudolph Simpson's

Jazz Unlimited Orchestra played many selections

and family and friends spoke about their

personal experiences with Bro. Simpson.

His son. Mr. Rudolph Simpson Jr.  gave a

particularly moving tribute.

His life was truly a blessing to many.

He will be remembered with love and respect.

  Special thanks to Rudy's daughter, Charyn,

and her husband for a job well done.

  Congratulations to our Praise Dance Director,

Sis. Joy Gavin, for dancing in Dance Africa

with Baba Chuck Davis at the Brooklyn

Academy of Music.

 APRIL 2008 

      Our April 6th Jazz Concert was in memory of

Bro. Rudolph Simpson, founder and director of

Rudolph Simpson's Jazz Unlimited Orchestra.

The orchestra will continue performing.

A formal memorial service will be held on

Saturday, May 17th, at 4PM here at St. Peter's.

     Prayer Day, April 13th, was well attended.

Participants declared, "We should have

Prayer Day every month!"

     Astronomy Class continues to be a

huge success.

     Our 10th Annual Candlelighting Ritual and Feast

to Honor Our Ancestors was well attended

and truly uplifting.  Our guest artists and all

other participants joined together to honor

those upon whose shoulders we stand.

The feast was magnificent as always. 

Thank you to all who helped. Special thanks

to our presiding elders, Dr. and Mrs. Molefi Kete Asante.

 MARCH 2008

Special thanks to all who helped

to make all our Lenten/Easter events

successful, especially:

WARDROBE MISTRESSES-

 Sis. Gloria Lamb

 Sis. Carmen Martin

 Sis. Hattie McTaggert

 Sis. Norma McGregor

 Sis. Gigi Pressley

DRAMA

 Bro. Winston Harrison ,Director

 All  Actors and Actresses

CATERERS

 Sis. Melvine Stewart

 Sis. Gloria Lamb

 Sis. Carmen Martin

CARPENTER

 Bro. Johnny Kirnon

FEBRUARY 2008

Special thanks to Sis. Jasmin Pitter

for her African History program this

month. Her idea was to spotlight our

personal unsung heroes and she-roes

during each Sunday's worship service.

Thank you Bro. Ben Campbell,

Sis. Daphne Harrison, Sis. Rebecca

Daniels, Bro. Marion Scott,

Sis. Ina Thompson, and Bro. Ed Duzant for

your inspiring presentations.

Special thanks to all chefs and servers!

Our jazz concert by Rudy Simpson's

Jazz Unlimited Orchestra was a huge

success. Thank you to all who helped.

JANUARY 2008 

On Sunday, January 13th, the

African American Lutheran Association

held their Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Memorial Service at St. Peter's.

It was a beautiful service and was well

attended. Several seminarians received

scholarship awards including our own

Sis. Miriam Sedzro. Special thanks to all

who helped.

DECEMBER 2007

Our Choir Concert, "All to the Glory of God,"

was spectacular! Soloists and ensembles were

at their best, and the congregation generously

showed their appreciation.

Special thanks to our guests, Mr. Anthony Williams,

saxophonist,  our Praise Dance Group, with

Sis. Joy Gavin, Founder and Artistic Director,

Rev. Novella Harris, Vibraharpist, and to

Sis. Gail Hightower, Bassoonist extraordinaire,

and long time friend of St. Peter's.

Our choir also did a fine job at the

Annual Black Pastors' Group Choirs Concert.

Thank you to all who attended.

Special thanks to our chefs who provided our

delicious Christmas Dinner, and to all who

worked to make our Christmas Pageant successful,

especially Sis. Brenda Sandimanie, Assistant Director,

Sis. Gloria Lamb and Sis. Emily Robert, Wardrobe

Mistresses , Sis. Claudette Gooden, Sis. Marlene Campbell,

and the newly discovered tenor, Bro. Dennis Campbell

for creating the Pageant Singers. Thank you to all the

actors, and to our real live Baby Jesus.

Special thanks also go to Sis. Claudette Gooden for

her original song, "He's Coming Soon" which we will

certainly add to St. Peter's Advent repertoire.

Thank you to all the Carolers who  spread so much love

on Christmas Eve, and Thank you to all those who

donated and wrapped gifts.

Christmas Day service was well attended, and

New Year's Eve service will probably be remembered

for a long time.  It was filled with thanksgiving and

praise and fantastic singing.

Our youth groups went bowling at Dave and Buster's

and had a wonderful time. Their night out included

shopping at Border's Book Store, and watching

Denzel's new movie, The Great Debaters, and

eating all they could hold.

 SEPT., OCT., NOVEMBER    2007

Our Anniversaries celebration in September

was just plain wonderful. It was the 80th

anniversary of our congregation, and

Pastor Clarke's 17th anniversary  as our

pastor.

The Rev. Dr. Derek Paul led our Baptism by Immersion

service and our two day Revival. Thank you for your

leadership. 

The Rev. Dr. James Thomas was our Church

Anniversary preacher. He has preached at our

anniversary for fourteen years. That's why

he has adopted the title, "The Godfather of St. Peter's."

Please Click Here to see a brief parade video

Our anniversary ended with a concert by

Rudy Simpson's Jazz Unlimited Orchestra.

 Special thanks to all who helped to make our

anniverseries celebration a success.

Thank you to all our chefs for the deeelicious

luncheon and other refreshments.

Thank you to our parade balloon crew.

Special thanks to Sis. Brenda Sandimanie,

our chairperson. You did a fine job.

We also thanked Sis. Doris Matthews for

her dedicated work as chairperson for

fourteen years.

Sis. Joy Gavin, our Praise Dance Director,

gave a lively information-packed presentation

about her recent trip to Gambia with

Baba Chuck Davis. "When one member

travels, we all can learn."  Thank you.

             Sis. Joy Gavin

Our October Prayer Day was extremely

meaningful. We continue to practice

many different ways to pray.

October 28th was our annual Women's Day

celebration led by our chairperson,

Sis. Vivian Scott. Our theme was

"Education is the Key!"  Our guest

speaker, Sis. Zazel O'Garra, was dynamic,

and inspired everyone- all ages included.

Special thanks again to all our chefs.

                                                                                          Sis. Zazel O'Garra

 On Sunday, November 11th, we were

blessed to have with us Rabbi Hailu Paris,

from Ethiopia, who taught us about

several different names of God.

Thank you to those who prepared the

refreshments for the reception.

Thanksgiving Eve Service was well attended.

Thanksgiving Day Dinner was wonderful

as always. Almost all our college students

checked in. They are all doing well.

Thank you to all who prepared the delicious

cuisine.

Also, Thank you to all those who decorated

our Family Tree  in November for Christmas. Fine job.

                                         AUGUST 2007 REVIEWS

Our Family Outing at Hempstead Lake

State Park was a huge success. Thank

you to all who helped, especially our

master chefs.

                                                                                 Please click here                                                                               

JULY 2007 REVIEWS 

Our first Racism Roundtable was a huge

success!  Special thanks to our two

speakers: Mr. Donnell Hutson, recent

college grad, and  Mr. John "Butch" Leslie,

NYPD officer, detective, and member of

the Bias Unit. Everyone agrees we should

have  more of these Roundtables.

 

  Our Adventure Club trip to Howe Caverns was terrific!

  We explored the cavern for over an hour- at least 200ft.

  underground.  Stalactites, stalagmites, a boat ride on

  an underground river, gemstone mining, delicious food,

  magnificent scenery, and more.

    To see videos from the trip please click below:

     Video #1              Video #2            Video#3

APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2007 REVIEWS

         AFRICAN RITUAL April 29th

     Our African Candlelight Ritual to

 honor our ancestors was a huge success!

Over 50 people attended, with dynamic

dancers, and musicians and a delicious feast

making it a most memorable evening.

   Congratulations Dr. Molefi Kete Asante on your new role as

  Permanent Secretary and Coordinator of the PanAfrican

  Secretariat of Intellectuals From Africa and the Diaspora!!!

 LEADERSHIP RETREAT

Our Leadership Retreat, "Lazarus, Come Forth!"

was well attended. Ms. Oriel Ross, our guest

speaker, was simply wonderful, as usual. 

V.P. Ina Thompson distributed a Bible Word-

Search puzzle that kept everyone searching

for hours. May God bless our leaders as they

continue to take the time to learn and grow.

JAZZ CONCERT

 Rudy Simpson's Jazz Unlimited Orchestra

continues to make beautiful music to

delight their audience, even while founder,

Rudy Simpson, is on the mend.

JOY GAVIN

Our own Sis. Joy Gavin, Director of

Liturgical Dance at St. Peter's,

performed beautifully at the

Brooklyn Academy of Music in the

April Dance Africa production under

the direction of world famous dance legend,

Bro. Chuck Davis. Congratulations,

Sis. Joy Gavin. We are proud of you!!!

                  Sis. Joy Gavin

 PRAYER DAY

Prayer Day continues to be a highly

appreciated service. It involves

three hours of prayer, and introduces

worshippers to many different forms

of prayer, including dance, and song,

as well as the written and spoken word.

 FATHERS' DAY

 Congratulations to the people of the

 Music Planet!  Your performance was

 fantastic!!

 ACADEMIC RECOGNITION DAY

 Congratulations to all our graduates!!

 Names of graduates are listed on our

 Youth page.

.