LOVE NOTES
June 2026
LOVE NOTES is the newsletter published by Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Silver Spring, Maryland. It aims at faithful connection of the followers of Jesus Christ.
How to submit an article…
Submit any article with Microsoft Word document by email at goodshepumc@verizon.net or mail to Church Office with a Note indicating it’s for LOVE NOTES at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, at 9701 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20903 or drop off at Church Office mailbox. Church Fax No. (240) 670-8157
Editors
Proofreading: Marcie Burroughs
Layout and Design: Wendy De La Roca
Senior Writer: Leilani McConnell
Photo: Vacant
Printing and Mailing: Wendy De La Roca Barrios
Worship & Study
Celebration & Worship on Sunday at 11:15 a.m.
Adult Bible Study on Sunday at 9 a.m.
“Journey Through the Bible”
Bible Study on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
By Pastor Isolo Kabamba
A Love Note to Our Church Family
Dear Beloved Church Family,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
My heart overflows with gratitude as I reflect on the many ways God has blessed our congregation during this past year. God has been faithful, and through your love, commitment, and willingness to serve, our congregation continues to grow in faith, fellowship, and ministry. One of the greatest blessings has been our monthly celebration of Holy Communion on the first Sunday of every month. Around the Lord’s Table, we have been reminded again and again that we are one body in Christ, united by His grace and nourished by His love.
Together, we have witnessed God’s grace at work among us. More members have stepped forward to participate in worship leadership and serve on various committees, sharing their gifts for the glory of God. Communication among church members and committees has grown stronger, helping us build a more connected and caring congregation.
Another blessing this year was our in-person Friday evening prayer gatherings throughout April. Many members came together to seek God’s face, pray for one another, and intercede for our church and community. We are grateful for the strong participation, and even now we continue to witness the lasting fruits of those prayers through God’s ongoing work among us. It has been a joy to see our worship attendance steadily increase as new faces join us and others reconnect with the life of the church. We have celebrated God’s faithfulness through special services recognizing birthdays and anniversaries, and through meaningful family gatherings that have strengthened our fellowship and love for one another.
One of the greatest blessings of this year has been witnessing six precious individuals receive the sacrament of Baptism and nine members publicly affirm their faith through Confirmation. These sacred moments remind us that God continues to call, transform, and grow disciples within our church family.
As we look ahead, we are excited about the opportunities God is placing before us. We especially look forward to our Outdoor Worship Service on September 13, 2026, in our church parking lot. We pray that this special service will be a time of joyful worship, community outreach, and celebration of God’s goodness.
Thank you for your faithfulness, your prayers, your generosity, and your commitment to Christ and His Church. Every act of service, every prayer offered, every word of encouragement, and every expression of love has helped make our congregation a place where God’s grace is experienced and shared.
May we continue to grow in faith, hope, and love as we follow Jesus together. With gratitude and love in Christ, Pastor Isolo Kabamba.
by Christiana Tumaku Campbell (Council Chair, Certified Lay Servant)
Grace and peace be upon you.
Isaiah 40: 31 states “Those who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.” This scripture highlights growth, discipleship, daily faithfulness, and the steady work of the Spirit Jesus Christ provided to guide us always.
In the United Methodist Church, we are currently in the Season After Pentecost, often called Ordinary Time. Ordinary Time is the season of steady, faithful growth in Christ. We are invited us to reflect on Jesus’ teachings and to live out our discipleship in our everyday life. Scriptures such as Galatians 6:9 (“Let us not grow weary in doing good”) and Matthew 5:16 (“Let your light shine before others”) remind us that this season is anything but ordinary. It is a time to deepen our roots, strengthen our witness, and allow the Holy Spirit to shape us into people who love boldly and serve joyfully.
Our ministries at GSUMC continue to grow, outreach partnerships are developing, and our committees are working faithfully to support the mission of the church. As we journey through these weeks, may we remain open to the Spirit’s leading and attentive to the ways God is shaping us as individuals and as a congregation. Let us continue to lift Rev. Kabamba and all leaders of our congregation in prayer.
We pause to remember two beloved and longtime members of our church family who recently entered eternal rest, Ms. Ruth Witt and Ms. Guelda Hendrickson. Their faith, kindness, and service have blessed our congregation for many years. The beautiful painting that hangs in the Upper Room was done by Ms. Witt and donated to Good Shepherd. Let us hold their families in prayer and give thanks for their lives and witness.
As we move throughout this season of Ordinary Time let us continue to seek ways to love boldly, care for one another, and serve our community with grace.
by Christiana Tumaku Campbell (Council Chair, Certified Lay Servant)
The three-day conference May 27-29, 2026 was attended by Rev. Eduardo Kabamba, Clergy and Christiana Tumaku Campbell, Lay Leader to the Annual Conference.
Below is a summary of the Annual Conference with highlights for Good Shepherd UMC, Silver Spring.
1. Conference Theme & Vision
The 2026 session launched the first year of a new three-year vision for the BWC and the UMC:
- 2026 – Love Boldly
- 2027 – Serve Joyfully
- 2028 – Lead Courageously
This theme shapes worship, discipleship, and mission across the connection.
Below is a list of Key Actions & Resolutions Passed and implications/action items for Good Shepherd.
2. Resolutions Adopted by the Conference
A. Fossil Fuel Divestment & Creation Care
The Conference affirmed a commitment to environmental stewardship by encouraging divestment from fossil fuels and supporting a just transition toward renewable energy.
Implications for GSUMC:
- Review energy use, recycling, and creation-care practices.
- Consider small, achievable steps (LED lighting, reduced paper use, green ministry initiatives).
B. Faith in Action
This resolution encourages congregations to deepen their engagement in justice ministries, community partnerships, and public witness rooted in Wesleyan theology.
Implications for GSUMC:
- Strengthen outreach ministries.
- Explore partnerships with local organizations serving vulnerable neighbors.
C. Revamp of the Pastor’s Evaluation Form
The Conference approved updates to the pastoral evaluation process to improve clarity, collaboration, and alignment with current ministry realities.
Implications for GSUMC:
- SPRC will use updated evaluation tools when ready.
- Emphasis on shared goal-setting, communication, and pastoral well-being.
D. Establishment of Campus Ministry Sunday
A new special Sunday was approved to highlight and support campus ministries across the Conference.
Implications for GSUMC:
- Plan a Sunday to celebrate college students and young adults.
- Consider a special offering or partnership with nearby college campuses.
E. Director of Connectional Ministries
The Conference clarified and updated the role and responsibilities of the Director of Connectional Ministries to strengthen leadership alignment.
Implications for GSUMC:
- No direct administrative changes for local churches like GSUMC, but improved conference-level support for ministries.
F. Amendments to the Episcopal Nominee Endorsement Process
Time limits and procedural steps were updated to ensure a fair and transparent endorsement process for episcopal candidates.
Implications for GSUMC:
- Primarily affects conference-level leadership; no local administrative changes required.
G. Amendments to Conference Membership Rules
The Conference updated membership rules to reflect current realities in clergy status, lay membership, and voting eligibility.
Implications for GSUMC:
- Ensure Charge Conference records are accurate.
- Review lay leadership nominations with updated guidelines in mind.
3. Additional Conference Actions
A. Financial Stewardship
- The Conference celebrated paying off the Mission Center, strengthening long-term financial sustainability.
- The 2027 budget was approved with a focus on mission, discipleship, and clergy support.
B. Mission & Generosity
- 35 units of blood collected through the Red Cross drive (potentially saving 105 lives).
- Special offerings supported:
- Seeds of Security (domestic violence survivor support) – $6,475
- Clergy Renewal Leave Fund – $7,011
C. Celebrations
- Retiring clergy honored for 566 combined years of service.
- New clergy commissioned and ordained, Bishop Gregory Palmer delivered a very inspiring message.
- A Service of Remembrance honored clergy, clergy spouses, and lay members who entered the Church Triumphant.
4. What This Means for Good Shepherd UMC
- Renew focus on loving boldly in worship, outreach, and discipleship.
- Prepare SPRC for updated pastoral evaluation tools.
- Plan for Campus Ministry Sunday.
- Strengthen creation-care practices.
- Review membership and leadership records for alignment with updated conference rules.
- Continue building strong community partnerships and justice-oriented ministries.
by Philip Palmer Sr. (Lay Leader)
Change Has Come
The Spirit of the living God has fallen afresh on the congregation of Good Shepherd. Members who had drifted away since the years following COVID, have, once again seen the great light, and are coming back as news travels that change has come.
The new Pastor has been reaching out to the members through inspiring sermons, punctuated by “hallelujahs” and “amens” from the worshippers, as the spirit moves them, and through calls and pastoral visits to the sick, the bereaved and the home bound, praying for them and encouraging them to come back to their church and serve their Lord with their presence, their substance, their talents and their spiritual gifts. His effort has not been in vain.
The call for all members to use their gifts and talents in the service of the Lord, has resulted in young, competent, and talented members agreeing to serve in the various church committees, freely using their singular talents and spiritual gifts to tackle and dismantle the many problems which had piled up over the years since COVID.
All who want to serve, are given the chance to do so, to speak their minds freely and to make decisions based purely on facts, and not just to rubber stamp what one person wants. The Pastor stresses that the church is the people and not the building and all the members should join to make it work.
Our finances are safe and properly managed by young, zealous members, with both knowledge and experience in church finance. The Finance Committee meets regularly, and the Chair and Treasurer give full reports on the management of the church’s finances. Meetings are open to all members so that all may see how their money is being spent. All income is accounted for. All expenses are backed by supporting documents. Bills are being paid and regular audits from now on are guaranteed to be done without any difficulty.
In this amicable situation, everyone who means well for Good Shepherd is happy, because everyone shares in the management of the church. There is no room for malice or self importance. No member is being left behind, or considered less important. Everyone is given the same recognition and respect as a valued member. Leaders are appreciated and treated with respect and love. Therefore, they are working tirelessly, with great zeal and fidelity, to give of their best. The congregation too is pleased, as evidenced by rising attendance in church services, and giving. Not just tithes and pledges, but giving for projects towards, Missions, and the maintenance and beautification of Good Shepherd. Unfortunately, the inflationary trends in the country at present are preventing the bumper harvest we have been expecting but God is giving us enough to make us pay our bills and meet our obligations.
Transparency, the clarion call of our Pastor, has brought us trust and true love for one another, and for the church. The UMM, The Women of Faith (newly revived), Tabitha Circle, the Trustee Committee even Missions Committee are all planning events this summer to raise funds for Good Shepherd which means that the whole church will be involved in this marathon display of commitment and faithfulness, to ensure that Good Shepherd will continue to serve as a comfortable edifice for all who seek spiritual growth and Christian fellowship.
My call to all good shepherds and shepherdesses is: rise up! and serve faithfully with all your hearts and minds. Come to church and receive inspiration to worship the one true God on whom we put our trust, and become a servant leader of the God of love who died that we might live. Pay your tithes and dues, support the Pastor and the leaders. Show them and all the world, that change has come, and has made you new again, renewed in spirit, in thought and in deed. May the good Lord bless us all.
by Andre Smalls
Brief History and Status of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church Loan.
Good Shepherd obtained a $500,000 loan from First National Bank in 2007 when the church entrance was rebuilt and an elevator installed. The interest rate was 7.660%.
When a balloon payment came due in October 2012, the church and bank a five-year loan modification for $350,000 principal at a 5.5% interest (monthly payment was reduced from $4,000 to $2,424.86).
That mortgage contract called for a balloon payment of $286,000 to be paid on October 1, 2017. We didn’t make this payment on schedule, our interest rate was going to shift from fixed to variable, which could result in higher monthly payments.
After much discussion and review of the church’s financials, trustees elected to the loan. In August 2017, old loan in the amount of $280,763.34 was paid off and a new loan the amount of $28,1637 was negotiated First National loan was to be offered at an interest rate between 5.49 – 6.00% and a monthly payment of $2,277.45
Early in 2025 the Church negotiated in reduced payment of $1,650.00 for 12 months starting April 1, 2025 due to financial hardship early in 2025.
In December 2025, First National Bank sold the loan to National Loan Investors, LP. The church is currently paying $2,277.45 a month with the loan maturing on January 1, 2033. The current loan principal of $154,338 as of April 1, 2026 shows progress in reducing our debt.
by Leilani McConnell, (Missions Chair)
The Missions Ministry held a meeting May 08 to consider summer events. For years we have given school supplies to our local Broad Acres Elementary School and two Indian schools as part of the Conference Christmas in July outreach. This summer we decided to reach out to other local schools including Crest Haven Elementary and White Oak Middle School. We will be asking for donations of gift cards or cash that will be passed on to the teachers who must purchase the supplies they require.
We also discussed ways we could encourage the youth of Good Shepherd to participate in church activities such as the Chancel Choir, the Parise Band or the Bell Choir and perhaps some of the committees.
Lay Leader Philip Palmer Sr., who is also UMM President, came, and with him we discussed the reorganization of the Methodist Women, now known as Methodist women of Faith. Since the COVID plague, the women had not been meeting and it is hoped they can meet once again. It is planned to ask the women to stay after services on a near Sunday to talk about it.
Pastor and Worship Ministry hope to hold an outdoor service in the parking lot sometime this summer as an outreach to the community. The Praise Band could play and we could have an information handout to encourage attendance to services. Also considered is to offer lunch on a Saturday in the parking lot, again as an appeal to the community. Details are yet to be worked out.
We had a look at the current status of our church mortgage, the biggest debt we carry. Several years ago, when the breezeway between Jackson and Lewis Buildings was enclosed, the Upper Room created and rest rooms upgraded to meet handicap standards, we re-mortgaged for $350K and that has been renegotiated more than once. During times of financial challenges, we have missed some payments, and a deal was made to pay interest, not principal. We currently owe $154K and we pay $2200+ / month. Several folks designate their donations to the mortgage and that is helpful in making payments.
The United Methodist Men are to sponsor Mother’s Day celebration with a luncheon after worship.
by Paulette Brown, (Food Pantry Coordinator)
I would like to take this time to thank all donors who have donated such wonderful items to our Good Shepherd United Methodist Church food pantry.
I know many of you have made sacrifices to help others when in many cases we need help ourselves. We do not forget our neighbors regardless of the circumstances that is what we as Christians are supposed to do.
Our food pantry has served more than 68 individuals and families since January 2026. Without your donations we would not have been able to serve these families who are in need at a particular time. So remember your kind acts will never be forgotten. At this time I am having customers request mayonnaise, salad dressing, coconut milk in the can, masa, and can meet such as tuna, spam, potted meat, sardines, saltine crackers or crackers. For those who choose not to bring items to the Food Pantry, thank you for your monetary donations that goes through the church finance department.
Please remember school will be out in June so we will need additional cereals, snacks, hopefully healthy foods for children.Thank you to all church members who Volunteer their time in the Good Pantry and show much love to our neighbors. God loves a cheerful giver.
If you would like additional information about our church pantry.
by James Sawyerr, (Secretary)
The Trustees, with support from various church committees, have successfully completed several key improvements over the last five months:
Technology Upgrades: computers have been installed for Pastor Kabamba, Wendy De La Roca Barrios, and the Finance committee.
Security & Mail: The old, vandalized mailbox has been completely replaced with a new, more secure freestanding model.
Plumbing & Efficiency: all of the church’s toilets have been replaced with low-flush models. The church is already seeing a return on this investment through lower WSSC water bills.
Lighting Upgrades: the interior and exterior lighting of the sanctuary have been updated to improve the church’s curb appeal.
County Sidewalk & Accessibility: The Montgomery County sidewalk project along the church’s parking lot is now complete. Additionally, the sidewalk leading from the parking lot to the front entrance—along with the parking spaces—has been updated and brought up to code for accessibility.
Outgoing Work
Current Projects: Trustees are currently working on several other initiatives and look forward to reporting on their progress in the coming months.
by Dr. Szu-Yi Li (Music Director)
A Note from the Music Director
Music has always been at the heart of worship at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. From the timeless beauty of choral anthems to the joyful energy of contemporary praise, our music ministry exists to glorify God and draw every heart closer to Him. Whether you’ve been worshiping with us for decades or are just finding your home here, we warmly invite you to be a part of what God is doing through music at Good Shepherd.
Chancel Choir
Our Chancel Choir is the cornerstone of our worship experience. Each week, these dedicated singers offer their voices as an act of praise — leading the congregation in worship and bringing sacred choral music to life. We sing a rich variety of anthems, hymns, and seasonal works that reflect the deep roots of our Methodist heritage.
Are you a singer looking for a meaningful way to serve? The Chancel Choir welcomes all voice parts — soprano, alto, tenor, and bass — no audition required, just a willing heart and a love for music. We rehearse on Thursday evenings and would love to have you join our family. Whether you sang in a choir years ago or have never tried, this is your invitation to let your voice be heard.
Praise Band
For those called to a more contemporary expression of worship, our Praise Band brings energy and heart to our blended services. Rooted in faith and driven by passion, this talented group of musicians and vocalists helps our congregation experience the joy of modern praise and worship music.
Do you play an instrument or love to sing contemporary music? We are actively looking for singers, guitarists, bassists, keyboard players, and drummers to join our Praise Band. No matter your skill level, if you have a heart for worship and a desire to serve, there is a place for you here.
Come Make a Joyful Noise!
Whether the Chancel Choir or the Praise Band feels like home to you, the music ministry at Good Shepherd UMC needs you. Every voice matters. Every instrument has a role to play. Together, we make something far greater than any of us could alone.
To learn more or to sign up, please reach out to me after any service or contact the church office. I would love to connect with you!
by Leilani McConnell
“What Would We Do Without You?”
(An Opinion Piece)
When I look at the congregation my heart is glad. We are a microcosm of America with black. blown and white folks born here and so many others who came from a variety of other countries including our first African pastor, Kabamba from Congo. All are loyal attendees and participate in the life of the church in so many ways (and are well fed – thank you African ladies!). We would be much less successful without you.
Unhappily we live in a time when foreigners are suspect, demeaned and insulted for coming to America that had by past reputation been a welcoming sanctuary for those seeking asylum and a better life. Most recently the Federal Department of Homeland Security has been rounding up people with impunity whom they think “look foreign “and are therefore assumed to be here illegally, criminals or worse. Their presentation of proof of citizenship, actual or pending, is too often rejected. Two American citizens have been murdered and others badly injured as a result. People, including children, are being deported, often to a country not of their origin, or warehoused (at great expense) at several places where living conditions are reportedly appalling. Children are frequently separated from parents or care givers.
Now our president wants to deport the Afghanis who were so vital in helping our military in Afghanistan and Kuwait and Iraq back to Afghanistan where their lives will be in person. If not there then he says, “anywhere there is conflict”. So much for American asylum, hospitality, human rights, and compassion.
The attacks against “DEI”, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion puzzle me. When the Founders wrote the Constitution, it said all men (not slaves and not so many women) were created equal with inalienable rights under American law. This at time when many writers were slave holders. But after nearly 200 years when President Lincoln declared Emancipation, the slaves were freed and fought to assimilate into American life. They had a hard way to go. Then in 1968 President Johnson signed Civil Rights laws that opened a pathway for Blacks. Schools began to desegregate, work opportunities opened, and civil rights extended to all. But it has been a hard journey and in 2026 there are those who would challenge those rights.
Secretary Hegseth of the Department of War (formerly and should still be Defense) has refused to promote worthy Black and Female military claiming that it would be too WOKE, his interpretation of what DEI is.
What could possibly be wrong with embracing Diversity? As I pointed out, Good Shepherd has a diverse membership. Everyone here is descended from foreigners or are naturalized. Each brings something of their culture which enriches us. Without our “foreign” immigrants too many jobs would go unfilled. Construction, crop harvesting, landscaping, food services, many health care positions, teaching, science – the list goes on.
As to Equality – the playing field for ALL should be fair and open. Without it (mostly Blacks) would have no access to decent schools and good paying jobs, affordable health care, affordable and accessible housing. Now there are those, mostly men, who think this discriminates against White people. Is it okay to discriminate against Blacks and other minorities, but not okay when discrimination is perceived to be against Whites?
Inclusion – we should welcome any and everyone with good will toward us. We should not deny anyone one from seeking and finding success and contributing to the welfare of all. All eligibles should be able to vote unchallenged… But even that is being brought into question recently when the Supreme Court waged an assault on our long, settled voting rights and states are ruling against Gerrymandering that favors Blacks. (I am against all Gerrymandering because I think those running for office need to win on merit, not because they are in a certain political area.)
Public spaces and services should be available to all. I grew up in a small Illinois town that was racially integrated, with perhaps a dozen Black families. (We also had many immigrants from Europe, including the Croatian family of my brother-in-law.) Blacks were welcome everywhere. It was common for each school class to have at least one Black student. My class had one young man, a great basketball player and quite popular. He was elected Senior Class president. When we went in summer to visit my maternal grandparents in Oklahoma, I was dismayed to see signs on public drinking fountains that said “white only” or “colored only” I always drank out of the latter in protest – it was JUST water!
I was into my mid-teens when we moved to North Carolina when I was exposed to serious segregation. I went to an all-White high school and saw evidence of separation of the races everywhere. I became much more sensitive to the fact that my accident of being born White gave me a certain advantage I did not deserve.
We have come a long way, but the signs of racism and militant animus are more prevalent again. Even in our government.
Jesus was for inclusion of all whatever origin, race, slave or free, social status, women or men. He preached loving and helping each other. He did not discriminate and he encouraged all to do the same. We can honor Him by following those tenets.
by Marcie B.
“Please Save Your Soda Pop Tabs”
They go to Ronald McDonald house. (They help families of sick children) While the child is receiving care at a hospital!
by Xochilt E. Cruz
An Unforgettable Christmas Eve
“Love forever Our Lord Jesus” Jesus said unto her; I am the resurrection, and life: he that believeth in me though he were dead, yet shall he live (John 11:25)
On Christmas Eve the person I love the whole world passed away. He and I had so many plans, but the I realized the Lord Jesus had another plan for us. I question Him: “Lord Jesus why? Why did You take him from me? You see he was the only one I had in this world and without him, I felt I had nothing left in my life. My whole world has changed.
The word of God in John 11:25, the Lord Jesus to me. He told me He is the resurrection, and life: that those who believe in Him will live even after they have died. Now I understand and Jesus conform my heart and my soul of my pain and He give me peace in my heart and teaching me to live one day at the time. And more important is the Jesus told me I will see the person I love most in the whole world because him and I believe in Jesus and he served.
The Holy Bible in Revelations 21:4, told us, “And God shall wipe all tear from their sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away.”
The love of Lord Jesus is power in the world; for all man who believe in Him have eternity life.
The love of Jesus changed all people heart in the world.
By Hugh Holder
Beauty
The beauty of youth stuns
startles, sparkles
Surrounds
but the larger questions is
will it last as you age?
what if it can?
with care of skin and muscle tone
and posture
with attention to mood
refinement of speech
with kindness, good manners
generosity of spirit,
forgiveness frequent walks observing and
learning from nature,
conservation of energy
sharing of softness and suppleness
cultivating spiritual common sense
taming some emotions
exercising regularly
getting restful restorative sleep
cultivating smiles, laughter
fellowship and companionship
Baptismal Sunday, May 24, 2026
“We were blessed to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism, witnessing God’s amazing grace as new members were welcomed into the family of faith. Through this sacred covenant, we rejoiced in God’s promise, the gift of new life in Christ, and the continued growth of our church family.”
Seriya Anaise Palmer, Laniece Armani Lopez, Kalise Raquel Lopez, Jeremiah Alexander Kwessi, Ezra Nathaniel Sweeney- Grant & Naomi Esther Sweeney-Grant
Congratulations to the Confirmation class
We treasure all youth. We invite all youth to consider joining in church activities. If you like to sing and/or play an instrument, consider joining Chancel Choir and/or the Praise Band. Also, we always need bell ringers and even if you have never done it before, Music Minister Szu Yi is a good teacher. Also, any of the working ministries and committees of the church except for SPRC (Staff Parish Relations Committee) would welcome you and be eager to hear questions and ideas. We would love to welcome you!
We Welcome…
Gyasi T. Cash Jr, Madison Raye Boone, Ezra Nathaniel Sweeney-Grant, Naomi Esther Sweeney-Grant, Zavion Dakin-Davis, Zavele Dakin-Davis, Estuardo A. Coxic Barrios, Elfrida Christiana M’Carthy & Kenneth Marx Weller
By SPRC
Pastor’s Report & 2026 Strategy
2026 Pastoral Goals: Rev. Kabamba presented his proposed goals for the 2026 calendar year.
Committee Feedback: Members reviewed the draft and suggested the inclusion of a specific goal regarding the Pastor’s personal “self-care” to ensure sustainable leadership.
Action Item: A final draft of the goals will be prepared and shared with the congregation for transparency and alignment.
Youth & Children’s Ministry
- The committee discussed strategies to revitalize the youth ministry and the youth band.
- Goal: Identify specific outreach methods to encourage regular attendance and active participation among younger members
Operational & Growth Initiatives
The committee addressed several strategic areas for church development:
- Developing outreach strategies to transition “passive” members back into active participation in church life.
- Improving communication and collaboration across all church committees to ensure they work in unison toward common goals.
- Planning for an outdoor service during the summer months to foster community engagement.
- The establishment of a Welfare Committee Care Team was proposed to support members who are ill, absent from service, or in need of pastoral visits.
- Improving the flow of consistent, vital information regarding the Cluster and the Baltimore-Washington Conference (BWC).
- Utilizing Sunday service announcements to highlight important action items affecting the church body
Congratulations – Class of 2026
Christian Salcedo, Zehannah Kayin Olushola, Dakin-Davis, Aanya Singh, Avril Abban, Zarina Davies, Shuvai Chivanga & Josephine Parkinson
Congratulations, graduates! May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you as you continue your journey.
A Special Thanks To those who serve during our Sunday Worship Service
GSUMC Liturgist:
Janet Auber, Frances Bakarr, Christiana Tumaku Campbell, Valerie Campbell, Christian Davies, Clarina Dakin-Davis, Sylvester Lewis, Dr. Bob Muller Jr., Philip Palmer Jr., Dr. Alberta Pratt-Sensie, Amit Singh, Alka Singh, Neil Spiller, Dr. Claribel Sawyerr, Francess Spaine, Richard Weller & Suzanne Matthews Williams
GSUMC Acolytes:
Carolyn Brannon – Instructor & Training
Abie Ngala – Scheduling
Aamya Singh, Aarash Singh, Ezra Sweeney, Imani Ngala, Madison Boone, Nadjah Ngala, Naomi Sweeny-Grant, Nayima Ngala, Za’Vell Davis & Za’Vion Davis
GSUMC Ushers:
Julius Campbell (Leader),
Clarina Dakin-Davies, Vera Davies, Bintu Murphy
Selina FitzJohn (Leader),
Sara Jones, Reginald Spaine, Dunstan Thomas
Eugene Maddy (Leader),
Elfrida George-Lewis, Isata Roberts, Kumba Sundu
Glennis Palmer (Leader),
Mariama Anderson, Josie Elliott, Juah Nimely
GSUMC Media Ministry:
Neil Spiller, Clarina Dakin-Davis, Valerie Campbell, Carlyle Craig, Saundra Craig, Christian Davies, Beresford Dakin-Davis, Hugh Holder, Leilani McConnell & Amit Singh
Praising God | Experiencing God
| Serving God | Sharing God