INTEDENOMINATIONAL CHURCH USHERS ASSOCIATION OF VIRGINIA, INC.
Gloria A. Greenhow, State President
Lawrence A. Wright, Chairman, Board of Directors
Donna A. Hines, Reporter
The Class of 2011 School of Ushering Graduation Ceremony (Brenda Gordon-Reynolds, State Dean), was held in August at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Triangle, VA. The guest speaker for the occasion was the renowned Rev. Dr. Alfred Jones, Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Also in attendance was our esteemed Dean of the National George T. Grier School of Ushering, Sis. Phyllis P. Dorsey.
A total of 64 graduates received their certificates of completion. Four graduates received their Instructors Certificates and six received their Bachelors Certificates. Proudly, we had one minister and two Pastors to graduate this year - Rev. Dwight B. Michael, Sr., Pastor, Piney Branch Baptist Church, Spotsylvania, VA, the ICUA of VA Spiritual Advisor, Rev. Ray Jackson, Pastor of Waterloo Baptist Church in Warrenton, VA and Rev. Horace Johnson of Piney Branch Baptist Church in Spotsylvania. Each was in the class instructed by Bro. Kensey M. Lewis.
The State of Virginia has been busy over the last few months with a focus on three primary goals: Scholarship, Outreach and the acquisition of a 15 plus passenger van. Much of the support of our efforts comes from across the Virginia State lines so we would like to take this opportunity to extend many thanks to our fellow ushers in neighboring states throughout the Eastern Region and we give God the glory for the things He has done and is doing in the State of Virginia.
This year, the Scholarship Committee, Sis. Rose Holley, Chairperson, awarded six scholarships from its J.W. Abernathy Scholarship fund in the amount of $500 each. We are very proud of the church, civic and academic achievements of each of this year’s recipients. Scholarships were presented on November 19th at the ICUA of VA, Inc. Mid-Year Conference to:
Vaughn Byrd, Peace Baptist Church – GPA 3.0
Donald Jones, Jr., Little Union Baptist Church - GPA – 3.2
Jaifer Threat, First Mt. Zion, Dumfries – GPA 3.2
Tamika Jones, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church – GPA 3.8
Terriza Jefferies, Peace Baptist Church – 2.63
Brittany Milteer, Mt. Ararat Christian Church – GPA 3.8
Brittany Milteer is also the recipient of the National R.E. Harshaw ($250 National contribution/$250 State match) scholarship.
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“Share with God’s People who are in need” – Romans 12:13 is the scriptural reference/guidance for this year’s Outreach project. The ICUA of VA, Inc. Outreach Department, under the leadership of Sis. Tina Ellis, conducted a successful coat and food drive. Donations were brought to the State Mid-Year conference and given to a representative of the Genevieve Shelter to benefit domestic violence and abuse.
The Property Acquisition Committee is working diligently to achieve it goal of purchasing a 15 plus passenger van. It is the committee’s hope to be able to provide a source of transportation to ICUA of VA, Inc. members who may not have a means of transportation to attend state meetings and events and to provide some economic relief to members who regularly travel to other state activities, meetings and memorial services. To help fund the purchase, the Property Acquisition Committee is sponsoring a 2-nights – 3 day trip to Canada – May 4-6, 2012. Please contact Lawrence A. Wright at or 301-946-2129 for further information.
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On December 2, 2012, the ICUA of VA, Inc. District #1 ushers hosted their annual Holiday Fellowship at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA. Juniors, Seniors and Young Adult ushers from across the district came together and enjoyed a delicious meal and a true kindred spirit. Among the highlights of the evening were the special presentations. Sis. Cheryl Allen, Chairperson of the George E. Brown Award Committee, presented this year's distinguished award to Sis. T. Jean Horace. This award, named in memory of a beloved life-long dedicated District #1usher, George E. Brown, recognizes ushers for their outstanding commitment
to the District. In addition, Irene J. Washington, President of District #1, presented Presidential Awards for outstanding service and leadership to Bro. Phil Chambers and Sis. Kim Frazier. District President, Irene Washington received a dozen of beautiful roses and other gifts of appreciation for her commitment and service to District #1.
Our newly elected Junior President, La' Drea West along with State Supervisor Lillie Muldrow will host the ICUA of VA, Inc. Junior and Young People Department 2012 Junior Retreat - January 13-14, 2012 at the Fredericksburg Bible Institute. In addition to the business and planning meeting, the annual Junior Retreat includes a 4-Juniors Only School of Ushering, fellowship, community service projects and current events workshops with special guest facilitators.
The State of Virginia sends love to all of our fellow Doorkeepers. It is our prayer that God will continue to richly bless each of you during this Christmas Season and in the coming New Year.