A Zigzag Journey with God To God be the glory for twenty years of pastoral service and leadership. What a journey it has been. While most people look at anniversary as an achievement or accomplishment, I see it as a journey. A journey, not in a straight line, but zigzag. When Moses led the children of Israel for 40 years, they only covered a total distance of about 10 miles because they did not travel in a straight line, but zigzag formation. It may be true that “the shortest distance between two points is a straight line,” but with God, the purpose is not how quickly one gets to one’s destination, but how rewarding the journey is. God is more concerned about developing us holistically on the journey than quickly getting us to our destination. A journey with God is not so much about the destination, but the encounters and experiences along the way. The journey involves encounters with people who will support you and experiences that will strengthen you, as the Lord sustains you. Pastoral leadership should be premised on a participatory embrace of people’s gifts, talents and skills in ways that are empowering. I believe that as a pastor, I am called to extract, harvest and synthesize God’s gifts in others that they may articulate God’s redemptive purposes and goals in this sinful world. A journey of pastor and people is grounded in an integration of faith and spiritual growth and development in ways that maintain, promote, and agitate for salvation in every sphere of human life, and I am pleased to have some of God’s finest people with me along this journey. There are a few that I would like to recognize today. Some are no longer with us. This journey would not have begun without God. Therefore, foremost, I give God the glory for salvation through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and the keeping power of the Holy Spirit. Thanks to my mother, who was a stay-home mom and the go-to-person for provision and protection when I was growing up, and to my father who was an embodiment of what it means to have quiet strength, and to my brothers and sisters and in-laws for their unending support. I also recognize: my brother-in-Christ, Peter Niedserheiser, who introduced me to Youth for Christ and shared in early ministries; Pastor and Mrs. Ralph Lampkins, who mentored and gave me the opportunity to produce and host Youth for Christ radio program over
ELWA; mother Vera Stevens for her training in Child Evangelism and having me serve as summer camp director at Camp Bethesda; Aunt Pauling Sonius who provided weekly Bible training and opportunity to serve as camp counselor at camp Lawana; Pastor Peter Amos George, Sr., for his support and allowing me to serve as Junior Church Director at Providence Baptist Church; Deaconess Marjorie Henries who taught me everything about evangelism; Dr. Haddon Robinson, for teaching me what I thought I knew that I didn’t know about preaching along with all my professors and colleagues at New Brunswick and Gordon-Conwell Theological seminaries. Additionally, I wish to offer special thanks to Deacon Wayne Osborne, Sr., for giving me the opportunity to serve as Sunday school teacher at Calvary Baptist Church; Deacon James Shannon, for not only adopting me as a son but asking me to serve on the Deacons’ Ministry; Pastor Glenmore Bembry, Jr., for licensing and ordination into ministry; Mother Catherine Greene, who was my ardent supporter in ministry; Pastor Russel White for having me serve as his assistant at Bethel Baptist Church in Orange. I also wish to thank: Dr. Felicia Y. Thomas for serving as Acting Pastor at Calvary for three months during my sabbatical and your ongoing support to me and the ministry; Assistant Pastor, Reverend Robin Greene-Webb for your faithful and dedicated service, a great asset to the Lord and Calvary; my administrative assistant, Sis. Diana Hutchinson, for your sacrificial service to the Lord and the ministry. Thanks to all the ministers, deacons and deaconesses, trustees, music ministry, missionaries, ushers, Christian education, Sunday school, media, Women’s and Men’s ministries, seniors, youth, dance, hospitality, and everyone who serves to the glory of God at Calvary Baptist Church during the pastorate over the last twenty-years. We’re on this journey together. Finally, I thank my wife, Teresa, for your friendship and partnership in ministry. I know when a church calls a pastor, it’s the pastor who is called to do the work. But the First Lady “hit the ground running” the moment she got to Calvary, teaching VBS and Sunday school and serving as superintendent of Sunday school for about two years. I also wish to acknowledge my son Jonathan for being a wonderful son and a great leader. To Joy, thank you for your many rhetorical questions and energy. To God be the glory! Pastor Joseph Oniyama
THE MINISTERIAL STAFF
TO REV. DR. JOSEPH ONIYAMA, We, the ministerial staff, wish to congratulate you on your 20th Pastoral Anniversary. We thank you for your vision for motivating and inspiring us. The innovativeness of your perspective in preaching and teaching is an inspiration to us all. Nothing encourages, strengthens, and uplifts like the word of God. We thank God for the opportunity to serve alongside you, as you continue to lead God’s people. 1 Peter 4:11 “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever Amen.”
God’s continuous blessings on your life, Pastor… Rev. Robin Greene-Webb, Assistant Pastor Associate Ministers Rev. Ella Coriner Johnson Rev. Geraldine Clark Rev. Dr. E. Solomon Ernst Minister Pamela Robinson
THE EAST ORANGE MAYOR
THE MEN’S MINISTRY
Congratulations
to our Pastor, Rev. Dr. Joseph Oniyama
on your 20th Pastoral Anniversary at Calvary Baptist Church. You have been an awesome blessing to us all. Thank you for your continuous leadership. The Men’s Ministry Samuel K. Mappy, Chairman “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:3 (NIV)
THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY
2 Timothy 3:15-17 (NIV)
“And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Warm and Loving Congratulations
Rev. Dr. Joseph Oniyama On Your 20th Pastoral Anniversary
Dr. Frances English, Christian Education Ministry Chair Calvary Youth Ministry Deacon Marva Ernst, Senior Ministry Sis. Juanita Dupree, Sunday School Superintendent Sis. Yvette Salter, Scholarship Ministry Deacon Dale Britton, Dance Ministry Deacon Hazel Fuller, Homecoming Ministry
Congratulations Rev. Dr. Joseph Oniyama on your 20th Pastoral Anniversary
Wishing you God’s blessings as you continue “Preaching the WORD with Precision.” With Love from the Newsome Family Deacon Gerald Newsome
Deaconess Barbara J. Newsome Alnisa D. Dambreville Phaedra Briane Foreman Mikaela Jadette Dambreville Tempest A. Newsome-Elijah Nafiys Dashon Elijah Autumn Jean Newsome-Elijah Skye Lane Newsome-Elijah Gerald Sincere Newsome-Elijah Destiny T’yanna Elijah Isaiah Dashon Elijah Montrell Legend Newsome-Elijah LaDon Zion Newsome-Elijah Ivy Renae’ Newsome-Elijah Jade Rose Newsome-Elijah Kairo King Elijah
Congratulations to you, our brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, Rev. Dr. Joseph Oniyama, on your 20th Anniversary as Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church! May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to direct you in all your endeavors. We are proud of you, and we love you! From your brother, Emmanuel, sister-in-law, Tonya, and niece, Emaya
Anthony “Tony” Ballard November 15, 1958 - January 4, 2022
Solomon “Solo” Johnson, Jr. August 17, 1969 – September 3, 2013
Anita Coleman September 11, 1956 – May 12, 2021
Evelyn Cassell Kamara September 20, 1960 – September 13, 2020
Catherine M. Greene December 19, 1928 – May 12, 2005
Deaconess Gertrude Maud Osborne November 29, 1913 - May 10, 1989
Trustee Emeritus Nelson W. Greene, Sr. April 3, 1926 – March 4, 1990
Deacon Wayne Edward Osborne, Sr. June 15, 1912 - May 15, 1998
Tiffani Rae Greene January 7, 1974 – September 6, 2020
Kathleen Smith July 24, 1946 - October 17, 2020
Octavia Harper September 3, 1932 – November 23, 2021
David Alvin Stevens February 23, 1930 – October 5, 2014
Glenna M. Hinton January 1, 1931 – March 19, 2019
Maggie Cora Hopkins Stevens May 25, 1933 – April 10, 2022
Theodore “Buddy” Johnson, Jr. August 15, 1970 – March 27, 2020
Lincoln Richard Tarr November 12, 1959 – February 3, 2021
Solomon S. Johnson, Sr. July 16, 1929 – March 12, 2014
Lenora L. Westry July 21, 1919 – November 17, 2015
THE GUEST PREACHER
FELICIA YVONNE THOMAS A brief biography The Reverend Doctor Felicia Yvonne Thomas is a pioneer in ministry. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Thomas was the first woman to serve in pastoral ministry at Elmhurst Baptist Church (Queens), First Baptist Church (Princeton), Calvary Baptist Church (E. Orange), and Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church (Newark). At present, she serves on the ministry team of Northside Baptist Church (Baltimore). A graduate of Mount Holyoke College and Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York, Dr. Thomas holds the Doctor of Philosophy degree in History from Rutgers University. Dr. Thomas has held numerous jobs in higher education. Currently she works as an Assistant Professor of History at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Thomas is married to Dr. Walter L. Parrish III, Pastor of Northside Baptist Church, Baltimore, Maryland. They are the proud and devoted parents of two sons.
THE ANNIVERSARY CHAIRS
Diana Hutchinson
Caroline Dennis
Our Pastor
P
Is for Preaching the WORD
A
Is for the ANOINTING gifted to you to minister with His leading
S
Is for SHEPHERD appointed to lead God’s flock
T
Is for TEACHER who studies God’s WORD
O
Is for OBEDIENCE and submission to Him
R
Is for RIGHTEOUSNESS by which you live and are blessed
CONGRATULATIONS, PASTOR ON YOUR 20th ANNIVERSARY Sis. Diana Hutchinson, Anniversary Committee Chair Sis. Caroline Dennis, Anniversary Committee Co-Chair
OUR FIRST LADY
Congratulations on 20 years of leading Calvary Baptist Church! You are a loving husband, pastor and father. Thank you for being the man that God has called you to be.
We Love You!
Happy Anniversary! Love, Teresa & Joy
THE MINISTRY OF DEACONS
The Ministry of Deacons
Congratulates
Rev. Dr. Joseph Oniyama on your 20th Anniversary
May God Richly Bless You & Your Family
THE TRUSTEE MINISTRY
To Our Beloved Pastor Happy 20th Anniversary
from the Trustees of Calvary Baptist Church. May God continue to bless and strengthen you as you lead.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9 (KJV)
THE ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE
A Servantman
Congratulations to our beloved Pastor on your 20th Anniversary! Ephesians 3:7, 16, 19 7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power… 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man… 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.
Anniversary Worship Service Sunday, June 12, 2022 10:00 a.m. “Preaching the WORD with Precision” Musical Prelude ..............................................................................Bro. Dadu Reeves and Bro. Nathaniel Lewis Call to Worship .............................................................................................................Trustee Benetta Anderson Praise and Worship Worship Leader: O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. Congregation: Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy: and gathered them out of the lands, from the east to the west, from the north and from the south. Congregational Hymn #157 ............................................................................................ “To God Be the Glory” Morning Prayer ..................................................................................................................... Deacon Hazel Fuller Greetings to Guests ................................................................................................................. Dr. Frances English News of Our Ministry ...................................................................................................Rev. Robin Greene-Webb The Pastor’s Favorite Scriptures .................................................................................................Marvin Glen, Jr. Augustus Reeves Emanuella Lawal Tobi Lawal Keelan Rae McKelvey The Scripture Reading.................................... 2 Timothy 4:2 .................................. Rev. Ella Coriner Johnson Altar Call.........................................................................................................................Deacon Gerald Newsome Liturgical Dance .............................................................................................................. Calvary Dance Ministry Introduction of Guest Preacher ......................................................................................... Trustee Varona Glen Guest Soloist........................................................................................................................ Sis. Zuumah Gayemen Christ Church, Montclair, New Jersey Sermon ...............................................................................................................................Rev. Dr. Felicia Thomas Northside Baptist Church, Baltimore, Maryland Invitation to Christian Discipleship We Worship God with Our Tithes and Offerings Remarks ............................................................................................................. Rev. Dr. Joseph Oniyama, Pastor Benediction
Anniversary Celebration Sunday, June 12, 2022 2:00 p.m. “Preaching the WORD with Precision” Processional....................................................................................................................................Dais Guests Greetings and Introductions....................................................................................... Bro. Nathaniel Lewis Mistress and Master of Ceremonies ....................................Sis. Erene Olson and Trustee Dodd Britton Invocation ................................................................................. Rev. Robin Greene-Webb, Assistant Pastor Mystery Guest Reveal Musical Selection......................................................................................................Calvary Music Ministry Introduction of Dais Guests........................................................................................... Sis. Juanita Dupree The Occasion .........................................................................................................Deacon Camy Dieudonne Grace ........................................................................................................................Deacon Gerald Newsome — Bon Appetit — Video Presentation ................................................................................................... Colleagues In Ministry Musical Selection......................................................................................................Calvary Music Ministry Reflections .............................................................................................................. Rev. Robin Greene-Webb Presentations ................................................................... Sis. Diana Hutchinson and Sis. Caroline Dennis 20th Anniversary Co-Chairs Remarks........................................................................................................................ Sis. Diana Hutchinson Remarks and Closing Prayer................................................................................Rev. Dr. Joseph Oniyama
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage —with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2
THE WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Happy 20 th Anniversary Rev. Dr. Joseph Oniyama
We thank you for your continuous and faithful work for the Lord. May God continue to grant you humility, grace, peace, and love as you continue this journey with Calvary. We love you.
Calvary Baptist Church Women’s Ministry Fatuma Reeves, Chairwoman “Bless Be the Tie That Binds” For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Proverbs 2:10-11 (NIV)
THE MARANATHA CHOIR
Congratulations! Congratulations
Rev. Dr. Joseph Oniyama on your 20th Pastoral Anniversary May God continue to bless, strengthen, and keep you as you continue to guide His flock. Love Always, Maranatha Choir
REV. DR. JOSEPH ONIYAMA FOR 20 YEARS OF PASTORAL ANNIVERSARIES AT CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AND KEEP YOU!
GABRIEL, FACILIA & BENDRIEL ONIYAMA
To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Hath Done
Congratulations on your 20th Anniversary Calvary Baptist Church Usher Ministry Wendy Robinson, President Deacon Dale Britton, Vice President
“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” – Ephesians 4:11-12 NIV
Radiant CONGRATULATES Rev. Dr. Joseph Oniyama on 20 years of Pastor and People!! Thank you for equipping Christ’s people for works of service!! You are an amazing Pastor and Leader. May God grant you the strength to continue this assignment. …Denise Hutchinson, Owner
Congratulations
To our Pastor, Rev. Dr. Joseph Oniyama We thank God for allowing you to lead us spiritually for 20 years. “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 (NIV) Bro. David and Deacon Hazel Fuller
Blessings
Rev. Dr. Joseph Oniyama, Pastor On 20 Years of “Preaching The Word With Precision” DS&E Electrical Services, LLC Emmett D. Jones, Sr.
Congratulations Rev. Dr. Joseph Oniyama for
20 years of Pastoral Leadership at Calvary Baptist Church We love and appreciate you! The Food Pantry & Soup Kitchen Ministry Mavis Saunders and Dedicated Volunteers Proverbs 22:9 “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
Reverend Dr. Joseph Oniyama Our Pastor, Godfather, and Friend
We wish you a Happy 20th Anniversary as Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church. Thank you for always being there for us. May God grant you many more blessed and wonderful years as you continue to guide His flock. Mr. & Mrs. Dadu and Fatuma Reeves & Family
The Management and Staff Of REO INTERNATIONAL Extend to
Rev. Dr. Joseph Oniyama and the Calvary Baptist Church Our Heartfelt Best Wishes!!!!!!!!! On the 20th Anniversary of Pastor & Congregation
We Are A Full-Service Multinational Marine & Cargo Survey Company www.reo-international.com
Pastor…. A pastor devoted to giving so much God only know all the souls that you touch Committed to serve when you Answered God’s call, You prove it by being a servant to all.
Matthew 25:21
Acknowledgements
We give honor and praises to God for the great things He has done. We acknowledge God’s presence throughout the planning and preparation of this event and thank you for your part—large or small—in making the Pastor’s 20th Anniversary celebration an extraordinary and memorable occasion.
The Pastor’s 20th Anniversary Committee Sis. Diana Hutchinson, Chair and Sis. Caroline Dennis, Co-Chair ADVISORS Rev. Robin Greene-Webb Deacon Gerald Newsome CORRESPONDENCE Trustee Benetta Anderson Sis. Erlene Olso FINANCE Trustee Varona Glen Trustee Phyllis Mappy PROGRAM Deaconess Verlene Olson Deacon Hazel Fuller TICKETS Sis. Diana Hutchinson Sis. Caroline Dennis Sis. Fatuma Reeves
CATERING Sis. Joan George DECORATIONS Sis. Odell Hammond JOURNAL Rev. Ella Coriner Johnson Dr. Frances English Sis. Amy Campbell SET UP Deacon Anthony Nimely, Sr. Sis. Syretta Thompson USHERS Sis. Mercy Harvey Sis. Rosemarie Reeves Sis. Antoinette Nimely Bro. Emmanuel Reeves
Special Thanks Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Felicia Thomas
Media Bro. Anthony Nimely, Jr. Mystery Guest Rev. Ricardo Dorcean
Servers Sis. Lorraine Aponte Sis. Joyce Jones Sis. Leah White Bro. Frank O’Hara Sexton Bro. Gregory Richberg Souvenir Journal Publication MLD Communications