Fenimore Street United Methodist Church (FSUMC) in Brooklyn on July 2 celebrated 15 students during its annual graduation ceremony, during its Worship Service, commending the students for their academic efforts and urging them to be “strong and courageous.”
The students – from Pre-K to post-college – were given gift bags and certificates by the church’s Higher Education Scholarship Fund Committee, which spearheaded the initiative, as well as by the church’s United Women in Faith.
“Graduation feels like hope for one’s future,” Dianne Brown, the Committee’s Jamaican-born Interim Chairperson, told Caribbean Life afterwards. “Each year, Fenimore Street UMC Higher Education Scholarship Fund prepares an annual graduation ceremony to highlight our congregation youths’ achievements.
“These youths have participated in youth ministries, and some might not be visiting church as frequent. Nevertheless, as servants of God, we are urged to involve ourselves in their spiritual developments and their educational accomplishments,” she added. “Our spiritual mission supports children’s transitioning from one developmental phase, school levels, and into becoming responsible adults.”
Brown said the Higher Education Scholarship Fund Committee’s graduation ceremony also encourages students to “continue to persevere, be strong and courageous (Deuteronomy 31:6), and to stay in the spiritual realm.”
She said the process in celebrating the educational milestones of the 15 students, who have graduated from their respective schools, includes every level from Pre-K to college/university.
“We do this to keep the youths inspired, motivated, spiritually-inclined and to stay on the course,” Brown said. “Fenimore Street UMC Higher Education Scholarship Fund Committee, at its best, ensures that no child of the congregation is left behind in this process.
“The notion is analogous to shepherds tending to their sheep, and we are pleased to celebrate this year’s graduates’ achievement milestone,” she added.
In his sermon, “Belief in Action,” the church’s pastor, the Rev. Roger Jackson, preached: “Young people, there will be lots of occasions in which you’ll be frustrated. Don’t make decisions when you’re frustrated.
“There will be occasions when things will go against your decisions; belief is a condition needed on your part to succeed,” he said. “There is always going to be challenges. You don’t need to be fearful.
“While in the midst of defeated foes and challenges in life, God will be there,” Rev. Jackson added. “God has prepared a table for us. In the midst of challenges, He prepares us.
“So, young people, may you be strengthened with Christ-like characters,” he continued. “I can do all things through God who strengthens me. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Amid the turmoil, you have prepared a fellowship through Christ who strengthens me.”
Randy Pringle, who graduated from Stony Brook University, told the graduates that, when he was in school, he thought about the church’s leadership.
“I still don’t know what I want to do,” said Pringle, the only college graduate, with a degree in finance. “Even though you don’t know what to do, pray to God.
“If you’re going away to college, find a group – find the right group,” he added. “Stick with it [graduates’ pursuits]. It’s a blessing.”
The students graduated from Pre-K to kindergarten; kindergarten to Grade 1; elementary to middle school; middle to high school; high school to college; and college.
