Guyanese and other Caribbean nationals were in their glee and splendor Sunday afternoon in supporting the New Life Center of Truth’s “grand” Tea Party in East Flatbush, Brooklyn.
Adorned in sparkling, radiant colors, befitting a very pleasant summer afternoon, patrons also wore matching hats and accessories in raising funds for the church’s sound system.
“We’re here to raise money for our church,” Master of Ceremony Jason Brooks, whose parents hail from Guyana, told the effervescent audience, stating, that, 12 years ago, the church, which is located at 2400 Snyder Ave., Brooklyn, was much smaller and, obviously, less accommodating.
“It’s the people (church members) who came every week (Sunday) and took their money (to help develop the church),” added Brooks, the church’s former youth leader, who commutes for worshipping every Sunday from Piscataway, New Jersey. “We’ll have a new sound system; so whenever you come, you will be able to hear the sound from upstairs.
“This church has made its mark in Brooklyn,” continued Brooks about the New Life Center of Truth, which was founded by Guyanese the Rev. Dr. Evelyn Rose John. Rev. John, the senior pastor, and her daughter, the Rev. Helen John, also a pastor, were in attendance. “This church is about prosperity.”
Besides finger-licking delicacies and pastries, patrons were treated to an afternoon of fun and laughter at the church’s Fellowship Hall.
Trinidadian comedienne Susan Kennedy had the audience in stitches with numbers from her wide repertoire.
“It is so wonderful that, despite the economy, we can still dress up,” said Kennedy before getting into her acts.
There were also a hat competition, folk songs and Kweh Kweh dancers from Guyana, as well as a dance by the “Gym Buddies”, performing to Calypso Rose’s “Glory Be,” and a praise dance by Suzette Davidson from the New Creations Ministry.
Additionally, DJ Leslie, Brooks’ dad, furnished rhapsodic and nostalgic music to the resplendent crowd.
“This is a lovely evening,” said Gloria Layne in giving the “Vote of Thanks.” “Thanks to those who took part. There were lovely hats, and we’re glad that you participated in that.”
Layne also lauded the other performers but was especially high in praise for Kennedy, describing her performance as “wonderful.”
“When you smile and laugh, it (they) make your heart lighter,” Layne said.
Patrons included the Guyanese Ex-Prison Officers and Nurses Associations, Clublanders, the Lions Club, and the Church of Epiphany and St. Simon.
