On November 6, 2021, family members and friends joined Northeastern Conference administrators, departmental and ministry leaders, pastors, employees, volunteers, and members for a consecration service to begin a new quadrennial term. Representing their various departments, ministries, churches, schools, and institutions, they assembled at the Community Worship Center in Jamaica, New York, for a time of praise and worship and to consecrate, dedicate, and install the new conference leaders.
Northeastern Conference delegates voted administrators, departmental directors, and associate directors to serve the 2021-2025 quadrennium during its 28th regular constituency session (fifth quadrennial session) on September 26, 2021. Delegates elected Abraham Jules as president, Eldeen King as executive secretary, and Robert Chandler as treasurer (see the November/December 2021 Gleaner, p. 8).
Guests from around the North American Division traveled far and near, and some attended virtually to participate in the momentous occasion and extend their support. “We stand with you in ministry,” said G. Alexander Bryant, NAD president, as he brought greetings and words of commendation from the division. “It is such a blessing to start your leadership in this manner.”
Atlantic Union Conference administrators, G. Earl Knight, president, Pierre Omeler, executive secretary, and Elias Zabala, Sr., each gave a spiritual charge and dedicatory prayer over the newly elected NEC administrator serving in the corresponding position. Rohann Wellington, NAD professional services director; Emil Peeler, senior pastor of Capitol Hill church in Washington, D.C.; Oswald Euell, former NEC executive secretary; and Daniel Honoré, former NEC president, gave a spiritual charge, respectively, to NEC departmental directors, pastors, and their spouses, office staff and educators, and members of the NEC executive committee.
R. Clifford Jones, dean for the School of Theology at Oakwood University, was the featured guest speaker for the consecration service. “Outside of Jesus Christ, no one has impacted me more, both professionally and personally,” said Jules speaking of Jones.
Jones encouraged those taking up their duties and responsibilities, “More than anything as you come apart to consecrate yourselves to this noble work, I pray that your plea [will be], ‘We would see Jesus.’ And I hope that you can see Him in the good times and the not-so-good times.”
Jules ended the evening by thanking everyone for their support and extending special appreciation for those who made the event possible. “We appreciate all of our pastors, our executive committee members, our office staff, our departmental directors, administrators, and educators,” he said. “If it were not for you, we would not have had this service today. This service was geared toward your benefit, for your blessing, and for you to feel consecrated and dedicated to the cause of Christ and the upbuilding of His kingdom in this world.”
