On Sunday, May 11, three mothers and lay servants led a special Mother’s Day service at Fenimore Street United Methodist Church (FSUMC) in Brooklyn. The 134-year-old church, located at Rogers Avenue and Fenimore Street, held a two-hour worship service focused on the role of mothers and the faithfulness of God.
Ministers Joycelyn King, Janice Gooding, and Chaplain Selena Lubell shared the pulpit, offering personal reflections and scriptural encouragement. FSUMC Pastor, the Rev. Roger Jackson, and his wife, First Lady Kim Jackson, attended the service but chose to let the women lead. Rev. Jackson’s only appearance at the altar was to acknowledge lay servants and take group photos with those honored for Mother’s Day.
Minister Joycelyn King, who serves as the church’s interim lay leader and Sunday School assistant superintendent, spoke about her personal journey of faith. Born in Antigua, she drew from Psalm 1:1–3 to highlight how those who meditate on God’s word are like trees planted by water—strong, fruitful, and unwavering.
“God has been faithful in all things,” Min. King said, offering a prayer for all women present. She asked God to guide their relationships, ground them in truth, and help them grow in faith.
Minister Janice Gooding continued the message, reminding the congregation that God’s love is unchanging. “When we know Him, we can lean on His everlasting arms,” she said. She encouraged everyone to reflect on whether they are living the life God intends for them.
Chaplain Selena Lubell, who also led parts of the liturgy, spoke about divine purpose. “We are all on assignment,” she said. Using the example of Jesus as a child who understood His spiritual calling, she emphasized the importance of nurturing purpose in children from a young age.
“Our role as parents is to guide their spirit,” she said. “Every generation must find its own way, but we are here to help shape that path.”
The service was a moving tribute to mothers and a reminder of their deep spiritual influence within both the family and the faith community.
