LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of John
Wesley United Methodist Church on October 22, 2016

WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay
tribute to institutions and individuals who have contributed to the
ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
100th Anniversary of John Wesley United Methodist Church, to be cele-
brated at a Luncheon on Saturday, October 22, 2016, at the Glen Terrace,
Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, The people of The United Methodist Church are part of the
second largest Protestant denomination in the United States; its world-
wide connection is comprised of approximately 12.8 million members; and
WHEREAS, The United Methodist Church was formed when the Methodist
Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged in 1968, howev-
er, its heritage can be traced back to the movement begun in 1729, in
England by John and Charles Wesley; and
WHEREAS, Today, the United Methodist Church is based upon eight funda-
mental principles including Global: Methodists speak many languages and
live in many countries, with different cultures, ethnic traditions,
national histories and understandings of Christian faith and practice;
Connectional: every United Methodist congregation is interconnected
throughout the denomination via a unique, interlocking chain of confer-
ences; Inclusive: all persons are welcome to attend our churches and
receive Holy Communion, and are eligible to be baptized and become
members; Grounded in Scripture: United Methodists trust free inquiry in
matters of Christian doctrine and their faith is guided by Scripture,
tradition, experience and reason; Wesleyan: the United Methodist Church
has a Wesleyan heritage, and as such, places an emphasis on mind and
heart (knowledge and vital piety) and putting faith and love into prac-
tice (life); Concerned about social justice: for more than 200 years the
United Methodist Church and its predecessor bodies have expressed
concern for God's children everywhere -- the poor, the orphaned, the
aging, the sick, the oppressed and the imprisoned; Mission-oriented: the
Church's mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transfor-
mation of the world; and Ecumenical: United Methodists consider dialogue
and missional cooperation between United Methodists and other Christians
as a valid witness to the unity of the body of Christ; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Reverend Ebenezer Aduku, the
John Wesley United Methodist Church stands on the threshold of tomorrow,
prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retaining
that spiritual resolve which characterizes its past; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the
attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the John Wesley United Methodist
Church, fully confident this commemoration reflects the belief in those
values which enhance the dignity and purpose of life; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Ebenezer Aduku, Pastor, John Wesley United Methodist
Church.