Doorkeeper July 2025

NATIONAL UNITED CHURCH USHERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, INC www.nationalchurchushers.org

HELEN B. HORNBUCKLE CHAIRMAN DESTINEE’ MERIDA

Dear Doorkeeper Family,

As we close out this year’s subscription, I want to extend my deepest thanks to each of you for your continued support. Whether you’ve been faithfully reading, sharing feedback, or simply looking forward to each issue — your engagement means everything. To our dedicated reporters and contributors: thank you for saying "yes." Your willingness to share your gifts, insights, and testimonies is the heartbeat of this publication. It is no small thing to commit time and energy to this work, and your faithfulness has not gone unnoticed. To our readers: your engagement and support are what keep the Doorkeeper alive. You remind us that the written word, when rooted in truth and purpose, can inspire, challenge, and unite. As many of you prepare to travel to the convention, I pray for safety, smooth transitions, and a deep sense of joy and connection. May this time together renew your spirit, deepen your calling, and remind you that you are part of something larger than yourself. My prayer for all of us comes from Philippians 1:3 – 6: "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

May your convention experience be rich, your fellowship sweet, and your vision clear. And may the next subscription year be even more fruitful than the last.

With gratitude, Destinee’ Merida Destinee’ Merida Editor / HBH Chairman

Dr. Linda Pates

Jamal Edwards-Frayer

Brian Valentine

Filmore F. Gregory President Emeritus

Ruth I. Jones

President

President

President

Board Chairman

Young Adult Department

Junior and Young

Emerita

People’s Department