Union AME Church honors health care professionals

WARWICK — On Sunday, May 19, approximately 75 Warwick-area physicians, nurses, home health care attendants and other health care professionals were honored by Warwick’s Union AME. Church during the 11 a.m. worship service.

“This was an opportunity to say, ‘thank you, ‘to the area’s medical community for their steadfast commitment to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and well-being of persons in the Warwick Valley and beyond,” said Rev. Kevin T. Taylor, pastor.

“Serving others is often a thankless job, but we want our health care professionals to know that we are praying for their continued wisdom and knowledge as they perform their duties.”

During the service honorees were presented with special certificates of recognition. And ten hand-crocheted blankets were blessed for presentation to pediatric units at area hospitals.

“When Jesus was born,” said Rev. Taylor, “Mary and Joseph wrapped him in swaddling clothes because that’s all that they had.”

Guest preacher for the service, Rev. Dr. Rose Ellington Murray, pastor of Trinity AME Church in Harlem, a retired nurse, nurse instructor and hospital administrator with more than 30 years of health care experience, encouraged attendees to demonstrate compassion in all that they do.

Union members James Smith and Denise Smith know what a difference compassionate care makes.

The Smiths credit Dr. Dennis Scharfenberger and his wife, Anna, a registered nurse, with saving James Smith’s life when he was injured on his job nearly two decades ago resulting in his becoming a paraplegic.

“I just love them,” said Denise Smith. “and we are proud they are here to be honored today.”

Health Care Professionals Recognition Sunday is the latest of many special services planned at Union AME for 2013. This year the Church hosted the annual Martin Luther King celebration and a uniquely multicultural Family and Friends Day.

Later in the year, the Church plans a series of celebrations to honor high school graduates, area educators and administrators, senior citizens, police and first-responders, firefighters and military personnel.