Acolytes – acolytes light and extinguish the altar candles, as well carry the cross, candles, and church symbols during processions.  This role teaches young people worship, discipline, service, and the meaning of Christian worship.  For more information, please contact Mother Carolyn Bailey.

Children’s Church – On each Sunday, except the first Sunday, children preK to sixth grade are invited to the fellowship hall for instruction, arts and crafts, and worship. Parent’s and/or Guardians must check in their child/ren. For more information, please contact Sister Natalie Ingram at nataingram01@gmail.com.

Christian Education Department– The Christian Education Department, in partnership with the Children’s Church, Church School, and Young People’s Division, facilitates activities such as:

  • Youth of the Year Contest– 11 and 12 Grade students compete with students from across the First Episcopal District (Northeast United States and the island of Bermuda) on the bible and A.M.E. Church.  Students also submit a creative presentation, their transcript, resume, and a recommendation letter.  Winners receive a financial scholarship.
  • Founder’s Day Essay, Multimedia, and Poster Contest – Students in Grades 7 to 12 are invited to write an essay and/or make a multimedia presentation on a subject that will be provided.  Students in first to sixth grades are invited to make a poster on a subject that will be provided. Submissions will compete with students from across the First Episcopal District. The submissions are completed in November and the winners are announced in February.
  • Vacation Bible School (V.B.S.)– is a week of instruction, arts and crafts, food, and fun.  This is generally held the last week of July or the first week of August.

For more information, please contact Rev. Robert Isaiah Dubose, Director, at robertisaiah.dubose2001@gmail.com.

Church School – Each Sunday at 8:30am children and adults are invited to discuss and learn about the Scriptures in a safe and nonjudgmental environment.  Classes are held in-person and on Zoom (ID# 878 654 7704).  For more information, please contact the Reverend Frances Rogers, Church School Superintendent, at francesr185@gmail.com

Class Meetings – Each member is appointed a class leader who is a spiritual leader that helps the pastor provide pastoral care to the members.  The Class Meetings (small groups) are held at the call of the Class Leader and are safe spaces to speak, learn, and reflect on God’s presence in our everyday life and build community.

Communications Ministry – The mission of this ministry is to fulfill God’s directive to spread the Gospel by producing and broadcasting/distributing a weekly evangelist program (Mark 16:15).  Our ministry is responsible for the setup, operation, and maintenance of the church’s sound equipment, video recording equipment, and livestreaming.  Before service begins, we turn on the equipment, put out the microphones, set the audio mixing console levels, and run a quick sound check.  We also install the balcony video cameras, set the video mixer, and run a check on all video and audio feeds.  During the service we monitor the audio mixing console controls and make adjustments as required to maintain good audio quality in the sanctuary and online. For more information, please contact Brother Thomas Davis, Technical Director, at tho_davis@hotmail.com

Community Meal – Each Saturday, meals are provided to homeless and low-income persons.  Volunteers are needed to lovingly serve meals, clean up facilities, and provide minor security.  For more information, please contact Sister Lisa Young at lisa.young193@gmail.com.

Culinary Ministry – provides food preparation for church events such as funerals, receptions, and special events.  The coordinator works with parties to plan menus within an established budget.  Fore more information, please contact Sister Donna Smith at dwsspr80@gmail.com.

Gideon Security – Gideon secures the church and lot, monitors and assists in emergencies, and safe guidance to members and friends visiting Baber.  For more information, please contact Brother Melvin Ruth, at mellymel0569@gmail.com.

Health Ministry – The Health Ministry promotes healthy living and wellness within the church and community through education, fellowship, and outreach.  The ministry coordinates weekly exercise classes, public health announcements, a walking group, and an annual health fair to encourage healthier lifestyles and increase awareness of important health issues.  For more information, please see Director Gwen Woodall. .

Hospitality Ministry – this ministry includes the greeters that meet new arrivals at the door of the church to welcome and assist them in finding their way around the church and make guest feel welcome.  For more information, please contact Sister Linn Jackson at lcfaith2010@yahoo.com

iPraise (Illustrative Praise) Liturgical Dance Ministry – all are invited to use the gift of dance to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.  You do not have to be a member of Baber to be part of iPraise.  Dance practice is every Monday from 6-8pm.  For more information, please contact Reverend Alexis Lowers.

Junior Usher Board – The Junior Usher Board promotes minimized distractions and facilitates orderliness during the worship experience.  The Junior Ushers teaches young people the importance of worship, and Christian leadership within the church.  For more information, please see Mother Carolyn Bailey or Sister Amber.

Keenagers (Baber’s Ministry to Seniors) – Keenagers is a ministry of love, friendship, care and fellowship for senior adults who meet for organized activities like hot melas, worship, speakers, workshops, and games.  The Keenagers meet the last Tuesday of each month at 11:00am.  For more information, please see Sister Etta J. Cohen, at ejcohen2@yahoo.com.

Lay Organization – Leaders that are effective and productive are well trained leaders!  The mission of the Thomas Davis Lay Organization is to teach and train.  Six times a year, the Thomas Davis Lay Organization holds a Leadership Development workshop and an annual Leadership Bootcamp in February.  For more information, please see Sister Regina Grice at Regina.Grice72@gmail.com.

Music Ministry – Under the leadership of our Minister of Music, Brother Lewis C. Banks, III, the Music Ministry ushers the church into the presence of God.  Through the voices and gifts of the Praise Team, Men’s Choir, and The Choir, the ministry supports worship services, special programs, and celebrations throughout the life of the church.  Choir rehears are held each Thursday at 6:00pm. For more information, please contact Brother Lewis Banks, Minister of Music, at prelew@yahoo.com.

New Life Ministry/New Members Bootcamp – Just like secular companies hold orientations to provide new staff members with information that enables them to become effective workers, Baber also holds a New Member’s Bootcamp to provide prospective members with the information needed to become effective, productive, and fruitful members of Baber and the Kingdom of God.  Current members who need a refresher course are welcomed to attend too.  For more information, please contact Pastor Simmons at Pastor@BaberRochester.org.

Pastor’s Advocacy – The Pastor’s Advocacy meets the needs of the Pastor by providing moral, spiritual, and financial support to him and his family.  For more information, please see Sister Adine DeMond, President, at amdmeeting@gmail.com.

Rise Up Rochester, Inc. (RUR)

In response to Rochester’s 50+ homicides in each of the years 2004-2007, including the murder of Baber member, James Slater, on January 5, 2008, Baber launched a billboard campaign entitled, “You Bet I Told.”  You Bet I Told later merged with Baber’s Center for social Change and Economic Development and another local nonprofit committed to advocating for victim’s rights and promoting violence awareness to form Rise Up Rochester, Incorporated, a separate 501 (C) 3 nonprofit.  RUR works to empower the community to establish and maintain a nonviolent culture and provides support to crime victims and their families.  For more information, please contact Executive Director Chiamaka Ikpeze at cikpeze@ccsi.org or visit www.RiseUpRochester.net

RUR programs include:

  • Community Engagement to Reduce Victimization (CERV) is a community-based violence intervention program that works to prevent retaliatory violence among victims ages 18–30 treated at Strong Memorial Hospital for non-fatal gunshot wounds, stabbings, or serious blunt force trauma. Using a risk-assessment tool, CERV identifies individuals at high risk for retaliation or revictimization and partners with community organizations to provide person-centered, trauma-informed wraparound services for victims and their families.
  • Survivor’s Network – The Survivor’s Network provides emotional support, peer connection, and trauma-informed services for survivors and families, as well as help people navigate immediate needs like counseling and practical services. The Survivor’s Network includes:
    • Support Groups – The Support Group incorporates family members and friends at all stages of grief after the loss of a loved one to homicide. The Support group is facilitated by a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and a meal is served.
    • Holiday Party for Children of Homicide Victims – Each December, RUR hosts a Christmas Party for children of homicide victims.
    • Celebration of Remembrance – Each December, RUR invites loved ones to remember family and friends that have been taken by homicide.
  • Outreach Team – The outreach team actively reaches people at highest risk to mediate conflicts before they turn to shootings and connect people to counseling, housing, jobs, education, and other supports.

Scholarship Ministry– The Reverend Dr. John H. Dixon Scholarship Ministryannually provides scholarships to college students.  Also, seminars on pertinent subjects are provided periodically.  The Scholarship Fund meets the Monday after the third Sunday when needed.  For more information, please contact Sister Celestine Thomas, at celestine_1943@yahoo.com.

Senior Usher Board – The Senior Usher Board are adult ushers that demonstrate the personal qualities of Christ as evidenced by being cheerful and willing doorkeepers for Christ.  The Usher Board promotes minimized distractions and facilitates orderliness during the worship experience.  For more information, please contact Brother Johnny Wynn.

Social Justice Commission (BSJC)– The mission of the BSJC is to “organize, educate, agitate, repeat (adopted from Susan B. Anthony).”  The BSJC addresses policies and issues that have an adverse impact on the political, educational, and economic health of our people. Members of the BSJC also represent Baber in community organizations.  The BSJC meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:00pm on Zoom.  For more information, please contact Sister Gayle Harrison, at wgharr1@gmail.com or Sister LaShanna Boose, at ldboose@gmail.com.

Stewardess Board – The Stewardesses dress the pulpit and altar with suitable vestments for the various seasons of the Christian Calendar, funerals, and memorials, make adequate preparation for baptism, provides the implements and elements for the Lord’s Supper, and assists the Pastor and pulpit in the worship experience.  The Pastor nominates and the Board of Stewards must confirm stewardesses. For more information, please contact Sister Donna Smith, at dwsspr80@gmail.com.

Women’s Missionary Society– Under the leadership of Sister Betty Crews, the Artrie M. Turner Missionary Society engages in the following programs to positively impact the world.  Missionary programs include:

  • Community Meal:  Each  Saturday, meals are provided to homeless and low-income persons.  The missionaries participate at least once a month.
  • Rapid Response Teams: Rapid Response Teams minister to hurting people in the aftermath of emergencies.  In cooperation with the Pastor and Class Leaders, the Rapid Response Teams have been dispatched to provide love and support to families.
  • Reading Program – The ministry partners with School #45 by reading to students each week and helping encourage literacy, learning, and positive community relationships.

For more information, please contact Sister Crews at ecrews1@rochester.rr.com.  :

Young People’s Department – Want to travel the world?  Want to learn leadership skills?  Want to serve people in need?  Want to have fun?  Then join the Y.P.D.!  The Y.P.D. performs service projects, conducts workshops that prepares students for the future, holds rap sessions on real life issues, and has fun.  For more information, please contact Y.P.D. Director Jocelyn Gaston, at gastonjoclyn@gmail.com.