Pastor's Corner

Reprinted from a New York Daily News interview with Pastor Julien

Brooklyn Seventh-day Adventist Church

Published on Sunday, November 11, 2007

Address and neighborhood: 1260 Ocean Ave., Midwood.

Religious affiliation: General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Takoma Park, Maryland.

Spiritual leader: Pastor Artemas Julien, pastor since May 2007. Ten elders assist the pastor.

Years in present location: The church is housed in a four-story brick building that was formerly the Newman Center, a club for Brooklyn College students. It was purchased in 1978 and houses the church and the school. With renovations, the ballroom became the sanctuary and the basement was reconstructed to serve as the school gymnasium.

Size and character of congregation: "Amongst our 550 members, the congregation is predominantly West Indian, but we have a mixture of Hispanic and European members as well," Julien said.

Scheduled services: Saturday: 9:15 a.m., Sabbath school; 11 a.m., Divine workshop; 4 p.m., Bible study; 5 p.m., Adventist Youth Society hour. Sunday: 9 a.m., Pathfinder club for ages 11 to 17 to learn camping and practical skills and the Adventurers for ages 5 to 11.

Biggest wish-list item: "We have a kindergarten through eighth-grade school attached to the church. We would really like to expand our school to the 12th grade and thereby have a more viable school," Julien said.

Most memorable wedding or other service: "My most memorable moment was at the last Communion service that we had on the second Saturday in July. The attendance was just magnificent and tremendous," said Julien.

Longest-attending congregant: Helen Meade, longtime member and first African-American in what was once predominantly a Danish, Swedish, Norweigian and Italian congregation.

Most popular after-service gathering spot: "We have lunch in the dining hall in the church, and it's strictly a vegetarian lunch which we serve to and for everyone. We promote a vegetarian diet. Our bodies are our temple, and we need to take care of our bodies," said Julien.

Favored outfit/clothing: "The men come in suits and ties, and the ladies in dresses, suits and hats," Julien said.

Other services and programs offered: Brooklyn Seventh-day Adventist school, Laura Mayne, principal; community services and personal ministries departments within the church; Health Emphasis Week, culminating with a health fair, where doctors and medical professionals are available for screenings; cooking classes for the community; summer Vacation Bible School; basketball league for boys and girls 13 up; musical groups: Praise, Sanctuary Choir, Brooklyn Youth Chorale, children's choir, Guided Steps, AY prayze team.

What makes it special: "There is an outreach to the community. We provide food and clothing on a weekly basis at a couple of locations, and have a vibrant ministry to the seniors," said Julien.

Largest service: "During the Revival, the spiritual atmosphere is enhanced by the singing and the preaching, and our attendance goes way up. Typically, we have nearly 550 attending," Julien said.

Proudest moment: "It was when I received the warm welcome and support of the members," said Julien.

Compiled by Gayle DeWees