Tanya Edwards Officially Installed as New Pastor of FC NYC

Music filled the air at the Family Church of New York City (FC NYC) on Sunday, June 1, when the community welcomed its new pastor, Tanya Edwards. After saying goodbye to the previous pastor, Andrew Love, the congregation of over 200 people gathered with high spirits to hear Pastor Tanya’s first official sermon as pastor.

After a moving prayer from Mrs. Beryl Green, New York City chair of Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) USA, the congregation heard congratulatory remarks from Mrs. Alexa Ward, Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) USA vice president and deputy director of WFWP’s UN office; Mrs. Marilyn Valdes, chair of the Manhattan Church Council; Dr. Michael Jenkins, Chief Financial Officer of HSA-UWC; and Pastor Tanya’s husband, Bishop Jesse Edwards, who offered heartfelt words and assured the congregation that his wife would follow God’s direction.

Pastor Tanya said of the celebration: “This was a beautiful day not only in the weather outside, with the sun shining so brightly, but the Spirit of God shining so brightly in the service today.  I feel encouraged, inspired and compelled to follow the leading of God for this church.”

As part of the ceremony, Dr. Michael Balcomb, president of FFWPU-USA, and Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, North American Continental Director of FFWPU, asked for all clergy and members of Pastor Tanya’s family to come up front and lay hands on Pastor Tanya as Dr. Balcomb offered a prayer for Pastor Tanya as she takes her place as the new pastor of the church.

Before giving her sermon, however, Pastor Tanya asked for the children’s choir to come up and sing a song. After a beautiful number, she then proceeded to introduce her family members—her mother, Rev. Faith Barnaby; her sister, Fonda Perez; her brother, Pastor Joel Barnaby; her nephew, Caleb Prince Barnaby; and her daughter, Ashley—and asked for them to sing while she played the keyboard. The music allowed her spirit to shine through and brought a joyful atmosphere to the room, preparing the audience for the inspiring sermon that followed.

Pastor Tanya was grateful and humbled by the support she has received from so many, and looks forward to working with the community going forward. She said, “I pray that God will lead, direct and anoint me as I go forth for his Glory and True Parents.”