The Episcopal New Yorker |

By Neva Rae Fox

(Left) Bishop Mark Sisk with Gary Glynn. (Middle) Christina Hing is surrounded by members of the Episcopal Asian Ministry. (Right) Grace Messiah with Bishop Sisk and The Rev. Richard McKeon, Zion, Dobbs Ferry.

Three lay people whose service to the diocese has been exemplary were honored by Bishop Mark Sisk at the Convention with the awarding of Bishop’s Crosses: Gary Glynn, St. Mary’s, Tuxedo Park; Christina Hing, Good Shepherd, Manhattan; and Grace Messiah of Grace, White Plains.

Applause and standing ovations greeted each of the recipients at the announcement of their names. Hing and Messiah were flanked by members of their parish when presented at the Diocesan banquet on Friday eve-
ning. Glynn, visibly surprised at the honor, was presented the Bishop’s Cross following his report on the DIT during the Saturday business session. Bishop’s Crosses are an honor in rec-
ognition and appreciation for a person’s dedication and commitment to church, diocese, and community work.
The following are the citations for the Bishop’s Crosses.

Gary Glynn

“ The Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer exhorts us “to be honest and fair in our dealings; to seek justice, freedom, and the necessities of life for all people; and to use our talents and possessions as ones who must answer for them to God.” Gary A. Glynn has followed this charge with a quiet passion throughout his life.”

“ Gary Glynn currently is the President of the Diocesan Investment Trust and has guided the DIT with a tireless commitment. Under his leadership the DIT has introduced new products and services enhancing its capacity to serve all our congregations. He is a member of the Diocesan Trustees and also serves on the Investment Committee. At his parish, St. Mary’s Church in Tuxedo Park, he has served on the Vestry and also as Warden. Gary graduated from the University of Vermont and the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Since 1985, Gary has been President and Chief Investment Officer for the United States Steel and Carnegie Pension Fund.”

“ When a close family member joined Alcoholics Anonymous, Gary wanted to express his gratitude to AA and volunteered as a non-alcoholic consultant to the AA World Services Board. His contributions were so well received that he was elected treasurer of the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous, which oversees the activities of AA throughout the world. In 1997, Gary was elected Chairman of the General Service Board. In his typical modesty, Gary has said his contribution to AA and the accomplishments he achieved pale in comparison with the gratitude he has for the opportunity to serve.”

“ While Gary has also been involved in many other not-for-profit activities, nothing equals his love for music, especially opera, and the Metropolitan Opera has been a grateful recipient of his generosity.”
Glynn’s honor was presented by Canon Michael McPherson, having worked with Glynn for many years when he was employed by the diocese.

Christina Hing

“ In the Episcopal Diocese of New York, the Metropolitan Filipino Ministry, the Episcopal Asian Ministry, Anglican Women’s Empowerment and Diocesan Council coalesce in one extraordinary per-
son---Christina Hing. A cradle Anglican, born in the Philippines, Christina came to the United States to pursue a career in nursing, where she has raised her family and turned her life to the service of others. Since her retirement from nursing eight years ago, Christina has blessed our church with her full attention, most notably by being a tireless advocate for the welfare and rights of all people. She has boundless energy and enthusiasm for ministry and it is no surprise that not only have the Metropolitan Filipino Ministry and the Episcopal Asian Ministry flourished with her support but also her parish of Good Shepherd, Manhattan, with her long service on its vestry. Three years ago Christina became one of the founders of Anglican Women’s Empowerment in order to bring together women from all over the Anglican Communion in mutual support and creativity for leadership. Whether leading Tai Chi, or flying to Manila to speak at an AWE conference, or teaching her rector to line dance, Christina has a gift for sharing the joy of Christ with everyone she meets.”

“ First, it is no accident that I am here, breaking bread with you,” Hing said at her presentation. “It’s because of Jesus Christ and I come here.”

Grace Messiah

“ The prophet Isaiah says, “They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory” (61:3b). No more fitting words could describe a woman who throughout her life has always served her church and her community with dignity, integrity and dedication. Such a woman is Grace Messiah, who was born in Philadelphia, and who graduated from Hunter College in 1935 and the Teacher’s College at Columbia University in 1938. She taught school in Alabama, Texas, North Carolina, and Washington DC, before moving to Ossining, New York with her husband in 1957. She immediately immersed herself in the life of Trinity Church in Ossining, where among many things Grace taught Sunday School.”

“In 1983 Grace began attending Grace Church, White Plains, where she continues to serve her church in many capacities as lector, volunteer in the parish office, and enthusiastic supporter of the several outreach programs at that parish. One of her most recent ministries has been as a mentor in the Journey to Adulthood program for teenagers, where she has again been that oak of righteousness, speaking across generations of God’s love and presence in her life. Additionally, she has been a member of the Ossining Choral Society for 29 years and is an ardent environmentalist.”

“ Grace remains at heart a superb teacher, teaching those lucky enough to know her something about the dignity of the human spirit and the power of faith to change the world. She has taught it in the best possible way; by example, living a life centered on her love of Christ and the giving of a generous heart. Never was anyone better named than Grace, for that is what she embodies.”

Messiah’s presentation was interrupted often with applause from the appreciative audience.

THE EPISCOPAL NEW YORKER
Profile	November/December 2006
Three Honored With Bishop's Crosses Byline

By Neva Rae Fox (Left) Bishop Mark Sisk with Gary Glynn. (Middle) Christina Hing is surrounded by members of the Episcopal Asian Ministry. (Right) Grace Messiah with Bishop Sisk and The Rev. Richard McKeon, Zion, Dobbs Ferry. Three lay people whose service to the diocese has been exemplary were honored by Bishop Mark Sisk at the Convention with the awarding of Bishop’s Crosses: Gary Glynn, St. Mary’s, Tuxedo Park; Christina Hing, Good Shepherd, Manhattan; and Grace Messiah of Grace, White Plains. Applause and standing ovations greeted each of the recipients at the announcement of their names. Hing and Messiah were flanked by members of their parish when presented at the Diocesan banquet on Friday eve- ning. Glynn, visibly surprised at the honor, was presented the Bishop’s Cross following his report on the DIT during the Saturday business session. Bishop’s Crosses are an honor in rec- ognition and appreciation for a person’s dedication and commitment to church, diocese, and community work. The following are the citations for the Bishop’s Crosses. Gary Glynn “ The Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer exhorts us “to be honest and fair in our dealings; to seek justice, freedom, and the necessities of life for all people; and to use our talents and possessions as ones who must answer for them to God.” Gary A. Glynn has followed this charge with a quiet passion throughout his life.” “ Gary Glynn currently is the President of the Diocesan Investment Trust and has guided the DIT with a tireless commitment. Under his leadership the DIT has introduced new products and services enhancing its capacity to serve all our congregations. He is a member of the Diocesan Trustees and also serves on the Investment Committee. At his parish, St. Mary’s Church in Tuxedo Park, he has served on the Vestry and also as Warden. Gary graduated from the University of Vermont and the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Since 1985, Gary has been President and Chief Investment Officer for the United States Steel and Carnegie Pension Fund.” “ When a close family member joined Alcoholics Anonymous, Gary wanted to express his gratitude to AA and volunteered as a non-alcoholic consultant to the AA World Services Board. His contributions were so well received that he was elected treasurer of the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous, which oversees the activities of AA throughout the world. In 1997, Gary was elected Chairman of the General Service Board. In his typical modesty, Gary has said his contribution to AA and the accomplishments he achieved pale in comparison with the gratitude he has for the opportunity to serve.” “ While Gary has also been involved in many other not-for-profit activities, nothing equals his love for music, especially opera, and the Metropolitan Opera has been a grateful recipient of his generosity.” Glynn’s honor was presented by Canon Michael McPherson, having worked with Glynn for many years when he was employed by the diocese. Christina Hing “ In the Episcopal Diocese of New York, the Metropolitan Filipino Ministry, the Episcopal Asian Ministry, Anglican Women’s Empowerment and Diocesan Council coalesce in one extraordinary per- son---Christina Hing. A cradle Anglican, born in the Philippines, Christina came to the United States to pursue a career in nursing, where she has raised her family and turned her life to the service of others. Since her retirement from nursing eight years ago, Christina has blessed our church with her full attention, most notably by being a tireless advocate for the welfare and rights of all people. She has boundless energy and enthusiasm for ministry and it is no surprise that not only have the Metropolitan Filipino Ministry and the Episcopal Asian Ministry flourished with her support but also her parish of Good Shepherd, Manhattan, with her long service on its vestry. Three years ago Christina became one of the founders of Anglican Women’s Empowerment in order to bring together women from all over the Anglican Communion in mutual support and creativity for leadership. Whether leading Tai Chi, or flying to Manila to speak at an AWE conference, or teaching her rector to line dance, Christina has a gift for sharing the joy of Christ with everyone she meets.” “ First, it is no accident that I am here, breaking bread with you,” Hing said at her presentation. “It’s because of Jesus Christ and I come here.” Grace Messiah “ The prophet Isaiah says, “They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory” (61:3b). No more fitting words could describe a woman who throughout her life has always served her church and her community with dignity, integrity and dedication. Such a woman is Grace Messiah, who was born in Philadelphia, and who graduated from Hunter College in 1935 and the Teacher’s College at Columbia University in 1938. She taught school in Alabama, Texas, North Carolina, and Washington DC, before moving to Ossining, New York with her husband in 1957. She immediately immersed herself in the life of Trinity Church in Ossining, where among many things Grace taught Sunday School.” “In 1983 Grace began attending Grace Church, White Plains, where she continues to serve her church in many capacities as lector, volunteer in the parish office, and enthusiastic supporter of the several outreach programs at that parish. One of her most recent ministries has been as a mentor in the Journey to Adulthood program for teenagers, where she has again been that oak of righteousness, speaking across generations of God’s love and presence in her life. Additionally, she has been a member of the Ossining Choral Society for 29 years and is an ardent environmentalist.” “ Grace remains at heart a superb teacher, teaching those lucky enough to know her something about the dignity of the human spirit and the power of faith to change the world. She has taught it in the best possible way; by example, living a life centered on her love of Christ and the giving of a generous heart. Never was anyone better named than Grace, for that is what she embodies.” Messiah’s presentation was interrupted often with applause from the appreciative audience.

Three Honored With Bishop's Crosses