OUR FIRST LADY
Hebrews 13:17 - Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
FIRST LADY
LEANDA TURNER
For over 40 years First Lady Leanda Turner has devoted her life not only to the gospel of Jesus Christ but also the ministry of Grace Congregational Church. She has served in a plethora of roles including Deaconess, Church School Teacher, Childcare/Nursery Director and Primary School Teacher at Finney Christian Academy, to name a few. Her attention to detail and focus on the mission of GCC, has led to her success in all endeavors to reach and enrich the lives of the women, youth and children she has worked with.
First Lady Turner is married to the inspirational, caring, and devoted Pastor Walter Turner, Jr. She serves alongside Pastor Turner tirelessly, as the epitome of a help meet and virtuous woman. Together, First Lady Turner has three sons, one stepson, one daughter, three grandsons and four granddaughters.
EXPERIENCE
First Lady of Grace Congregational Church (GCC)
Since 2010, First Lady Turner has continued to support the Senior Pastor by providing encouragement, helping to carry out the Word of God and its instructions.
Overseer of GCC Women’s Affairs
As the First Lady of GCC and spiritual covering, she facilitates enrichment opportunities for the women of the congregation, leads the women of the congregation by example and gives guidance to the women of the congregation as necessary.
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Director of “Just 1” GCC Marriage Ministry
Develops and oversees a vision for an integrated spectrum of marriage ministry for the church providing staffing, equipping, structure and support. This structure will help couples in any stage of their relationship to understand the importance of the Gospel by providing a biblical foundation for relationships, creating a Christian community for them to connect to and urging them towards growth in their relationship. Therefore, strengthening marriages and developing oneness in relationship.
Former GCC and R.L. Finney Christian Academy Secretary
Conscientiously facilitated meeting the needs of the church and school as necessary. Sought avenues in which to enhance the flow of daily procedures and assist other departments throughout the congregation.
Former GCC Youth Director
First Lady Turner’s goal as the director of youth activities was not only to teach the youth, but to bridge gaps between the age groups within the church overall, helping everyone to recognize that we need each other in all our endeavors. First Lady Turner was committed to activities that maximized her goal. These activities included, the youth honoring the GCC seniors with a banquet in which the youth served the seniors, holding monthly youth meetings which included biblical teaching, activities/games and seniors periodically sharing their experiences with the youth, annual t-shirt contests, youth lock-ins, skits, spring break camping trips, fundraisers, a Youth Ball/Banquet and so much more!
Former GWU President
First Lady Turner’s goal as the GWU President was to inform and connect the women with the aspiration that an informed people, brings about an involved people.
Haiti Mission
First Lady Turner served as one of three GCC representatives to visit an orphanage in Haiti, for which the church provided several donations.
Africa Mission
First Lady Turner accompanied Pastor Turner to Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria in which she addressed hundreds of people about the goodness of God.
FIRST FAMILY
"A family that prays together, stays together."