Discipleship Group 25  ·  Alfred Street Baptist Church
The Update
April 2026  ·  Issue 04
Archive: April 2026 | All Issues

President’s Message

A Word from Our President

A Message from
DG25 Leadership

He is risen — and that changes everything. As we celebrate Easter this year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what this season means for me as a disciple. The resurrection isn’t just something I should remember once a year — it’s the foundation of why I serve, why I show up to support others, and why I must keep going even when the work feels hard. Because of the empty tomb, I have hope that is real, lasting, and personal.

This Easter, I’m especially grateful for DG25. Over the past few months, I’ve watched the group serve shelter residents, deliver care packages to southeast DC, and pour love into our Seasoned Saints — and you’ve done it with joy and grace. That is the resurrection at work for us.

As you gather with family and friends this weekend, I pray that you feel the fullness of God’s love surrounding you. May the peace of this season refresh you, and may you carry that joy back into everything we do together in the months ahead.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and beautiful Easter.

Anthony Williams
DG25 President  ·  In Service

News & Announcements

April Birthday Stars 🎂

Celebrating Our DG25 Family

Melvin Graham
Sydney King
Artilie Wright
Destyn Coking
Khendra Brown
Luciana Gray
Beverly Watson
Jacqueline Venable
Brooke Copeland
Mack Wilson
DeGloria Hallman
Kenrya Rankin
Luisa Thompson
Kimberly Arnold
Miriam Glenn
Vanita Williams
Shirley Williams
Adrienne Smoot-Edwards
Beverly Whitlow
Reginald Love
Brandon Hutchinson
 

May your birthday be filled with joy, love, and countless blessings.

Bereavements

In Our Thoughts and Prayers

Sister Evelyn Graham invites members to visit or send encouraging cards to:
Evelyn Graham
9304 Loughram Rd, Ft Washington, MD 20744
301-839-9179

Community Impact

Featured Story

A Labor of Love: Thank You, DG25!

A DG25 Seasoned Saints member receiving her Easter basket

What a joy it was to see our Seasoned Saints Easter Basket initiative come to life this spring. From planning to the doorstep deliveries, this was DG25 at its best — showing up, serving faithfully, and pouring genuine love into everything we do.

A special word of thanks goes to Deacon Judith Hammett, whose guidance and support helped anchor this initiative and remind us why service matters. To Sister Deborah Thurman, our Activity Coordinator — your organizational leadership made the difference. You kept the team focused, the details covered, and the spirit high from start to finish. DG25 is better because of your dedication.

And to every volunteer who gave their time, energy, and heart to prepare and deliver baskets to our beloved Seasoned Saints — thank you. What you did was more than a kind gesture. You told our senior members, in the most tangible way possible, that they are seen, they are valued, and they are loved by this community.

Our Seasoned Saints are a treasure. Honoring them is not a task — it is a privilege. I am proud to serve alongside each of you.

“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” — Psalm 113:3

Community Engagement

Feeding with Purpose: Thank You, DG25!

Nothing happens without great leadership. Sister Nicole Hutchinson, our Alexandria Community Shelter Activity Coordinator, organized every detail with care and kept the team moving with confidence and grace. Nicole, your commitment to this event sets the tone for all of us — thank you.

Our Incredible Volunteers

A heartfelt thank-you to the volunteers who showed up and served with purpose:

  • Nicole Hutchinson
  • Satina Isaac
  • Stephanie Pair
  • Catherine Knox
  • Ronneka Lewis
  • Latima Gibson
  • Stacy King
  • Camisha Parker
  • Camdyn Parker
  • Lisa Bailey-Harper
  • Marie Obiekwe
  • Tamela Alexander
  • Vanita Williams
DG25 volunteers serving dinner at Alexandria Community Shelter

DG25 volunteers serving at Alexandria Community Shelter

The residents of Alexandria Community Shelter felt the love of Christ through you that evening, and that matters more than words can capture.

This is what discipleship looks like in action. Not just intention, but follow-through. Not just faith, but feet on the ground. I am honored to lead a group that takes service seriously.

Looking Ahead

April 15th — Alexandria Community Shelter

Our Next Shelter Dinner

Our next shelter dinner is April 15th, and we want to give you a heads-up on how we are approaching it. Because our March 25th meal falls just 21 days before April 15th, the turnaround is too tight to ask our volunteers to prepare another potluck meal that quickly.

Rather than stretch our members thin, we are using DG25 funds to have Famous Dave’s cater the April 15th dinner. The residents will still get a hot, hearty meal — and our volunteers can focus on what matters most: showing up and serving with joy.

We still need hands on deck for April 15th, so watch for the sign-up. Come ready to serve.

“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” — Psalm 113:3

Member Spotlight

Congratulations

Tyler Owens: Faith, Hard Work
& a Division I Dream

The Owens family is thrilled to announce that by the grace of God, Tyler L. Owens has reached an incredible achievement. On National Signing Day, February 4, 2026, Tyler officially signed to play Division I football at the University of New Haven.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to every family member, friend, and coach who contributed to Tyler’s growth and success throughout his football journey.

Tyler’s Senior Season Accolades at St. Charles High School
  • Washington Post All-MET Honorable Mention
  • Maryland 3A All State Team
  • Maryland All-3A South Regional Team
  • Southern Maryland Athletic Conference Chick-Fil-A Senior All-Stars Team
  • Southern Maryland Athletic Conference All Academic Team
  • Southern Maryland Athletic Conference All Conference 1st Team Defense
  • Southern Maryland Athletic Conference All Conference 1st Team Offense
  • All Charles County 1st Team Defense
  • All Charles County 1st Team Offense
  • Selection to the “Legends Senior Bowl” — featuring top senior All-Star players across DC and Maryland
Tyler Owens signing day announcement — University of New Haven, DL, St. Charles High School

To God be the glory!

ASBC Ministry Updates

From the Church Family

Happening at Alfred Street
This Month

Happy April, ASBC family! We celebrate this month with hearts full of gratitude as we reflect on the hope and new life we have in Christ. Stay connected and take part in the meaningful events and ministries happening throughout April.

Care & Support

Spirit of Love (S.O.L.) Caregivers Ministry — 6 p.m., April 8

Provides spiritual, social, and informational support to participants who identify as caregivers. Anyone is welcome regardless of the type of care or their relationship to the person receiving care. ASBC membership not required.

GriefShare — 7 p.m., Every Thursday

A safe and sacred online space to process the death of a loved one. Come gain healthy strategies as you navigate your “new normal” in care and community. Church membership not required; all adults over age 18 are welcome.

Recovery Ministry — Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 7 p.m. (Next: April 15)

Christ-centered peer support through an adaptation of the 12-Step model. Virtual Peer Support Sessions held every first and third Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

Sports & Fellowship

Chess Club (Adult & Youth) — Spring/Weekly

Chess instruction and open play for adults and youth. All experience levels welcome.

Tennis Fellowship — April–September, Monthly

Come together on the court to play tennis, grow in community, and encourage one another in a Christ-centered space. Beginners and seasoned players welcome.

ASBC Co-Ed Softball Team — Mondays, April–June

Games at Joseph Hensley Park, Alexandria, VA. Schedule forthcoming. Registration is closed — come out and cheer for the team!

Holy Spokes Cycling — Monthly, April–September

Monthly rides in fellowship and community. All levels welcome — casual or experienced. Registration forthcoming.

Career & Legal

Legal Resources Ministry — Virtual Pre-Law Clinic, 10 a.m., Saturday, April 18

Thinking about law school or a career change to the legal profession? Features traditional and non-traditional law students as well as practicing and non-practicing attorneys. Stay tuned for registration details.

Career Development Ministry

Jobs & Resources Newsletter — Share your company’s official hiring page with us.

Group Mentoring & Job Search Support — Launching a new program and want to hear from you.

Call for Mentors — Support early career professionals, career transitioners, and general coaching.

Young Adults (20s–40s)

Young & Adult Sunday School (Adult III) — 9:30 a.m., Every Sunday

Sunday School for 20- to 40-year-olds. In person at 301 S. Alfred Street, Room 314, and online via Zoom. Explore scripture in ways that connect faith to real life.

CAYA Bible Study Deep Dive — 7 p.m., Wednesdays April 8 & April 22

Young adult Bible study at 301 S. Alfred Street, Adkins Chapel, and online. Explore scripture with curiosity, real questions, and community.

Youth & Family

Junior Youth Fellowship at Urban Air — Friday, April 10

Calling all 2nd–8th graders! Urban Air Woodbridge — faith, fellowship, and fun. Registration coming soon; check the church website.

Virtual Girl Scout Interest Meeting — 7–8 p.m., April 16

For parents, guardians, and community volunteers interested in Girl Scouts at Alfred Street.

ASBC High School Senior Scholarships — Applications Open April 1–May 15

For eligible 12th graders who are full ASBC members (minimum 2 years, Right Hand of Fellowship) and active participants in at least two ministries during junior and senior years.

Community Scholarship: ASBC Foundation

Annual awards from $1,000 to $30,000 (some renewable up to 4 years). Open to DC Metro Area high school graduates with demonstrated community service, financial need, and a 2.5+ GPA.

Higher Ground Bible Study — 7 p.m., Thursday, April 23

Interactive virtual Bible Study for teens in 9th–12th grade. Last Thursday of each month through May. Register to receive Zoom links and updates.

Faye Savage-Gunn Tutorial Ministry

Math tutors for 6th–8th graders. Volunteers needed for in-person reading support (kindergarten and 1st grade) during the Saturday 6 p.m. worship service — approximately one hour per month through May.

Cornerstone Ministry Registration — Children & Youth

Register now for your family’s program if you have not already done so.

Coming Up

Looking Ahead

Don’t Miss These Upcoming Events

May – September  ·  Monthly

Sports Ministry Tennis Clinic

Second Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. For beginners and developing players. Learn fundamentals, build confidence, sharpen skills.

▶ Register Here
Saturday, May 2

ASBC Faith 5K Christian Walk/Run (Free)

Walk/run from M-NCPPC National Harbor Substation, across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and back. All ages welcome. Registration forthcoming.

▶ sports@alfredstreet.org
Sunday, May 24  ·  5:30 p.m.

Widows & Widowers Ministry — Blues Alley

Saxophonist Skip Pruitt at Blues Alley Supper Club, Georgetown. Memorial Day weekend.

▶ Get Tickets
Thursday, June 11  ·  6:30 p.m.

Career Dev. Virtual Workshop

“Level Up Your Personal Brand & LinkedIn!” led by Portia Obeng, LinkedIn trainer and coach. More details coming soon.

Saturday, June 13

57th Richard M. Wair, Sr. Graduate Luncheon

Celebrates ASBC graduates from Pre-K through doctoral studies. Free for eligible graduates. Registration opens late April/early May. Requires full ASBC membership.

June 29 – July 2

NYC Youth End-of-Year Trip

For 2nd–12th graders. Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, Broadway, Harlem & Apollo Theater. $600/person; $150 deposit at registration; final payment due May 1.

▶ Register Online

“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the Lord is to be praised.”

Discipleship Group 25  ·  Alfred Street Baptist Church  ·  dg25@alfredstreet.org

In Service, DG25 President