Deacon Laverne S. Williams, CSW, Zoom and guest on 6.22.21

During this time of crisis and uncertainty many rely on faith for support and stability. The community is invited to join Laverne S. Williams, CSW, a Deacon at the Union Baptist Church in Montclair, for a free Zoom.us session, entitled "Thankful Tuesdays." During these sessions, Deacon Williams and her special guests explore important topics centered around faith and spirituality. The program is offered at 2 p.m. every Tuesday: individuals may participate online through the Zoom link https://zoom.us/j/424719863?pw... or by visiting Zoom.us, Meeting ID number 424 719 863, Password 469922 or by calling 646-558-8656. The program may also be viewed on Facebook Live @MentalHealthAssociationinNewJerseyInc.

On Tuesday June 15th, Deacon Laverne Williams, CSW will welcome Reverend Kenneth Darryl Ray Clayton who will present his program, "Beyond Faith." Reverend Clayton is the Senior Pastor of the St. Luke Baptist Church of Paterson, NJ. A native of Paterson, he is the oldest of three children born to Vivian Clayton and the late George Clayton and is a product of schools of this city.

At a young age, he confessed Christ as his personal savior was baptized and became a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church of Paterson. After acknowledging his call to the preaching ministry, he was licensed by the Shiloh Church on September 18, 1988. In 1990, he united with the Calvary Baptist Church of Garfield, NJ, under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Dr. Calvin McKinney. In 1992 he was added to the Calvary Church Staff and served in a variety of ministerial capacities.

Rev. Clayton earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Upsala College of East Orange, NJ and a Master of Divinity degree from New York Theological Seminary. He is active within the ranks of the Baptist denomination having served in a variety of capacities within the national, state, and local levels of the Baptist family.

He is a former Associate Editor of the National Baptist Voice; former Statistician and Board Member of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; past President of the United Missionary Baptist Convention of NJ, Inc., and past Moderator of the Shiloh Baptist Association of NJ. He is an Executive Board Member of the Hampton University Ministers Conference.
In 1997 he was called to serve as Assistant Pastor of the St. Luke Baptist Church of Paterson, NJ under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. A. M. Tyler. Upon Rev. Tyler's death he was named Acting Pastor. On Wednesday, October 22, 1997, the St. Luke Church officially extended the call to Rev. Clayton to serve as the sixth (and youngest) pastor in their history.

Under his leadership, St. Luke has experienced significant quantitative and qualitative spiritual, and physical growth as the St. Luke Church emphasizes worship, discipleship, fellowship, outreach, and service as its primary purposes.
Widely traveled, Rev. Clayton has preached extensively throughout the country.

Laverne Williams, CSW is the Director of the PEWS (Promoting Emotional Wellness and Spirituality) Program for the Mental Health Association in New Jersey. Ms. Williams is a New Jersey Certified Social Worker, WRAP (Wellness & Recovery Action Plan) Facilitator, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. With over 35+ years of experience in mental health service, Ms. Williams is a highly sought- after conference keynote and workshop facilitator. Her workshops have been presented to numerous statewide and local agencies, consumer organizations and family member groups. As an advocate on behalf of persons with mental illness, and a Deacon at her church, Ms. Williams diligently develops partnerships between faith-based communities and behavioral health institutions by bridging the gap between theology and mental health.

Ms. Williams was quoted in the April 2017 #1 best-selling book, Option B – Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy, by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Gant.

To contact Deacon Williams please email lwilliams@mhanj.org.