LAMAR JAMES- Director of Music
Lamar was born in Aberdeen, Mississippi, to Oscar and Erma James Sr. The entire James Family relocated to Grand Rapids MI in 1962 and soon after, joined New Hope Baptist Church under the Pastoral leadership of the late Rev. John V. Williams. Lamar's family was very involved in the music ministry of New Hope. At age 11, Lamar began to develop an ear for music and began taking organ lessons under the teaching of the late Mrs. Ruth Scott. Lamar quickly became one of Mrs. Scott's favorite students.
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UKINYA HUNTER- Office Assistant
Ukinya Hunter is a life-long member of New Hope Baptist Church. She enjoys working with young people and have a special connection to that group. While she was not blessed with many biological children, she has been blessed many children in the church. In addition to being one of New Hope's first female Deacons, Ukinya works with the Youth and Children, Celebration Committee, and the Visual Media. She also volunteers with Grand Rapids Urban Young Life. A native of Grand Rapids, Ukinya graduated from Ottawa Hills High School and attended Grand Rapids Community College. In addition to my work as an office assistant, she is the Cluster Manager of Gatherings of Hope/Family Leadership Initiative/ Believe to Become. Her desire is to become a motivational speaker. Through my work in church over the years, she has come to appreciate how my testimony can touch the lives of our youth. Outside of church, Ukinya has volunteered with the Fifth Third River Bank Run for the past 16 years and is still going strong. She is the coordinator for 10k Course Crew.
LYNDA MCDONALD- Interim Church Administrator
Lynda has been a member of New Hope since her youth. She has served in the Seniors Ministry, the Decoration Ministry, Usher Board and currently serves as a Trustee and the Church Financial Clerk.