On Friday, October 24, Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church honored five remarkable members with the Kenneth O. Jones Distinguished Service Award. This year’s honorees are Greg Dow, Bruni Fernandez, Matt Roush, Meg Sheehan, and Sylvia Winrich.

Now in its thirteenth year, the Kenneth O. Jones Distinguished Service Awards recognize members whose service and leadership have strengthened our community. The awards are named in memory of the Rev. Dr. Kenneth O. Jones, who faithfully served as an associate pastor at Fifth Avenue for thirty-three years until his death in 1996.

We are thrilled to recognize this year’s honorees and invite you to learn more about their dedicated service to our congregation.

Greg Dow
A member of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church since 1996, Greg Dow began his leadership with the Couples Club. He served on multiple search committees, helping bring exceptional clergy and dedicated staff to the church.

Greg chaired the Sunday Morning Task Force, establishing worship and Sunday School times. Not only has he served on the Board of Trustees, the Board of Deacons, and the Session, but Greg is the first individual to serve as the President of the Board of Trustees, the Moderator of the Board of Deacons, and the Clerk of Session.

His gifts and joyful spirit extend to teaching Sunday School and volunteering at events for those living in New York City shelters.

While presenting the award, Senior Pastor the Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston noted Greg’s generosity and steady leadership. “Leadership—calm, intelligent, compassionate, move-the-ball forward leadership,” said Black Johnston, “is this individual’s modus operandi.”

Bruni Fernandez
After attending Fifth Avenue for eight years, Bruni Fernandez became a member in 1997. She was ordained to the diaconate and served on Session as an elder in the classes of 2011, 2017, and 2024. Bruni chaired the Denominational Matters Committee and co-chaired the Thanksgiving Luncheon.

Beyond our congregation, she has graciously shared her gifts with the wider church. Bruni served as a commissioner to the Presbytery of New York City and a member of the Presbytery General Cabinet. She participated in a mission trip to Madagascar in 2004.

“An educator by trade, this person has spent her life shaping minds and nurturing hearts. And that same gift of patience, thoughtfulness, and wisdom has blessed this church again and again,” said Associate Pastor the Rev. Werner Ramirez as he presented the award. “She is an instrument of God’s love, played with grace and sincerity.”

Matt Roush
After attending Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church since the early aughts, Matt Roush became a member in 2013. He has faithfully served as a community group leader, deacon, and elder.

After only a short time as an elder, Matt was asked to serve as Clerk of Session, a role he embraced with grace and diligence. Even after completing his term on the Board of Deacons, Matt continued to spend time with his visitee. He later served as the Moderator of the Board of Deacons.

Generously sharing his artistic and organizational gifts, Matt served as Chair of the Theatre Fellowship and produced multiple theater shows.

“Matt goes out of his way to make sure that everyone knows that here,” said Associate Pastor the Rev. Natalie Owens-Pike, “the fullness of who they are is loved by God and welcomed by God’s people.”

Meg Sheehan
Meg Sheehan has been a member of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church for a decade. Less than a year after joining the congregation, she was asked to step into a leadership role.

Ever since, Meg’s devotion to the church has supported the full life and flourishing of this congregation. An ordained deacon and elder, Meg served as a member of the Nominating Committee, a Community Group leader, and a member of the Supper Club. She has also been the Moderator of the Board of Deacons and the Clerk of Session.

“Meg doesn’t always command attention in loud and raucous ways,” said Associate Pastor the Rev. Chris Palmer, “but she is often reserved, leading from where the most important leaders often do their leading: from behind the pack. She helps make any challenge feel surmountable.”

Sylvia Winrich
Since joining Fifth Avenue in 2013, Sylvia Winrich has shared her gifts of hospitality with the congregation. She has served as an usher and tended to the beauty of the Sanctuary with meticulous care.

A person of prayer and passion, Sylvia was ordained as a deacon in 2014 and went on to serve as the Chair of the Prayer Committee. She was later ordained as an elder in 2022 and chaired the Nominating Committee for two years.

As Executive Pastor the Rev. Dr. Jonah So presented Sylvia with the award, he said, “Ever a welcoming presence, we regularly see her on Sundays smiling with Christ’s joy overflowing from her heart. Most of the time I am fortunate to receive a motherly embrace from her. I tell you, it feels like God’s hug.”