Learn about our Guiding Light Nomination Winners!

Congratulations to Rosalind McKelvey on being nominated for our Guiding Light Nomination!

Christ Servant Minister (CSM) and Deaf Advocate Rosalind McKelvey has been a servant for the Lord and an advocate to the Deaf community for decades.  As a child, her mother, the late Florence Garrett, embraced the Deaf community and community service because of her love for people and community. Being exposed to those who are least served and challenged has been CSM McKelvey’s calling, be it spiritual, physical, mental, intellectual, or emotional in nature. 

One of her earliest direct exposures came while she worked, as a teenager, at a restaurant near the former campus of Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in the 1970’s.  The Deaf from the school gravitated to her line at the restaurant.  She had some knowledge of Sign language through her mother’s interactions.  However, with CSM McKelvey’s zest for connection and communication with the students, she borrowed a sign language book from the Free Library of Philadelphia.  Shortly thereafter, she started volunteering and then working at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf as a dormitory counselor.  “Roz” was taught early how to appropriately interact and address racial disparity, government/community concerns and diplomacy, even if you don’t agree with others, by showing the love of Jesus for all people. Her ministry is not limited by the doors of any church, though she has found a home for her ministry in various United Methodist Churches in the Eastern PA Conference of the United Methodist Church.  She shared that she first joined the former Mt. Airy UMC in 1969-70. 

Regardless of ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability, political connection, CSM McKelvey recognizes the importance of giving access to and knowledge of the Triune God, in a language that can be understood.  She speaks other languages as well.  For the Deaf community, ASL is mostly used.  Additionally, she freely provides prayer, transportation, food, personal toiletries, clothing, masks, Homegoing Service/Funeral support. She has also served as a Worship Leader while also interpreting Worship Service. 

Throughout CSM McKelvey’s ministry, when there is an awareness of where she may be, as far as church affiliation, her work with her Germantown Deaf Ministries Fellowship Inc., or community outreach, she has been available to serve. Her service is not limited to United Methodist Churches but also to her Germantown, Philadelphia, and Southeastern Pennsylvania communities.  Where she goes, she exemplifies the love of Jesus Christ and shares The Gospel.

Even during the pandemic, Roz has continued to interpret Sunday Services, Bible studies, Prayer meetings, Sign language classes, and other fellowship gatherings via Zoom. To be able to remain connected, especially during these perilous times has been priceless. Additionally, she ministers places where she may be needed. Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is always with her. She shows via Sign language  that the need for access to Jesus and God should be available regardless of one’s ability to hear or not. Social justice and all that it encompasses is what Christ would want us to do. Christ Servant Minister Rosalind McKelvey demonstrates and acknowledges this wherever she may go.

“I am so honored that someone has watched my life and felt they could tell someone else about me. It gives me joy to do what is in my heart and help others. Thank you for seeing my light that radiates out and pray  others see that it gives others a spark to shine their light.”