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MLK commemorative celebration featured singing, praying and challenges
By LINDA M. LINONIS
YOUNGSTOWN
Enthusiastic singing and praying created a lively community worship service Sunday at Tabernacle Baptist Church, where a Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative celebration took place.
The Rev. Dr. Robin Woodberry, presiding worship leader, told the gathering of several hundred people that the purpose of the event “was to get something out of it.”
The assistant pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church said the occasion was “to celebrate someone who changed the world” and made possible benefits enjoyed today.
Speakers related to the theme “Civil Rights Fifty Years Later: Remembering What is Civil and Doing What is Right.”
Pastor Todd Johnson of Agape Assembly in Warren, keynote speaker, focused on the “challenge of charity.” He took the cue from Matthew 25:34-36, “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in. Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”
And continuing in Matthew 25:36, “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Pastor Johnson said people seek a “word from Him to illuminate their hearts and provide direction for their lives.”
“What we do for our brothers and sisters, we do for God,” he said. “When we come in contact with ‘the least,’ we are to give our best,” he said, relating to the theme of “doing what is right.”
He continued that the legacy of Dr. King is the continued “assemblage of people fighting for justice.”
Pastor Johnson criticized Congress for “making it harder for people to vote.” But, he said, it’s up to voters “not to be silent” and “have the courage to address issues.”
The pastor said “there is a clear call to look at issues that are ravaging our society.”
Also on the program were:
Pastor Christopher McKee, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist, who said, “It’s up to us to lift up the legacy of Dr. King.” He noted that above all, the civil-rights activist was a preacher.
The Rev. Marilyn Coney, pastor of Smith Corners United Methodist Church, who said, “Dr. King brought hope for the future. We have to do more than sing and pray.” Pastors McKee and Coney offered the welcome and invocation.
The Rev. Dr. Lewis Macklin, pastor of Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, who said King’s legacy and those he inspired shows that “ordinary people can do extraordinary things.” He continued that people today must “acknowledge the message and examine the methods.” “We have to celebrate with a purpose,” he said.
Iman Walid Abuasi of the Islamic Society of Greater Youngstown, who said, “People have divided themselves. We are all children of God.” He said people of all races and religions must “cooperate in what is right and good” to achieve “peace, freedom and security.”
Rabbi Saul Oresky of Congregation Ohev Tzedek, who called Dr. King “a modern-day prophet” whose greatness was realized after his death.
The Rev. Dr. Minnie Rosie Taylor, who said King’s message of “love and peace” continues today.
The Rev. Jim Ray, retired campus ministries pastor, who said, “The nation needs to recover from the illness of racism. You and I are the therapists that will enable change.”
Youth choirs of Valley churches combined into one group to sing “Total Praise” and “I Need You to Survive.”
Readings from King were presented by Alexandria Carnathan, Christopher Gunther, Shelby Johnson and Christian Roberts.
The Rev. Kenneth Simon, pastor of New Bethel Baptist, introduced the speaker. The Rev. William Blake, director of Student Diversity programs at Youngstown State University, announced upcoming MLK events. The Rev. Dr. William C. King Jr., pastor of Price Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church, offered the benediction.