By Thomas Sellers Jr.
The annual combined worship service between St. James CME and First United Methodist Church celebrating the life and ministry of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was held Jan. 18 at FUMC Millington. The two congregations come together on the Dr. King Holiday alternating the site. This year’s gathering at FUMC located at 8029 Wilkinsville Road. St. James’ Rev. A.L. Robertson made the call to worship and the opening hymn was America the Beautiful. All choir selections were performed by both churches under the direction of St. James’ Cynthia Bardwell and FUMC’s Steve Broome. After the performances of the Star Spangled Banner and Lift Every Voice and Sing, those in attendance were led in a prayer for the churches, community, nation and world. The events of the day also incorpated the youth with readings of King’s quotes. After both choirs song Wade in the Water, FUMC’s Rev. Ronnie Peck introduced the speaker of the day, colleague and friend Robertson. The leader of St. James reflected on King’s legacy and encouraged the listeners to think about the future of the United States. Robertson emphasized how the nation needs leaders with God on their heart and mind. He opened with the scriptures of Jeremiah 23: 1-5 and Romans 13:1-7.
Peck returned to the pulpit to close out the event reading A Litany on Unity. For more information, call FUMC at 872-4414 or St. James at 872-0612.
