Churches and Christian groups nationwide will remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his federal holiday Monday for changing the nation through unity.
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(Photo: AP Images / Matt Rourke)A person walks past a mural of Martin Luther King in Philadelphia, Friday, Jan. 18, 2008. Monday, Jan. 21, 2008 is Martin Luther King Day.
Nearly 40 years after the assassination of the civil rights leader, King’s legacy remains strong and his name still evoked in talks about racial equality. Yet churches will remember the Christian activist not only for his fight against racism in America, but also for his overall message of peace and unity.
“Dr. King’s challenge to America – to honor its Constitution that mandates unity, equality and justice for all – is resulting in a healthy, vibrant, progressive America today,” said Zollie L. Smith Jr., national director of Assemblies of God U.S. Missions, in a statement. “So let’s not forget the dream by doing our part to keep it.”
Also encouraging fellow believers to play a role in carrying out King’s message, the Rev. Charles Quann, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Penllyn and Spring House, Pa., challenged attendees at a noon service on Friday to not just observe the holiday, but to remember the mission of the man.
"Too many churches today follow the path of 'prosperity preaching' instead of Dr. King's message of social justice," he said. "The key question to ask ourselves is, are we making a difference with our lives?"
In Washington, D.C., 123-year-old Rescue Mission will remember King’s dream by hosting its 9th annual celebration of MLK Day with a commemorative service that will include a recitation of “I Have a Dream,” special music and a provided lunch.
“Dr. King taught America that change can happen when people unite. That’s a message that resonates with those of us who work and serve at the Mission,” said executive director David O. Treadwell.
“We’re about bringing people together and changing lives. Dr. King’s dream still resonates today – it gives us hope and inspires us to join hands for a greater purpose,” he added. “It’s a message we all need to remember.”
Last year, the event drew a full house and organizers expect the event to be packed again this year.
Meanwhile, other groups will use the day to address community issues dealing with race.
The 8,500-membered African-American First Baptist Church of Glenarden (FBCG) in Landover, Md., will host a live, two-hour broadcast discussion on “Race, Creed and Color: What Happened to Race Relations in America.”
The open forum will include a cross-section of panelists representing civil rights, Jewish, Asian, Latino, religious leaders and others to address the rising rate of hate crimes in the nation.
Americans can find hundreds of service project opportunities to take part in on MLK Day on the website www.mlkday.org. Opportunities include food drives, painting schools and community centers, recruiting mentors for needy youth, and bringing meals to homebound neighbors.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 21, is one of 10 federal holidays. It was first celebrated in 1986. King, who was born Jan. 15, 1929, received the Nobel Peace Prize at age 35. He was murdered on Apr. 4, 1968, at the age of 39.
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I agree that Rev. King was a man of God, who was raised up by God for such a time in the history of the USA. He should be honoured for doing the work that God assigned him to do. God forbid that Christians should honour Rev . King without reference to God's greater purpose and glory.
Its ok to honor him as a man of God. But why is not really mentioned.
However, I strongly believe that Dr. King should continue to be remembered on this particular day, because it was his passion for God's truth that made him the obvious choice for messenger.
That is incorrect. God raises up His prophet. He set the course of his path. Train a child up in the way he should go. And when he is old he shall not depart from it. Pastor king was first raised up in God. When God called for him, he came forth for such a time at that.
You even by you own statement exclude God. King march as reverned king not Dr. King. He marched with people of God. Yes, other gathered but when God leads many want to follow His lead.
holito.........I agree that God gave the Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr. a message of hope, unity and peace in America and I also belive that many faceless and nameless people pulled together to get relevant laws enacted. However, I strongly believe that Dr. King should continue to be remembered on this particular day, because it was his passion for God's truth that made him the obvious choice for messenger. God uses those who know his truths and who position themselves so that God can use them mightily for his purpose and glory.
Why is it that King message is not taking a more firm hold? It was never King's message it came from God. People have their eye on the wrong one. We should be looking to God for our leadership not to man. Man cannot lead where he does not know where he himself is going.
We are not labeling his name right: It should be Reverned Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. God comes first. He did what he did because God inspired him. He accomplished what he did because of God. MLK days should reflect how God can take a person and transform them into something great. MLK was not alone it took LBJ to enact the law.
Old Testament is clear. The Priest hear the word of God. The King puts the Word into law.
God message is He wants His people to be free from bondage of anytype.