Praise and worship rose to an incredibly high level as Pastor Donnie McClurklin delivered one powerful word after another at the West Angeles Cathedral on March 17.
McClurklin, a Stellar and Grammy Award-winning artist, appeared as part the 50th preaching anniversary of the Right Rev. Charles E. Blake Sr., presiding prelate and chief apostle of the Church of God in Christ, Inc., and pastor of West Angeles COGIC.
The service included a tribute to Dr. Judith C. McAllister, West Angeles’ minister of music, worship and liturgy. An anointed singer, songwriter and musician, McAllister led the church’s music ministry from 1992 to 2016. She recently returned and resumed overseeing the Music and Worship Arts Ministry.
Following an introduction by the bishop, McClurklin, who is also the pastor of Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, New York, captivated the audience with his message entitled, “Choose Life.” He encouraged the overflowing crowd to follow Christ and avoid sin by choosing to adhere to the commands of God.
“Living is the choice you have. Despite that you may have been born in poverty, despite your past life, despite those who have hurt you – you have got to make a choice. God has given you this life to live in freedom. God will give you the strength to overcome the vicissitudes of life,” declared McClurklin.
As he closed, McClurklin invited parishioners to the altar for prayers of healing from pain, despair and negative situations. In addition, he led the choir in a moving rendition of the gospel standard, “Change.”
West Angeles Cathedral is located at 3600 S. Crenshaw Blvd., in Los Angeles. To learn more, call (323) 733-8300 or visit westa.org.
