The Community Lenten Caravan (CLC), a series of services hosted by eight AME churches, concluded the April 17 worship at Bethel AME-L.A. by assisting others.
Continuing their long tradition, the pastors of the sponsoring churches presented financial donations to the Long Beach/Lakewood Department of Children and Family Services and the Rev. Dr. Francine Brookins, pastor of Bethel AME in Fontana and a candidate for bishop in the AME Church.
Bishop Clement W. Fugh, presiding prelate of the AME Church Fifth Episcopal District, was also on hand to congratulate the recipients and lend support to Brookins’ candidacy.
“Francine has a tremendous opportunity to be elected bishop. She has traversed the U.S., spent time in Africa teaching and tonight I’m happy to know that you are helping her,” said Fugh.
Sharing similar comments, the Rev. Dr. Kelvin T. Calloway, Sr., pastor of Bethel AME – L.A. and CLC coordinator, said, “We are please to support two worthy causes and we also believe that the Rev. Brookins will make a difference on the bench of bishops and the first lawyer ever elected. Her legal background coupled with her ministerial and pastoral training should prove to be a tremendous asset to the church.”
The Rev. Darryl E. Walker, pastor of New Philadelphia AME, nominated the Long Beach/Lakewood agency to receive a contribution due to their work aiding children and families.
“They are one of many agencies that has never be funded adequately. They often find themselves serving our children and families in poor environments and families in conditions that most of Americans would call deplorable,” said Walker. “Our church had already adopted this agency and we are pleased that CLC directed a portion of its funds this year to the Long Beach area.”
The CLC also compiled and distributed a directory of businesses and services owned by members of the sponsoring churches. The listing includes youth centers, charter schools, doctors, estate planners, realtors, lawyers, notaries, gift shops, plumbers and entertainers.
In addition to the churches of Calloway and Walker, the CLC consists of Brookins-Kirkland Community AME, Pastor Mary Minor; Bryant Temple AME, Pastor Dwaine Jackson; First AME –Pasadena, Pastor Larry Campbell; Price Chapel AME, Pastor Benjamin Hollins; Second AME, Pastor Carolyn Baskin-Bell; and Ward AME, Pastor John E. Cager III.
