Continuing his annual tradition, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Sr., will deliver the Christmas Eve message on Thursday, December 24, at 6 p.m., at First AME Church, 2270 Harvard Boulevard in Los Angeles.
“The life-changing messages delivered by Bishop Kirkland have profoundly impacted lives throughout the world as he preached the uncompromising word of God,” said Pastor J. Edgar Boyd.
“As we celebrate Christ, the real reason for the season, we encourage the greater Los Angeles community to attend and hear a powerful, uplifting word from the Lord.”
Bishop Kirkland is the presiding prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church, which includes 14 Western and coastal states. He is entering his final year as bishop with retirement scheduled for July 2016.
Elected and consecrated as the 114th Bishop in 1996, he served in the 17th District in Central Africa and in the Ninth District (Alabama) before coming to the Fifth District in 2008. Also, he previously served as Ecumenical Officer, President of the Council of Bishops and President of the General Board of the A.M.E. Church.
Prior to the episcopacy, Bishop Kirkland was pastor of Brookins Community AME Church in Los Angeles for 20 years. Under his leadership, the sanctuary was renovated, surrounding properties were purchased, several outreach ministries were established, and more than 8,000 people were added to the church rolls. Also, Brookins became renown for its socio-political presence in the greater L.A. area.
Bishop Kirkland has been featured in many national publications and has written several books on church growth. A graduate of Alcorn State University, he received his master’s degree from Mississippi State University and attended Claremont School of Theology and California Graduate School of Theology.
For information about the services, call the FAME church office at (323) 735-1251.
