True change can only come through prayer and fasting. But, prayer only works when we take action and not passively sit by and wait for others to act. Yes, we must pray, but let us pray for strength, courage, and the determination to work together until justice runs down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.
It is time to leave the past behind and look forward as we prepare for the 2022 midterm elections. Much is at stake, including the safety and state of our nation and laws that will determine how we deal with the ongoing threats of gun violence, global warming, our economy, and human rights. Each political party has its agenda to confront these crucial issues. However, the question for all of us as we cast our vote is which agenda aligns with your personal social and economic beliefs? This election is not a time to be passive when our freedom and
We have a responsibility, not to just honor what the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King stood for, but to continue fighting for the injustices of local and state governments who dare to take away our rights to vote.
(Editor’s note: The following is a commentary about the violent attack against the U.S. Capital on Jan. 6) How do we navigate our lives amid these outrageous acts against our democracy? Do we remain silent? If not, then what? Those who speak up for justice, and righteousness, are too often demonized as socialist misfits. They are viewed as troublemakers through a narrow lens of privilege, racism, hatred, and prejudice. Yet, the fear invoked by the evil demonstration carried out by those who violently terrorized our nation’s capital — the most sacred institution of our government – is utterly appalling and
The streets of Irvine were jam-packed as more than 2,000 people came out to the Unity March and Rally sponsored by Christ Our Redeemer AME Church (COR) on June 13. The event, which focused on eliminating injustice and encouraging voter registration, featured a multicultural and ecumenical crowd of all ages led by COR Pastor Ralph E. Williamson. Also, Pastor Jason Aguila of Arise Church in Irvine, Pastors Chad Halliburton and Brian Hill of Rock Harbor Church in Mission Viejo, Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes and Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel were among the participants. “The purpose was not to march
Striking a blow against racism and injustice and responding to the killing of George Floyd, Pastor Ralph E. Williamson and the members of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church (COR) will hold a Unity March and Rally on Saturday, June 13, at 10 a.m. Churches, community leaders and law enforcement officials will participate in the event, which is co-sponsored by COR Community Development Corporation. Hundreds of people are expected to join the two-mile march that will start at the church, located at 45 Telsa in Irvine, travel to Los Olivos Shopping Center and return to the edifice for the rally. Pastor
This morning, we are awakened with heavy hearts burdened with a heavy load of worry, care, anger, and frustration. In the last several months, we have witnessed the outcry of God’s people in so many ways—people wailing and moaning with tears of disbelief, death, and sickness. Fear has plagued the world. The shattered dreams of individuals, families, businesses, communities, religious institutions and churches are real. We are all suffering and struggling individually and collectively with pain and grief. In the midst of over 100,000 deaths and millions of people being infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19), people in our cities all
Below is a list of local ministries that are holding virtual worship services.
Christ Our Redeemer AME Church will rededicate its newly renovated sanctuary on Sunday, Jan. 26, at 10 a.m., at 45 Tesla in Irvine. The event culminates a six-month long project. The service kicks-off with praise and worship at 9:30 a.m. followed by the rededication service. During the service, COR’s new pastor, the Rev. Dr. Ralph E. Williamson, will be officially introduced to the community. Williamson, who previously served at First AME in Las Vegas, was appointed to COR in Oct. 2019. “This is a new season for spiritual development and church growth at COR. Come celebrate with us in a
As pastor of Christ Our Redeemer AME, he led the largest Black church in Orange County The Rev. Mark E. Whitlock, Jr., now serves as the spiritual leader of one of the largest churches in the AME denomination – Reid Temple AME in Glenn Dale, Maryland. Bishop James L. Davis, presiding prelate of the AME Second Episcopal District, announced the appointment July 11. Whitlock succeeds the Rev. Dr. Lee Washington, who retired after leading the congregation since 1989. Whitlock’s ministry is well known throughout the greater Los Angeles area. As the pastor of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church in Irvine, he
The Rev. Mark E. Whitlock, Jr., is the new pastor of Reid Temple – one of the largest churches in the AME denomination – in Glenn Dale, Maryland. Bishop James L. Davis, presiding prelate of the AME Second Episcopal District, announced the appointment on July 11, at the Summer Summit at the Sheraton Norfolk. Whitlock succeeds the Rev. Lee Washington, who retired after leading the 6,000+congregation since 1989. Whitlock’s ministry is well-known throughout the greater Los Angeles area. As the pastor of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church in Irvine, he led the largest predominately African American church in Orange
The Christ Our Redeemer Community Development Corporation (CORCDC) is bringing “Banking on Your Success,” to Orange County. BYS is a six-week business training program designed to take a startup or early-stage business to the next level by sharing all aspects of business from formation and legal set-up to operations, marketing, financial management and more. The overarching goal of BYS is to get a business “bank fundable” so owners can get the money needed to grow. Along with expert instructors and presenters, BYS workshops will feature executives from prominent banking institutions that attendees can meet and ask questions. The classes will be held at COR Church,
This is a story of how God calls on the church to save our sons and daughters. The Bible says in Exodus 1: 8, “Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt.” Joseph was the first child of Rachel, the wife of Jacob and his father’s favorite son. Joseph interpreted the Pharaoh’s dreams, predicting seven years of plentiful food, followed by seven years of famine. Joseph also advised the Pharaoh to appoint a commissioner to store up supplies during the plentiful years. When the famine struck, people from all surrounding lands came to
This the story of God’s salvation plan for the forgiveness of sin. Three women go to the tomb of Jesus Christ early Sunday morning. He had been dead for three days. They discover the body is not there, then suddenly see two angels. The angels ask why are they seeking the living among the dead. Had they forgotten who Jesus is? Had they forgotten what He said? The angels remind them. Then they remember. They go and tell the disciples that He has risen. The disciples and apostle don’t believe them. But Peter gets it and runs to the tomb
The Murray Institute for Empowering Excellence Program (MIEE) is underway at Christ Our Redeemer Community Development Corporation (CORCDC), 45 Tesla in Irvine. According to the Rev. Mark E. Whitlock, Jr., CEO of CORCDC and pastor of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, the program began March 11 and will continue until April 18 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. MIEE caters to Orange County’s youth, from 5th grade through high school. MIEE was named after pastor and community trailblazer, the Rev. Dr. Cecil. L. Murray, and music legend Ray Charles, in partnership with the Ray Charles Foundation. “Through