Cora Jackson-Fossett

Fisher and Greater Zion Attract All Generations By ‘Keeping it Real’

The Rev. Dr. Michael J. Fisher has been a young pastor throughout his ministry at Greater Zion Church Family in Compton. As a young adult, he became the spiritual leader of the oldest Black church in the city, following in the footsteps of his father, Pastor Emeritus W. Jerome Fisher. While nearly 20 years has passed, he’s still a young man, but his youth hasn’t stopped him from drawing people of all ages to hear the Word of God. According to Fisher, his enduring success can be traced to three factors. “Number one, first and foremost, it’s all God. It

‘Funny Married Stuff’ Offers Insight into Faith, Love and Working It Out

Faith, love and laughter are the foundation of “Funny Married Stuff,” a web series created and produced by Peyton and Lony’e Perrine. The show’s storylines, said L.A.-area couple, are based on random, humorous interactions that they, along with many other marriages encounter during the course of the union. Their hope is that people will strive to stay together and try to work situations out, instead of choosing to part. “As crazy as marriage can be sometimes, you’ve got to work at it,” said Peyton. “The goal for the show is to give a little bit of medicine and some laughter

Call 2 Worship – May 23

  Grace United Methodist Church plans a “Karaoke Fundraiser” on May 25, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 4112 W. Slauson Ave., in Los Angeles, said Pastor Cedric Bridgeforth. The program, open to all ages, will feature Stan the Prayed-Up Man, music, line dancing, games and refreshments. The donation is $10 for adults and $5 for youth. On June 29, the “Back-to-Church Comedy Show” takes place at 5 p.m. Lester Barrie and Friends will perform along with professional comedians. All ages are welcome. The donation is $20. To learn more about both events, call (323) 294-6653 or visit graceumcla.com.

First Ladies Share Words of Encouragement for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is May 12 and the observance usually means gifts and enjoyment for women who serve in that role. Unfortunately, in these troubled times, some women are facing overwhelming troubles and obstacles in their lives, which makes it hard to celebrate in the midst of their situation. The L.A. Sentinel asked three local first ladies to offer words of encouragement to mothers who may be facing challenging circumstances. Below are their responses. First Lady Jacquelyn Calloway, Bethel AME Church It has been said that challenges are often tools by which God fashions us for better things. As mothers, when

Pastor Audrey Black Spreads God’s Word Locally and Beyond

When it comes to spreading the Word of God, Pastor Audrey Black doesn’t let distance get in her way. She ministers locally through her church and nationwide through her prayer line. Wherever or whenever the opportunity presents itself, Black will share the Gospel. Black has dedicated more than 30 years to the ministry of Christ. As a teen, she explained scripture to classmates and witnessed to other students. As a young adult, Black instructed the Purity Class and Tuesday Night Prayer at Evangelistic Church of God in Christ. Next, she and her husband, Pastor Owen Black, were part of the

Call 2 Worship – May 9

First AME Church commemorates the 30th Anniversary of the Annual Walk to End Hunger on May 11, at 2270 S. Harvard Blvd., in Los Angeles, said Pastor J. Edgar Boyd. The Sarah Allen Women’s Missionary Society sponsors the event. Registration begins at 7 a.m., and the ceremony at 7:30 a.m. The walk will begin at 8 a.m., starting at FAME Church.  To participate or obtain information, call the church at (323) 735-1251. West Angeles Church of God in Christ presents “A Day in May with Lady Mae” on May 11, at 9:30 a.m., at 3045 S. Crenshaw Blvd., in Los Angeles.

Bryant Temple Spring Revival Promises Hope for the Hopeless

The Temple, St. Mark AME and City of David unite for three nights rejuvenating praise If times are hard and you are feeling defeated, consider attending the 3rd Annual Spring Revival held on May 14 through May 16, at 7 p.m., at Bryant Temple AME Church, 2525 W. Vernon Ave., in Los Angeles. According to Pastor Dwaine A. Jackson, the three-day event is designed to rejuvenate and demonstrate to believers that God can overcome any challenge in their life. “We are holding these services to instill into the congregation and community that there is still hope,” said Jackson, who united

Call 2 Worship – May 2

Center of Hope Church hosts the Cultural Broker Community Orientation and Training on May 4, at 9 a.m., at 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., in Inglewood. The event focuses on bringing Black families together. Orientation, lunch and training will be offered. To register, visit culturalbrokerworkshop.eventbrite.com. Los Angeles Master Chorale holds Great Opera and Film Choruses on May 4, at 2 p.m., and May 5, at 7 p.m., at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., in Los Angeles. Grant Gershon will conduct the program, which will include Los Angeles Master Chorale Orchestra, soloist Angel Garcia and 100 singers. For tickets, call

Community Lenten Caravan Ends with Donations to Worthy Causes

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

Call 2 Worship – April 25

  William Grant Still Arts Center presents “Operas by W.G. Still” on April 27, at 2 p.m., at 2520 West View St., in Los Angeles. The guest lecturer will be Van Young and the guest vocalist will be Mark Broyard. For information, call (323) 734-1165. First United Methodist Church celebrates its 151st anniversary on April 28, at 10 a.m., at 1025 S. Long Beach Blvd., in Compton, said Pastor Arnetha Inge. The theme is “Remember, God’s Love and Light will See Us Through.” The Rev. Dr. Christopher Cater, assistant pastor of Pacific Beach UMC, will be the guest preacher. Call

Mothers In Action Mark Founding President’s Birthday by Serving Seniors

Community Service Legacy of Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Continues Focus on the Underserved Five years after her passing, the legacy of Brenda Marsh-Mitchell continues to positively impact the South Los Angeles community. As the founding president of Mothers In Action (MIA), Marsh-Mitchell worked tirelessly to provide resources to aid children, seniors and the underserved.  The seeds she planted are still bearing fruit through MIA’s community activities such as the group’s observance of Marsh-Mitchell’s birthday on April 13. The event marked the organization’s fifth consecutive year of staging the commemoration. Instead a organizing a black-tie affair, MIA chose to celebrate Marsh-Mitchell’s life by

Call 2 Worship – April 18

First United Methodist Church celebrates its 151st anniversary on April 28, at 10 a.m., at 1025 S. Long Beach Blvd., in Compton, said Pastor Arnetha Inge. The theme is “Remember, God’s Love and Light will See Us Through.” The Rev. Dr. Christopher Cater, assistant pastor of Pacific Beach UMC, will be the guest preacher. Call (310) 639-0775 for details. William Grant Still Arts Center presents “Operas by W.G. Still” on April 27, at 2 p.m., at 2520 West View St., in Los Angeles. The guest lecturer will be Van Young and the guest vocalist will be Mark Broyard. For information,