The Lay Organization of Ward African Methodist Episcopal Church is planning two spirit-filled activities on Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21, on their campus located at 1177 West 25th St., in Los Angeles.
According to the Rev. Dr. Barry Settle, the recently appointed pastor, the Lay Weekend theme is “What is Faith?” To kick-off events, a teach-in will take place on May 20, at 9 a.m. The program will highlight outstanding African American members of the denomination.
“Black history extends back to the first civil rights protests by Africans in the USA that led to the founding of the AME Church. Over the next 236 years, AME trailblazers like Richard Allen, Benjamin Banneker, Madam C.J. Walker, A Phillip Randolph, Rosa Parks, Biddy Mason, Tom Bradley, Vernon Jordan and James Clyburn have lived out their faith while making the world a better place,” said John E. Brown, Lay president.
“Here, at Ward – Cesar Chavez was housed with farm workers, the Free South Africa Movement was born, the city’s Winter Shelter program was birthed, and [Nation of Islam] Minister Louis Farrakhan was first welcomed to a Christian pulpit,” he noted.
“Also, rallies, town halls and numerous programs were developed to benefit the greater community. Today, members of Ward are keeping the faith and inviting the L.A. community to join us as we plan for the next miles.”
On Sunday, May 21, at 10 a.m., Brian Williams, Esq., will deliver an inspirational message. A veteran attorney, Williams serves as deputy mayor of public safety under L.A. Mayor Karen Bass.
“Brian possesses a wealth of professional experience. Most recently, he held the position of executive director of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Civilian Oversight Commission,” said Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, program chair. Williams also directed government and community affairs at the Southern California Association of Governments, served as president/CEO of Junior Achievement, and worked as deputy mayor under Mayor James Hahn.
“In preparation, we encourage attendees to read from James 1, in the Message translation, ‘Act on what you hear? Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like. Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight.’ Learn more by being our special guest at this worship service, ” Dupont-Walker said.
Pastor Settle added, “Expect to leave ready to act in tandem with the calling upon all of us to be the difference we want to see.”
For more information, call (213) 747-1367.
