By Staff
PREPARING THE CHAPEL Angela Hutchinson, left, a volunteer with Mission Meridian; Charlotte Scott, director; Robert Maxey, a volunteer; Jerry Mills, chairman of the board for Mission Meridian; and Joe North, Lauderdale County jail trusty, prepare the stage of the worship center at Mission Meridian on Constitution Avenue. Photo by Kyle Carter / The Meridian Star
special to The Star
October 4, 2003
A celebration of one year of grace will be the emphasis at tonight's Unity and Reconciliation Rally at Fifth Street Missionary Baptist Church, 501 10th Ave.
Sponsored by Mission Meridian, the rally, which begins at 6 p.m., kicks off a month of events scheduled in observance of Reconciliation Month.
Guest speaker at tonight's rally will be Zaida Jones. According to Scott, Jones is a shining example of Mission Meridian's emphasis of unity among the races.
In correspondence to Scott, Jones wrote that she considers her multi-racial origin the foundation of her identity, as well as her role in the body of Christ.
Jones holds a bachelor's degree in bilingual education and a master's degree in social work from the University of Puerto Rico, and obtained an ABD (all but dissertation) from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. She currently attends Double Portion Full Gospel Church in Tuscaloosa, the first multi-culture church in Tuscaloosa in more than 30 years.
In addition to the keynote speaker's presentation, the rally will include a series of prayers by the Rev. Dr. Raymond Leake of First Baptist Church, who will lead a prayer for the city; the Rev. Greg Proctor of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, who will lead a prayer for the state; and the Rev. Dr. Charles Johnson of Fitkins Memorial Church of the Nazarene, who will lead a prayer of unity in the body of Christ.
The evening also will include testimonials of how God's grace is greater than race by the Rev. Marvis Killingsworth of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, the Rev. Gary Houston of Fitkins Memorial Church of the Nazarene, the Rev. Ronnie Fleming of New Beginning Christian Fellowship and Richelle Putnam of First Presbyterian Church.
Other activities scheduled for Reconciliation Month include:
Oct. 11 "Let's Come Together Concert," 6 p.m., Mission Meridian office, 901 Constitution Ave.
Oct. 18 Pancake breakfast, from 7 a.m.-9:45 a.m., Applebee's Neighborhood Grill, 106 U.S. Highway 11 &80.
Oct. 24 Clergy and Leadership Appreciation Reception, from 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., Mission Meridian office, 901 Constitution Ave.
Oct. 25 Unity skit "Heaven Bound," 6 p.m., Mission Meridian office, 901 Constitution Ave.
For more information, call 693-1332, e-mail grace@missionmeridian.com or visit the Web site www.missionmeridian.com.