If God is for us, who is against us (Romans 8:31)?
When the Reverend Jacob N. Underwood was called by the Lord to evangelize in the East New York community in 1962, he had a world of woes and challenges that were enough to make any man nervous about the outcome of his task. But by the Grace of God, what was built on July 12, 1962 still stands today and continues to grow with time. Certainly, Grace’s upcoming 49th anniversary has proven her to be one of the finest wines in the concrete vineyards of East New York.
From July 10 to July 17, Grace Baptist Church of Christ will be commemorating her 49th anniversary in her trademark grandiose fashion. The week will kick off with guest Pastor Earl Jones of First Calvary Church at 3 p.m., followed by Pastor Thomas Coleman from New Paradise Baptist Church on Monday at 7 p.m., Pastor Earl Chester of Greater New Beginning on Tuesday and Pastor Mark Tyler from New Jerusalem Baptist Church on Thursday. The guest pastors for Wednesday and Friday evening’s sermon are still to be determined.
If that weren’t enough, guest speaker and 15 term veteran Congressman Edolphus Towns of the 10th Congressional District will continue his ongoing tradition of starting East New York Day with a sermon from the hallowed pulpits of Grace. While he may be our Congressman, Towns has said on numerous occasions that he prefers for us to recognize him as “Rev. Towns,” because no election or figure can ever take away the title that God has endowed him with.
Town’s sermon will lead right into the highly anticipated annual East New York Day street fair, lasting from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. With enough food to serve roughly 500 Brooklynites, Grace will put this year’s theme of “each one, reach one” into action. Included in that menu is a lineup of cultural performances by New Grace Center’s Caribbean steel drum band and local step dancers to add some flavor to Sunday’s entrée. There will also be balloons, face-painting, basketball and other activities to keep the youth active throughout the day.
For a Church that has always been active in her community, it is only fitting for Grace to celebrate her anniversary through service to others. Sunday’s celebration is more than a congratulatory pat on our co-members’ back; it is also a celebration of community empowerment by continuing a 49 year tradition of delivering East New York through charity, agape and spiritual food, a true testimony to what Grace really stands for. Hence, there will also be medical, educational and professional resources with tents set up throughout the block to offer expertise and assistance to our fellow community members.
Do not miss out on the opportunity to celebrate a history that knows no other end but the Will of God. Join Grace, invite family and friends, buy a $10 East New York Day shirt, grab some grub and enjoy the sun — Sunday July 17 is our day.
By Jerome Nathaniel
No comments:
Post a Comment