The Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: Fires of Freedom and Cloud of Witnesses

Sunday, April 7, 2024
4:00 PM 7:30 PM 16:00 19:30

House of Prayer Lutheran Church 2100 West Irwin Street Aliquippa, PA, 15001 United States (map)

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SUNDAY, April 7, 2024

“Fires of Freedom and Cloud of Witnesses”

An Ecumenical Service of Holy Communion & Call for Anti-racist Action

House of Prayer Lutheran Church
(2100 W Irwin St, Aliquippa)
In-Person & Live Streamed
Childcare for Ages 0-5: Register Here

4 PM
Panel Discussion Livestream

6:30 PM
Worship Service Livestream

Dr. King’s is perhaps the most recognizable name coming out of the Civil Rights Movement, yet there were countless others working faithfully in the struggle for freedom and justice. This year’s event will highlight some of the stories of the people, especially women, who kindled and tended the fires of freedom, often from behind the scenes. This “cloud of witnesses” includes biblical women who proclaimed life in the face of death; historic people who used their voices, hands, and feet to call for freedom; and local voices from Aliquippa and the greater Pittsburgh region who continue to strive for God’s vision of the beloved community.

While the majority of commemorations of Dr. King's legacy happen in January, as the official national holiday is tied to his birthday, we have developed a tradition of commemoration tied to the date of his assassination, selecting the Sunday closest to April 4 each year. In the spirit of the martyrs of the early church, this practice centers the sacrificial love King not only preached in his words, but ultimately showed with his life. We hope to counter all forces of death and injustice with our hope rooted in resurrection and new life.

Schedule:

2 PM

Educational Pre-Event @ Uncommon Grounds Cafe

CANECELED DUE TO PRESENTER FAMILY EMERGENCY

4 PM

Panel Discussion:
"Civil Rights Leaders of Yesterday and Today"

& Youth Activity
@
House of Prayer Lutheran Church

5 PM

Free Dinner

6:30 PM

Worship with Holy Communion

Preaching: REV. CECEE MILLS,
North Carolina Synod

Presiding: BISHOP KURT KUSSEROW

Offering

This year's offering will support the ministry work of Uncommon Grounds Cafe in Aliquippa. Uncommon Grounds Cafe has been a space to build connections for about twenty years - from helping people find community resources, providing worship opportunities, or having a friendly face who listens to you. Their ministry includes hosting breakfast meetings, bible studies, community outreach programs, grief support, and more. Each month, on the second Saturday, they run an ecumenical worship night and oversee the Spring Street Garden and Greenhouse, a community garden partnership with the PennState Master Gardeners program. They also serve a great breakfast and Aliquippa's best cup of coffee.

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