MLK Celebration: Digging Wells of Wisdom
Randallstown, MD – On Monday, January 15, Colonial Baptist Church reverberated with the spirit of unity and homage as it hosted a Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) celebration service. Sponsored by the African American Fellowship of the Baptist Convention of Maryland and Delaware (BCM/D), the event aimed to commemorate the legacy of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. under the theme “Keep the Dream Alive.”
Mark Croston, National Director of Black Church Ministries at LifeWay Christian Resources, was the guest speaker at the AAF of the BCM/D annual MLK Celebration at Colonial Baptist Church. (Photo by Morgan Lewis)
The service commenced with a visual presentation, setting the tone with BeBe Winans’ “I Have a Dream.” The congregation then transitioned into a praise and worship session, singing “Days of Elijah” and the black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
‘The Singing Sensations Youth Choir’ added a youthful energy to the celebration, marking their 20th season with songs like ‘Draw Me Close,’ ‘Deep River,’ and a special dedication to Martin Luther King, led by Dr. Hollie Hood-Mincey, the founder and director of the Singing Sensations Youth Choir.
Michael Matter, lead pastor of Hope Fellowship Church, Ashburn, Virginia, led a prayer and scripture reading of Ephesians 4:1-6 KJV, “We’re so grateful to God to come and assemble on this day, to give tribute to a man of God none other than Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Matter.
Colonial Baptist Church Senior Pastor Robert Anderson shared the footage of the I Have a Dream speech, reminding everyone of the profound impact of Dr. King’s words. The atmosphere shifted as his wife, mezzo-soprano Jacqueline Anderson, took the stage, sharing Dr. King’s favorite song, ‘“If I Can Help Somebody.”
Jacqueline highlighted King‘s sermon, ‘The Drum Major Instinct,’ (an adaptation of the 1952 homily ‘‘Drum-Major Instincts’’ by J. Wallace Hamilton.) “He (King) said he did not want to be remembered for his fame or his many accomplishments but for serving others,” she concluded.
“Jesus said men are always to pray and not faint,” said Bernard Fuller, the executive board member of the African American Fellowship of BCM/D and pastor of New Song Bible Fellowship Church, Lanham. He then asked the congregation to get into groups of three and pray together.
“Let’s get our hearts ready. The soul of your heart has to be ready to receive today’s message,” said Fuller.
A time of prayer at the MLK Celebration. (Photo by Morgan Lewis)
The congregation then transitioned into a sermon delivered by Dr. Mark Croston, the National Director of Black Church Ministries at LifeWay Christian Resources. Centered around the theme “Dig Your Own Well” from Genesis 26:12-25, Dr. Croston emphasized the importance of facing challenges, not conforming to popular notions, and being proactive in creating positive change. Like Issac, trusting that God is with us, we strike out anew, digging our wells and embracing the faithfulness of God even in the face of tribulations.
He encouraged the congregation, saying, “God can provide water in the middle of your wilderness. You don’t have to run and find a place where God can bless you. God can bless you in every place.”
The sermon concluded with a declaration, “Our help won’t come from Capitol Hill; it’ll come from Calvary Hill.”
After the service, attendees gathered for food and fellowship, fostering community and camaraderie. This day served as a poignant reminder to “Keep the Dream Alive,” echoing Dr. King’s timeless message of justice, equality, and service.
Morgan Lewis is a Morgan State University student pursuing a degree in Multiplatform Production and a freelance writer.