The life of Martin Luther King Jr. means many things to many people. However, far too many forget that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a follower of Jesus Christ. As an ordained pastor in the Baptist church, he stood firmly on the ground of the non-violent revolution Jesus began in the early years of the first century A.D.
The Rev. Peter Mathews, Pastor and Director of the Center for Global Renewal and Missions writes, “50 years later, 50 years after the tragic demise of Martin Luther King Jr. . . 50 years later are we any closer to living into King’s beloved community? . . His faith was not only the source of his strength but also the fuel for his vision of a more humane planet.”
On Sunday, April 8, we partner with United Theological Seminary and the Center for Global Renewal and Missions as part of the Bishop Emerson Colaw Lecture series. We welcome Ro Nita Hawes-Saunders, the Chief Executive Officer of the internationally acclaimed Dayton Contemporary Dance Company as we remember and honor the life and death of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 50 years ago.
Under the leadership of Ms. Hawes-Saunders, the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company adopted an innovative and revenue-producing business model by partnering with colleges and universities. She also instituted “Women in Motion: Empowered by Dance”, a program that uses creative dance movement and informative lectures to address cardiovascular disease among African-American and Hispanic women.
Ms. Hawes-Saunders will remind us through word and dance of Jesus’ call to collaborate with God in God’s acts of new creation, and partner with God to bring God’s kingdom on earth as in heaven. I look forward to seeing you in Church!
Through the Risen Christ,
Pastor Doug