Jehovah’s Witnesses are inviting all of their neighbors to attend their annual conventions to be held at the St. Charles Family Arena. The theme of this year’s program is “Keep Seeking First God’s Kingdom!”
“People of many faiths pray for God’s Kingdom. This convention will explain what that Kingdom is and how it can be a positive influence in our lives,” said Tom Kelsey, a convention spokesman. “A highlight of the program will be the keynote address on Friday morning, which will discuss how that Kingdom is benefiting people today.”
Starting this weekend, and continuing for the next several weeks, Jehovah’s Witnesses will extend personal invitations to everyone to attend the convention with them. All of the area’s 153 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses will be supporting the activity of distributing printed invitations to the convention.
The first of two three-day events to be held in St. Charles will begin Friday, June 27 at 9:20 a.m. The second three-day event begins on Friday, August 1 at 9:20 a.m. There is no admission fee. Conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses are supported entirely by voluntary donations.
An estimated 17,000 will come to the Family Arena over the two aforementioned weekends for the Bible-based programs. Jehovah’s Witnesses in the United States plan to host 193 conventions in 71 cities. Worldwide, there are over 7,900,000 Witnesses in more than 113,000 congregations.
“A core belief of Jehovah’s Witnesses, based on Biblical and historical evidence, is that Jesus Christ began to rule as the King of God’s Kingdom in 1914,” Kelsey said. “The convention program marks this year as the centennial of that event.”
For more information on annual conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses: http://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/conventions/
Pastoral anniversary in Kinloch
The members of Second Missionary Baptist Church, 5508 Rev. Dr. Earl Miller Street in Kinloch, will pay homage to their pastor, Reverend Alfred Washington, as they celebrate his first pastoral anniversary. This event will take place on Sunday, June 29 at the Morning Worship Service (10 a.m.). The Rev. Brian K. Jackson, First Baptist Church of Elmwood Park, will be the speaker of the hour. Dinner will be served immediately following Morning Service.
The celebration will continue at 3 p.m. with a special message from Moderator Rev. Dr. Haymond Fortenberry, pastor of Greater Fairfax M.B. Church. Musical guests and others will also be present to lift up the Lord in worship and praise. A special luncheon in honor of Lady Agnes Washington will be held on Saturday, June 28 beginning at noon.
The journey as pastor began on June 30, 2013 for Pastor Washington, and the journey continues. The Word of God says to honor those who labor among us for their work’s sake (1 Thessalonians 5:12).
“We plan to do just that by refreshing our pastor with words of appreciation, respect, and encouragement,” organizers said. “We will stand with our pastor during difficult times; and we will work side by side with him in ministry. We invite you to come and share in this momentous occasion, and celebrate Pastor Washington, the man whom God set in place to labor among us.”
Community Clothes Give Away
Mount Zion C.A.R.E.S. is hosting a Community Clothes Give Away at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2100 Randolph in St. Charles, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 28. Clothes for men, women, children and infants will be available. Everything is free with “no qualification but need,” organizers said. The next give-away dates will be July 26 and Sept. 27. The Rev. Tremaine Combs is pastor. For more information, contact Deborah at 314-249-3470
