Last Tuesday the Ecumenical Leadership Council held A Very Special Evening of Recognition in the Grand Ballroom of the Ritz Carlton Hotel.
Distinguished leadership awards were given to Robert J. Carlson, the Archbishop of St. Louis; Donald M. Suggs, publisher of The St. Louis American newspaper; Dr. Lewis C. Chartock, president of MERSGoodwill; Terry Nelson, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Carpenters’ District Council of Greater St. Louis and Vicinity; and Rev. Wallace S. Hartsfield, pastor emeritus of Metropolitan M. B. Church in Kansas City.
“We recognize the giants in our midst – those who have made significant contribution towards the improvement of the lives, faith, employment, and betterment of the citizens of St. Louis, Kansas City and the entire state of Missouri,” the Ecumenical Leadership Council said in a statement.
The invocation was given by Bishop James Stewart, and the benediction provided by the Rev. Tommie Pierson.
The keynote speech was provided by Judge Jimmie Edwards, presiding Family Court judge and founder of Innovative Concept Academy, which targets dropouts from St. Louis Public Schools and other at-risk city youth.
Welcoming remarks were offered by Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten, president of the Ecumenical Leadership Council, U. S. Senator Claire McCaskill and Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay. A proclamation by Gov. Jay Nixon was read.
The Ecumenical Leadership Council is composed of leaders in predominantly African-American church denominations. Collectively they represent over 120 churches throughout St. Louis, St. Louis County and Kansas City. Their goals include providing a path for economic and political empowerment for the African-American population, as well as building bridges with other faiths including Catholics, Jews and Muslims.
A portion of proceeds from the dinner benefitted St. Louis Transitional Hope House.
NCCU Summer Youth Computer Camp
North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice (NCCU) is sponsoring its second Summer Youth Computer Camp this year, and it will be offered from June 20-July 20, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 13200 New Halls Ferry Rd., Florissant.
Students entering grades 6 through 10 will be accepted. The program will include training of how to build a computer, use software, and upon completion students will be given a free computer. Registration fee is $60 but may be waived for those who receive approved scholarships. The first 20 applications received will be accepted into the program.
“Last year we were able to accept only 10 students due to the cost; however, we had many more apply,” said Rance Thomas, NCCU President. “This year we have been able to secure funding for up to 20 students, therefore we are able to double the number of students accepted into the program.
Applications must be submitted by June 10. Please call 314 921-7364 to obtain an application.
“NCCU is committed to promoting understanding between individuals and social justice within North County,” Thomas said. “Of course, this includes providing opportunities for our youth to succeed in their efforts in school and in the community.”
Children’s Ministry Annual Day
Southern Mission Baptist Church, 8171 Wesley Ave. in Kinloch, will host its Children’s Ministry Annual Day 8 a.m. Sunday, June 10.
