As we prepare to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 17, we are happy to lift up events in some of our American Baptist regions, along with a new book recently published by Judson Press, “The Polished King,” by Joseph Evans.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Worship Service
Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches
New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, in conjunction with the Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches, will hold a service at New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, and online at thenbcf.org.
The service begins Monday, January 17, at 6:00 p.m. PST (9:00 p.m. EST).
Featuring the keynote from Rev. Dr. Leslie D Callahan.
New Book Explores Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Preaching
Judson Press
In The Polished King, Joseph Evans analyzes how the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s preaching brought the “living word” and various rhetorical techniques together in ways that helped people understand and find hope in his messages. The author observes that James Baldwin—himself a gifted writer and provocative thinker—considered King to be an “Polished Preacher.” This book weaves Baldwin’s poetic and fiery words, passion for justice, and admiration of King’s oration into a detailed, thought-provoking examination of the rhythm of determination and transformative power in King’s speaking, writing, and faith.
In this video, Joseph Evans talks about why he wrote “The Polished King.”
Learn more about this new Judson Press book here.
Annual Spoken Word Contest
American Baptist Churches of Michigan
The American Baptist Churches of Michigan is invited region students, Middle School (Grades 5-8) and High School (Grades 9-12), from all ABC-MI Region congregations to submit a 2-3 minute video presentation that addresses:
How do you think we can experience more love and unity in a time of much division and discord within this present age?
Submissions must be emailed, in MP4 format to michaelscott@abcmich.com by January 31st, 2022.
Local Church Services
American Baptist Churches of New Jersey
Red Bank Community Commemorative Service
A live streamed community wide service hosted by Pastor Terrence K. Porter, Senior Minister of Pilgrim Baptist
Monday, January 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. EST
A Virtual Celebration with Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, New Hope’s Judah Dance Ministry, and Garden State Chorale Chapter
Monday, January 17, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. EST
Virtual Celebration Event
Topeka, Kan.
On January 17th at 7:00 p.m. CST (8:00 p.m. EST), there is a virtual MLK Jr. remembrance that you’re invited to attend. A number of pastors from American Baptist Churches of the Central Region in the Topeka area have been involved in the planning and leadership for this event. Click here to go to the streaming site for this event.
