Celebrating M.L. King, Jr., Day January 19, more than 100 clergy and lay people attended the 12th annual M.L. King, Jr., community prayer breakfast.
Sponsored by Aurora-based Fox Valley Christian Ministerial Alliance (FVCMA), the two-hour event was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Aurora. “Strength to Love” was the theme.
Peggy Hicks, FVCMA past president, gave an MLK reflection message on “Who is My Neighbor?” in concluding remarks.
FVCMA president Pastor J.E. Burch was emcee. Reverend Andy Morgan, Westminster Pastor, gave an MLK reflection sermonette, urging pastors and lay people to serve the Aurora community, he said “It’s all hands on deck to move forward. Continue to tell the story.”
Other speakers included a dozen pastors including Delores Hicks, FVCMA vice president. Lily Glover of Aurora led congregational singing.
Attendees included mayor of Aurora, John Laesch and Township officials.
Aurora author Maureen McKane announced the release of “Walter’s Way: A Coach, His Runners, and His Race.” Published in February (Koehler Books), the 160-page book profiles the former coach and Aurora Human Relations Commission member. Walters, 97, resides in assisted living in Aurora. He launched the Aurora Sundowners Track Club for marginalized black girls who took Junior Olympics medals.
Founded in 1967, Fox Valley Christian Ministerial Alliance comprises ministers working in unity to help solve spiritual and community concerns, provide fellowship and networking opportunities. The group’s vision statement says, “We are clergy in action for the purpose of God in developing spiritual leaders who transform lives, communities and the world.”
—Al Benson