Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration
January 20 @ 3:00 pm
MLK Jr. Celebration Includes Music, Food
An afternoon and evening of food, music and community-building is planned for this year’s celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday, on Monday, January 20, hosted by Gorge Ecumenical Ministries (GEM). The events will take place at Riverside Community Church, 317 State St. in Hood River.
Riverside has been the location for events on Dr. King’s birthday for more than a decade. The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Strength in Community: Fed & Nourished by One Another, For One Another.”
“In a time of great division, we will remind ourselves of how we are connected. In the words of Dr. King we gather to celebrate the ‘inescapable network of mutuality’ of which we are all part,” says Pastor Miranda Bermes of Spirit of Grace church.
The day begins at 3 p.m. with “Grounding and Preparing for Troubled Times: A Workshop for Seekers of Justice” led by Riverside Pastor Vicky Stifter.
“The workshop is designed to foster connection among justice seekers as well as identify strengths and acknowledge fears so that we might be strengthened for the challenges that lie ahead,” Pastor Stifter says. “Those of all ages and backgrounds are invited.”
At 3:15, a Community Gospel Choir will come together in the Riverside sanctuary. All voices are welcome to practice and share music at the evening event. The choir, for the second year in a row, will be under the direction of acclaimed Portland musician Cynta Butts, and accompanied by local pianist Tim Mayer.
A celebration of word and music will take place at 5 p.m., and will offer consecutive Spanish interpretation. There will also be information tables from local justice-oriented organizations.
After the celebration, a community dinner of jambalaya and cornbread will be served. There is no cost, but donations are welcome.
For more information, visit the GEM web site at www.gorge-em.org.
