Why should you listen?

right one?

Last week, our nation celebrated a Monday holiday. The day was established as a national holiday to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, JR. The process for establishment began soon after King’s assassination in 1968. It was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 and first observed in 1986.

The holiday celebrates the life, ministry, and witness of one of the twentieth century’s most prolific prophetic voices. Dr. King is perhaps the best-known leader

BETHLEHEM EAST BAPTIST CHURCH

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist

of the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. His sermons, speeches, and letters comprise a powerful statement about the persistent inequalities of our nation and world.

Why should anyone pay attention to King’s message?

Some view the holiday as a time to be reminded of all that remains at stake in our nation and world.

Others view it as a three-day weekend. Which approach is the

Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.

CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.

Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In all honesty, I am one who falls into both camps. I have known of King’s legacy most of my life. I was exposed to its intricacies during seminary. I remain challenged and moved by his prophetic vision and wisdom. I, too, love a Monday holiday.

Should I pay more attention to King’s message because I am a white pastor of privilege? The answer is an obvious yes. After all, one of the authors of the letter that initiated Dr. King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail was the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham. In other words, that particular letter was penned to my fellow Presbyterians. Reading the letter Birmingham clergy wrote to