Churches partner to celebrate MLK Day
Rev. Larry White of St. Paul’s AME Church is anxiously anticipating the bridging of faith communities in the Middle Keys.
On Saturday, Jan. 14, White’s encouraging everyone to attend a poetry contest at breakfast at San Pablo Catholic Church beginning at 8:30 am. He’s collected through teachers Kathy Lancaster at Marathon High School and Sarah Morton at Stanley Switlik Elementary a commitment from at least 15 students to write poems centered on community service.
“Our theme for the weekend is about a day on, not a day off, which is the theme of our poetry contest as well,” White said.
The large stage and kitchen at San Pablo provide the perfect venue for an opening breakfast before the students read their poems on Saturday morning. Breakfast is available for dine-in or take out. Tickets are on sale for $10 with proceeds benefiting the Jesse Hobb Scholarship Fund at Marathon High School and may be purchased by calling White at (786) 554-1285 or emailing larry6974@att.net.
The churches are also soliciting the helping hands of youth service organization Be The Change.
“After they finish their events at the Marathon Garden Club on Monday, they’re going to come over and help us at Jesse Hobbs Park.”
On Monday, Jan. 16, the small community park located at the corner of U.S. 1 and 41st Street Gulf side will swell with music, food, entertainment and speakers like St. Paul’s AME Presiding Elder Henry Green from Miami as well as Pastor Keith Lafontaine of Marathon New Life Church. White said he’s hoping to host some city commissioners during the event from 10 am to 5 pm.
The children of Grace Jones Community Center as well as Marc Davis of Marathon Community United Methodist Church will be among the musical performances, and White said he’s still awaiting a commitment from a group of soulful solo singers he’s hoping will make the trip down from Miami.
The parishioners of St. Paul AME Church will be whipping up some of the heartiest food this side of the 7 Mile Bridge including conch fritters, barbecue, ribs and chicken.
“The event is free, but our delicious food will be on sale to benefit the church and the scholarship fund,” White added.
