B4
The Afro-American, February 4, 2012 - February 10, 2012
Faith Pulse
Blanketing the Community With Caring Concern Courtesy Photos
The unseasonably mild temperatures have lulled many into wishing for an early spring, but forecasters predict harsher temperatures are just ahead. This has presented the perfect opportunity for one Northwest Baltimore church to help warm the hearts and shoulders of Baltimore citizens. “Our lives are enriched by the blessings we share in helping others,” said Billie Jo McKinney, first lady of Macedonia Baptist Church of Baltimore City, as she helped pass out blankets to Baltimore’s most vulnerable citizens, children and families who are homeless. It was only the week before that the Rev. Darron McKinney urged church congregants to bring new blankets to be donated, as part of their on-going community outreach service. The following Sunday they collected over 150 blankets and all were given away to anyone who needed them. “Churches are entrusted to ensure our spiritual health, but in these tough economic times, we must also help those who are struggling to meet even their basic needs,” said Rev. McKinney. The effort drew large crowds at the corner of Centre Street and Fallsway as people gathered to meet Macedonia members and receive their warm gifts. Macedonia is planning a very active schedule of outreach initiatives to include youth focused outreach, family engagement
They Chose to be Doorkeepers
activities and a series of economic empowerment workshops. The Rev. Tyrone Queen, associate minister commented, “My heart was overjoyed to see the outpouring of support from Macedonia members, and to witness the profound gratitude of those who received these acts of kindness. We look forward to doing more in and around our community.” Macedonia Baptist Church of Baltimore City which stands on the corner of Lafayette and Freemont Avenue has been serving the community for more than 137 years. Among its many outreach services, the church also provides Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings every Monday, Thursday and Saturday. The church also provides a food pantry service and it’s Clothes Closet, which provides free clothing on the second and third Wednesdays of each month, and bible studies are held weekly at noon and at 7pm on Wednesdays. All are welcome to take advantage of any of these services. For more information, contact Macedonia Baptist Church at 410-669-5776.
Singing Sensations Provide a ‘Diverse Experience With Music’ By Felecia Diggs Special to the AFRO
Courtesy Photo
Members of the Doorkeeper Ministry of Emmanuel Church are, from left, Robin Gibson, Cora Shird, Diane Hocker, Sheron Thomas, Patricia Mathis, Leola Atkinson, Sindy Jenkins, Antoinette Douglas, Sheilah Fields and Elizabeth Johnson. AFRO Staff The Doorkeeper Ministry of Emmanuel Church has recently celebrated 77 years of service and delight in what they do. They understand that they are the first line of love so hospitality is their ministry and their 10 active members greet members and visitors in just that way. They also keep order so worship can proceed without distraction. Their goal is to know everyone by name. In addition to in-house ministry, they take on outreach. One of their annual projects is partnership with the AFRO’s Mrs. Santa campaign which encompasses adopting a family and supplying gifts and needs in an abundant way. Sheilah Fields is president and Antoinette Douglas is vice president.
Though they’ve been around for about nine years, many Baltimoreans have not experienced this “pearl” of a musical group called the Singing Sensations Youth Choir. One wonders why that is since they have sung up and down the east coast and Canada, including having appeared with the melodious Melba Moore in Delaware, in the church of gospel’s great – Shirley Caesar, and before President Barack Obama. Most recently, this great aggregation of Courtesy photo approximately 63 children, ages 4-18, appeared at the inauguration Young singers are taking their music to Trinidad in May. of Mayor Stephanie RawlingsBlake. Under the direction of Dr. Hollie Hood-Mincey, who founded the group when she was a music instructor in the Baltimore City School System, they are not simply another gospel choir, since their repertoire consists of such themes as the “Evolution of Black Music,” “Motown,” as well as choral, patriotic and pop songs. Not that the choir shies away from gospel tunes, but the children are having a diverse experience with music, which is one of the goals of Dr. Hood-Mincey, a Morgan University classmate of Darin Atwater, founder and conductor of the Soulful Symphony. She created this group with those considered “at-risk” youth to give them “the opportunity to see the world through music,” according to Dr. Hood-Mincey. And they are well on their way to fulfilling that dream. During their annual spring break tour (March 31 – April 9 this year), the children will be singing throughout a number of southern states, to include a stop at Universal Studios and culminating in a trip to Trinidad in May. How does a singing group like this get to sing in so many places? Well, it hasn’t been easy for them, since besides a few fund raisers like selling candy, Dr. Hood-Mincey has given of her means, as well as skill and love to these children. Many times, she has provided a safe place to sleep and healthy meals in her own home for her young members. This is not just a singing group to Dr. Hood-Mincey, who is grateful to the parents who volunteer and her husband. “We have all kinds of kids with all kinds of problems,” Dr. Hood-Mincey said, “who are positively changed through their experience traveling around singing. Music continues to strengthen many areas of these children’s development, such as memory and concentration, physical coordination, language skills, self-confidence and self-discipline, to name a few.” The Sensations founder said the needs grow, as do the children, as they stretch their professional muscles with more travel. “There are traveling expenses for a group of young people this size along with our assistants; Patrick Brown, a New Jersey elementary school teacher and musician; and Howard “Buddy” Lakins, a well known musician. The Singing Sensations will be in concert for Black History Month, 5 p.m., Feb. 26 at the First apostolic Faith Church, 27 S. Caroline St. For more information and for tickets call 443-622-4994. If you would like to be a financial supporter, please contact Dr. Hollie Hood-Mincey minceysmusic@msn.com or 443-622-4994.