THE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTIAN WORSHIP
BAPTISM 9:20AM
THE PRELUDE**
MUSICAL SELECTION**
GREETING & CALL TO WORSHIP*
Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
What are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for we shall praise Him, our help and our God.
—from Psalm 42:5, 124:8, NRSV
PRAYER OF INVOCATION* Deacon James Oglesby
MUSICAL SELECTION
CALL TO OFFERING
LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY**
INTERCESSORY PRAYER*
MUSICAL SELECTION**
SERMON
INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP*
Psalm 117 (Bynum)
Sister Alice Sams
Blood Medley (Norful)
Sister Gloria Betts Caldwell
Lent is a sacred season of reflection, sacrifice, and renewal. It is a time when we draw closer to God by letting go of the things that distract us and recommitting ourselves to justice, love, and righteousness. As we enter this Lenten season, we are called not only to personal transformation but also to prophetic action.
• No Walmart
• No Best Buy
• No McDonalds
• No Major Retailers
Reverend Gregory Lunn
Brotherhood Chorus
Reverend Dr. John Clay
Reverend Clay
CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION * Reverend Dr. W. Temple Richie, Jr.
RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP *
THE DOXOLOGY*
BENEDICTION*
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow (Ken)
Reverend Clay
*Please stand | **Worshippers may enter | ***Worshippers may enter/ please stand
In recent days, we have witnessed a disturbing retreat from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives by major corporations—companies that once pledged to stand for justice but have since chosen the path of compromise. These rollbacks represent more than just corporate decisions; they reflect a deeper erosion of the moral and ethical commitments necessary to build a just society. As people of faith, we cannot be silent. We are called to resist systems that perpetuate exclusion and inequity.
This Lent, we will begin a corporate fast, starting with Target, as a spiritual act of resistance. Just as Jesus overturned the tables in the temple, challenging the exploitation and hypocrisy of his day, we too must disrupt business as usual. Fasting is not just about what we abstain from— it is about what we embrace. By redirecting our resources toward businesses that uphold justice, we embody our commitment to God’s vision of equity and love in action.
Do not shop online, or in-store
• No Amazon
• No Target
Do not use Credit or Debit Cards for non-essential spending. Only buy essentials of absolutely necessary items such as food, medicine, gas and emergency supplies. If you must spend, ONLY support small, local businesses.
WHY THIS MATTERS!
Corporations and banks only care about their bottom line. Disrupting the economy for even one day sends a powerful message. If they don’t listen we make the next blackout longer. Our numbers are powerful. This is how we make history!
SPREAD THE MESSAGE!
Please share with all of your contacts. Talk about it, post about it, document your actions that day! We must use the power we do have and send an economic message with our numbers as did Dr. King!! The Target fast will take place from March 5 through April 17. At the conclusion of the fast, we will collect data on its impact and attempt to meet with Target’s board to assess whether we will proceed to Phase 2. The shareholders’ meeting is on June 12 in Minneapolis—the same city where George Floyd was killed—so we pray for resolution before then.