HAPPY NEW YEAR 2020 “WE
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JANUARY, 2020
ISSUE 80
Eight Local Pastors Bring In The New Year In Night Watch Service
Pastor Loreen Pettaway
Attendees at Watch Night Service
Bishops & Pastors receiving Anointed Cloth from Bishop M. Holt By Interfaith Gazette Staff It is known that Watch Night Service has its historical roots tied to slavery in 1862. The slaves gathered in homes at houses of worship and in groups to pray, sing, and watch for any news that would come that they were free and would be able to live FREE for the rest of their lives. However, it did not come easy. The night, December 31st, before the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, served as what was known as FREEDOM EVE NIGHT. The next day the slaves rejoiced for their new experiences that had come. Well, the irony in this experience continues to serve in the African American
Pastor Louis Self
Bishops, Pastors & Clergy with Bishop Holt
churches today, not because of slavery in its general use of the word but in the sense of gathering to praise and worship God for having kept, provided for, and blessed them during the year. This annual ritual is preferably shared in AA churches and is unknown as to whether or not churches of ethnicities practice this service. This year’s Watch Night Service wasn’t any different than it has been since 1862. Maybe the difference was that 8 Pastors and other Local Clergy gathered in one church to celebrate this Freedom to worship God. Bethesda Christian Center was the site where these Pastors co.03. See LOCAL PASTORS, on page 6
Bishop Kevin Sutton
Bishop Melvin Lotherey & Bishop Marjorie Holt