On Sunday, October 20, 2024, under the leadership of the newly appointed pastor of Little Rock, Rev. Dr. Derrill A. Blue, Lay Day was celebrated. Presiding over the worship service was the local President, Ms. Gloria Joyner Johnson, who prayed the invocation. After the Youth/Young Adult Choir led the congregation in the Hymn of Praise, “Onward Christian Laity,” and in other musical selections. Mr. Nathan Roberts, the local Lay Council Treasurer, led the Responsive Reading. Dr. Angelia Fryer, a Lay Council Life Member, led the Affirmation of Faith.
U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler, who serves the state of California, filled the seat left by the late Senator Dianne Feinstein from 2023 through the present. She stressed the importance of getting everyone out to vote in this general election. Young leaders must become more engaged in the political process.
Dr. Blue preached from Genesis 3:1-11with the sermon title “This is Bigger Than Me.” Generational knowledge and wisdom develop from your personal dreams, your parental dreams, and the dreams that are purposed by God. Some family members are dream killers, but when God plants the seed, and it is out of sight, the seed is germinating, and God is working. Joseph’s story exemplifies that a seed planted by God results in someone with the character, conduct, and wisdom to know that God’s will is bigger.
After the worship service, there was an abbreviated storing ceremony for four new Life Members: Ms. Rogercarole Rogers, Ms. Rondah Nelson, Mrs. Carletta Freeman, and Mr. Randy Freeman. At the conclusion of the storing, Dr. Blue blessed them with a handshake. The tradition of celebrating the laity continues as we go forth to live in a manner that brings souls to Christ.
