Eastern Star group spreads cheer
Neuse Chapter 347, Order of the Eastern Star, chose to visit and spread cheer to a nursing home as one of its community projects.
Gerald Dixon, a member of the chapter, presented his mother, Margaret Dixon, a gift on behalf of the chapter on a recent visit.
Other community projects of the group include the homeless shelter and the North Carolina Food Bank.
Black History celebration Sunday
Friends in Ministry is sponsoring a community Black History Month program at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Augustus AME Zion Church, 318 E. North St.
The Rev. Lin Dawson will be the featured speaker. Dawson is a Kinston native, Kinston High School and N.C. State University graduate. For 10 years he was the starting tight-end for the New England Patriots, an integral part of the AFC Championship and Super Bowl Team. He is president and managing partner for the Lin Dawson Organization, an organizational development consulting firm.
During his 32 years in ministry, Dawson has preached all over the world and been an evangelist, team chaplain, assistant pastor, associate minister and youth minister. He is an author and frequently travels to Zimbabwe and Kenya, where he conducts pastor leadership seminars, business workshops, youth conferences and conflict resolution training.
The program will feature music by the Dorothy C. Pitt Chancel Choir of Emmanuel Hill Memorial Free Will Baptist Church and Ecumenical Friends.
“(Black History Month) is an opportunity to raise awareness of the often neglected accomplishments and contributions of African-Americans to our history and culture,” said the Rev. Veronica Jackson, pastor of Emmanuel Hill and member of Friends in Ministry.
Friends in Ministry is a faith-based community uplift group of pastors who endeavor to improve the well being and quality of life for citizens of Kinston and Lenoir County. Other members are the Rev. Maurice Barnes of White Rock Presbyterian Church, the Rev. John Flowers, the Rev. Tyrone Haney of St. Peter Church of Christ DOC; the Rev. Howard Johnson of St. James AME Church; and the Rev. Julian Pridgen of St. Augustus AME Zion Church. Proceeds from their programs support other helping organizations in the community.
The national theme for the 2013 Black History Month celebration is “At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington.” The theme celebrates the anniversary of two African-American turning points — the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation; and the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for jobs and freedom.
Sunday’s celebration is free and open to the community. For information, call Barnes at 252-235-7164.