Conference Minister's Corner - 01-20-2026

What did you do to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day yesterday? Did you attend a breakfast to remember him and his work and ministry? Gather with a group to talk about how far we’ve come (or haven’t come) since he lived and died? Go about your day thinking, praying, and wishing for unity, racial justice, and peace (someday, dear God, some day)? Like some of you, I remember when this day was not a federal holiday and kids spent time in class learning and remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.

There was some concern that when kids were no longer in school on this day, the learning and remembering would end. It was about this time that the faith communities came together to make sure this didn’t happen. Suddenly, the day off was filled with prayer breakfasts and discussions about MLK Jr. and his dream, conversations about justice and equality and where do we go from here, whole concerts and more. Different religious organizations and non-profits stepped in to make sure MLK’s message would continue. And it was awesome. Thankfully, today, the schools still teach and celebrate and thankfully, the faith communities and others continue to step in to do the same.

And that’s what most of us find so hopeful and important about the work of the church. The work of our churches. We’re supposed to step in and step up and step out against the injustices surrounding us like food inequality for many of our children, the need for shelter, clothing, housing for those in need and more such as: protesting the invasion of Venezuela, exclaiming our outrage of the shooting of Renee Good, standing with our immigrant brothers and sisters who are just trying to work and contribute and love their families and communities. And the church is so desperately needed in this role. Martin Luther King, Jr. stepped in and up and out against injustice and because he did, we can too.

What did you do to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day yesterday?

Looking forward to stepping in with you,

Linda