EMU Plans ‘King Week’ Celebration

Rev. Derrick ParsonRev. Derrick Parson

"A Compassionate Faith: Courage to Move Forward" is the theme for Martin Luther King Jr. Week" observances at Eastern Mennonite University.

Activities will open 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16 with a message and open discussion led by Rev. Derrick Parson, a campus minister in the United Methodist Church and Wesley Foundation at James Madison University. The forum will be held 10-11:30 a.m. in the Campus Center Greeting Hall.

Dr. Cheryl SandersDr. Cheryl Sanders

Monday evening, the keynote speaker for the annual School for Leadership Training at Eastern Mennonite Seminary will bring a prophetic message on the continuing legacy of Dr. King.

Dr. Cheryl Sanders, senior pastor of Third Street Church of God in Washington, D.C., and professor of Christian ethics at Howard University School of Divinity, will speak on the theme, "Reconciliation and Repentance," based on II Cor. 5:17-21. (Read more on Dr. Sanders’ speech.)

Sons of the Day, an a cappella group of EMU alumni and current students, will provide special music.

King Week observances continue with a "Dialog on Race: Steps of Hope," 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, in the Northlawn Great Lounge. EMU faculty, staff and students will share steps that can be taken to increase understanding of others despite cultural and ideological differences.

In university chapel 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, persons representing the diverse EMU community will reflect on values represented in Dr. King