EMU will commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a chapel service and several other special events, all open to the public.
“The goal of this year’s celebration at EMU is to reflect on the strong faith commitments that kindled Martin Luther King’s passion for social justice,” said Marvin Lorenzana, director of multi-cultural services at EMU.
“It’s important to remember that Dr. King not only was a civil rights activist but also a dedicated Christian minister.
I invite our community to participate in this year’s events as we celebrate together the legacy of a man that motivates us to faith and action,” Lorenzana added.
Thursday, Jan. 13
Activities will open Thursday evening, Jan. 13, with a MLK coffeehouse that features a panel of seminary and undergraduate faculty members – Peter Dula, Kent D. Sensenig and Mark Thiessen Nation – discussing Dr. King’s role in the context of the kingdom of God, with a focus on King’s efforts to bridge the social and spiritual dimensions of the gospel message.
The program will take place 8-9:30 p.m. in the Common Grounds Coffeehouse of the University Commons. Snacks will be served.
Friday, Jan. 14
Ron Copeland of Harrisonburg will speak in university chapel 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 14, in Lehman Auditorium, reflecting on the late civil rights worker’s and pastor’s role as a servant of God.
Nick Melaz, a local worship leader and singer, will provide special music.
Copeland, a graduate of Eastern Mennonite Seminary, is senior pastor of Early Church and director of Our Community Place, a grass-roots center on N. Main St. that promotes personal and spiritual growth and well-being through a variety of activities and projects.
Monday, Jan. 17
On Monday, Jan. 17, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a multi-media presentation-tribute to King’s life and legacy will be shown in the Campus Center Greeting Hall along with photo displays and a “response wall” for persons to offer personal comments.
Activities will take place 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. along the second floor corridor of the University Commons.
More info
Admission to all programs is free. For more information on activities related to Dr. King observances at EMU, call the office of multicultural programs at 540-432-4458.