By Tricia Hall
The Truth Reporter
Greater St Mary Missionary Baptist Church hosted a financial seminar and brunch on Saturday, May 14. The free program featured guest speaker Angelique Strong Marks.
The program opened with official greetings delivered by Renee Heard, and an opening prayer with a meal blessing before the brunch was served. The interactive financial seminar was conducted during the brunch by Angelique Strong Marks, and concluded with remarks delivered by event coordinator LaTanya Jackson Wilson and church pastor Bishop Robert Lyons Sr.
“She has been a blessing to me and I’ve known her for over 30 years. When I listen to her, my finances are blessed. She will share some great knowledge with us today,” shared Wilson.
“I want to give honor to God. We’re honored to have all of you here with us this morning. Thank you for coming. We all know that we will receive a blessing this morning,” shared Heard.
Marks is currently the Chief Legal Officer at Cars.com, the leading online automotive marketplace. She has previously worked for REE Automotive, MAHLE Industries and Behr America. She earned a Juris Doctorate from Ohio State University, MBA from Miami University and Bachelor’s degree from University of Akron.
Marks provided each attendee with a workbook and covered various topics, including: how to use your money the right way, debt management and budgeting God’s way.
“My dad instilled a lot in me about how I view finances. He only had a fourth-grade education but, for example, believed that credit was the devil. I first heard this during a time when children were seen and not heard. He would say, that people get too far into debt and make poor decisions. From that comment, I learned how important it is to manage my credit. In our community finances are not always shaped by our faith. People will hopefully leave today with a better understanding to build a relationship with their finances and understand that relationships take time. Even if you’re in debt today, you can always get out of debt one day,” shared Marks.
The church’s Women’s Book Club sponsored the seminar. Greater St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church is located at 416 Belmont Ave in Toledo and under the leadership of Bishop R.W. Lyons Sr.
