The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA) of Toledo and Vicinity hosted a community-wide Black History program on Sunday, February 26 at 4:00 p.m. FreshWIND Church served as host church of the interfaith service.
Hand clapping praise and spirit-filled worship filled the sanctuary as the praise and worship teams of First Church of God and FreshWIND sang various selections. The service continued with the entire congregation singing the Black National Anthem. Rev. TK Barger, DMin, of First Unitarian Church of Toledo delivered the official program welcome; Rev. Will Henderson of L.E.A.D Community Church delivered the scripture text; Rev. Shirley Sparks led the prayer and Rev. Eric Butler of First Church of God delivered the statement of purpose.
“This is truly a special occasion. There is a special joy when we of different denominations can gather together to celebrate together,” said Rev. Barger.
“We celebrate black history month every day. We celebrate because we know whose shoulders we stand on,” said Rev. Butler.
The service continued with Rev. Lee Williams of Search-Lite Community Baptist Church, who read the introduction of the featured program speaker. Bishop Darnell Sheares, Sr, the pastor of FreshWIND, served as the program’s featured speaker.
“We thank God who brought us here for Kingdom business. Let’s talk about, enough is enough,” said Bishop Sheares during the opening of his sermon. He connected the story of Rosa Parks, who sparked the Civic Rights Movement, when she was arrested for not giving up her seat on the bus to a white passenger. “Rosa was tired. She worked a full day, her feet were tired. Enough was enough. As we face challenges, sooner or later we will say enough is enough.”
The service concluded with special recognitions of Chief Derrick Diggs, former Toledo Police chief, posthumously; Romules Durant, EdD, the TPS Superintendent; Toledo Police Department Lucas County Sheriffs; Brothers & Sisters United; Billie Johnson of the Area Office on Aging; and Robin Reese, former executive director of Lucas County Children Services.
The special presentation was presided over by program church Rev. Otis Gordon, DMin, closing remarks delivered by IMA President, Rev. Cedric Brock, DMin, and benediction by Bishop Sheares.
“Our task is to recognize just a few great people in this city of Toledo that made Toledo what it is,” Rev. Gordon
“Everyone that did a part on this program, did an awesome job. We work together as a team within the IMA,” shared Rev. Brock.
FreshWIND is located at 1421 S. Cove Blvd in Toledo, visit the website for additional information, thefreshwindchurch.com. For additional information about IMA, visit the IMA of Toledo Facebook page.
