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St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Celebrates 100 Years of Service

St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church, of East Chicago, IN continues the yearlong centennial celebration of 100 years of service to the Northwest Indiana community with culminating events embracing this year’s theme, Worship, Word and Witness. A full month of activities are planned that are designed to bring together all the friends and family of St. Mark to commemorate this historic occasion. One of the premiere events will be the reunion concert featuring award-winning recording artist Tony Tidwell. Mr. Tidwell joins a full line up of monthly events including:

Centennial Revival

(April 11-13, 2016)

Sons of Thunder: Mark 3: 14-17 – Turning up the worship will be a nightly revival service starting April 11-13 at 7 p.m. Each night the Word will be brought by two dynamic preachers and teachers, Rev. Dr. Daran H. Mitchell of Greensboro, NC and Rev. Dr. George D. Crenshaw from Smyrna, GA.

Centennial Weekend Activities (April 22-24, 2016)

Purple & Gold Banquet and Ministry Awards – Friday, April 22 – An elegant night of celebration and acknowledgement of individuals for their outstanding service to the community and to the church. A special honor will be bestowed upon the senior saints that have been members for 50+ years. The night will also feature a message from former member and now pastor of Daniel’s Chapel AME Zion Church, Rev. Dr. Derrick Simmons. The evening will be hosted by Rev. Antwaun Johnson, current pastor of Wallace Temple AME Zion Church in Anderson, Indiana. Banquet starts at 7:00 p.m. Ticket donation is $50 and available by calling 219-398-4653.

St. Mark AME Zion sings Handel’s Messiah as a part of the Ongoing Centennial Celebration that kicked off September 2015 and culminates April 2016. Singers are, top row: Rev. Augustus Carter, Daniel Walker, Rev. George W.C. Walker, Jr; Middle Row: Felicia Sosa, Bridgette Porter; Bottom row: Tribley Harmon, Fran Alexander, Deliah Walker and Deziree Walker.
St. Mark AME Zion sings Handel’s Messiah as a part of the Ongoing Centennial Celebration that kicked off September 2015 and culminates April 2016. Singers are, top row: Rev. Augustus Carter, Daniel Walker, Rev. George W.C. Walker, Jr; Middle Row: Felicia Sosa, Bridgette Porter; Bottom row: Tribley Harmon, Fran Alexander, Deliah Walker and Deziree Walker.

Centennial Anniversary Reunion Concert featuring Tony Tidwell – Saturday, April 23 – Uniting for one special night, current and former voices of the St. Mark Celestial Choir will share longtime favorites as well as new selections. Special guest artist is Tony Tidwell and Uncommon Favor, most notably known for their mega hit You’re Amazing. The evening is hosted by WYCA’s Daryl King. Ticket donations are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Doors open for seating at 5:00 p.m. and show time is 6:00 p.m.

Morning Worship and Memorial Dedication, Sunday, April 24 – The celebration culminates on Sunday morning with morning worship. The morning Word will be shared by the RT Rev. Darryl B. Starnes, Presiding Prelate of the Midwest Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Zion Church. There will also be a memorial dedication immediately following the morning worship service in the Fellowship Hall. Sunday School begins at 8:30 a.m. and Praise & Worship at 10:00 a.m.

“This is an amazing time to witness. The celebration thus far has been stellar. From our kickoff with Praise in the Park, and the Heritage Sunday held in February to the Youth Choir Reunion Concert held a few weeks ago, the party just keeps getting better,” said Rev. George W.C. Walker, Jr., pastor of St. Mark AME Zion Church. We encourage old and new friends alike to join in to help us commemorate this once in a lifetime celebration.”

The yearlong commemoration, has provided an opportunity for all to reflect and take in the momentous occasion. Among the many festivities from the dedicated “Sit at Home Tea and Intercessory Prayer Series, the midweek Worship Word Wednesdays held each month, the special worship services, such as the recent Heritage Sunday and Trailblazer Awards and the packed to capacity Voices of Judah Youth Reunion Concert, there has been something for everyone to enjoy. All festivities are open to the community and everyone is encouraged to experience this time.

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