The 2-plus hour service was absolutely wonderful. It was held in the state-of-the-art auditorium at Skyline High School. There were only 350 people in attendance. I say "only" because given the importance of the occassion and the incredible program that was put together, it should have been standing room only. But the 350 people that were there had a chance to experience a moment or racial reconciliation and healing that is still so needed in our county.
It also turned out to be the most amazing worship service I have been to in recent memory. The choir of Warren County Middle School, the combined choirs of Warren County High School and Skyline High School, the Annointed Voices community choir, and a particulary moving solo by Bo Flynn contained so much Gospel -- Good News -- that I could but worship as I listened.
A local Sociologist/Historian gave a restrospective of the events that took place 50 years ago and gave a hopefull mesage for the future. And the keynote speaker, Mr. Jack Gravely, spoke Truth to all who were there to listen. He didn't preach but he preached! I pray for the day that I might have an ounce of his ability to communicate Truth.
A number of the first 23 African American children to be integrated into Warren County High School were also present. Rev. James Kilby, the organizer of the event and the son of the late James Kilby, Sr. -- who led the efforts to bring integration to Warren County, at great personal sacrifice -- was accompanied by his sister, Betty Kilby, who also was one of the first 23. They each shared some of their personal experiences and reflects. They and the others that marched up the hill to Warren County High School fifty years ago are true heroes.
It was a wonderful afternoon. But there was one thing that saddened me greatly. There were very few churches in our area that participated in the service and even fewer pastors. It struck me that this would have been a perfect opportunity for churches to come together in the sort of unity that Jesus himself prayed that we would have (John 17). But where were the pastors and churches that decry that God, prayer, and the Bible are being excluded from our Public Schools? And where were the pastors and churches that decry that those other churches and pastors aren't doing enough to impact the world around them?
God's Word was proclaimed in word, in prayer, in song, and in deed this last Saturday afternoon at Skyline High School. It was Church, but where were our churches and pastors!?
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