YWBA offers community services during Lent and Holy Week
The Clergy Division of the Youghiogheny Western Baptist Association is continuing its series of Lenten services, taking place in different communities at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays through March 21 as well as its annual Holy Week services at the YWBA headquarters in Uniontown.
“It gives us an opportunity to celebrate the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ and what he has done for all of us,” the Rev. Marvin Harris, executive director of the YWBA and pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist in Fairchance, said of the opportunity to worship together. “Lent is a time of prayer and looking towards the cross and resurrection.”
The Rev. Dr. Delonte Reeves, who chairs the Lenten and Holy Week services committees and is associate pastor of Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Uniontown, said, “Lenten services are a reminder of what the Lord has done for us. It’s important for us to remember. If not for this act of love, we would not be where we are and not have salvation.”
Gathering as a community is meaningful, Reeves said, “Especially with what’s going on in our country now. It’s always great for the community to come together and the church is a part of the community. We want to bring the community together whether you are black or white or no matter what your race.”
While some services have already taken place, upcoming services include:
Feb. 28: Host church is Highland Baptist, 136 N. 8th St., Connellsville with the Rev. Dr. F. Diane Hobson, pastor of Mount Sinai Baptist Church, as guest preacher.
March 7: Host church is Mount Calvary Baptist, 230 Reed Ave., Monessen with Reeves as guest preacher.
March 14: Host church is Mount Lebanon Baptist, 401 Baltimore St., Brownsville with with Minister Sandra McCain, associate minister of Mount Zion Baptist, as guest preacher.
March 21: Host church is First Baptist, Ronco Road, Ronco with the Rev. Brian McLee, pastor of Mount Rose Baptist Church, as guest preacher.
Holy Week services are scheduled for 7 p.m. March 26-29 at the YWBA, located at 624 Duck Hollow Road at the corner of Duck Hollow and Route 21 in Uniontown. Speakers throughout the week include the Rev. Shawn Lewis, of Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Charleroi; the Rev. Julie King, of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Fairchance; Evangelist Virginia Henderson, of Mount Calvary Baptist in Fairchance; and Minister Natalie Winfrey, of Mount Olivet Baptist in Uniontown.
More information about the Youghiogheny Western Baptist Association is available on its Facebook page.