The Body of Christ is made of many parts, and people experience their understanding of God in many different ways. On this blog, we'll consider the beliefs and activities of congregations, denominations and different religions.
Monday, February 5, 2024
TCR Breaking News: First AME Oakland Celebrates Resilience with "Up From the Ashes!" (UFTA24) Weekend
Unbelievable. Awe-Struck. Paralyzed. Broken. Such emotions overwhelmed the FAME Oakland congregation when a three-alarm fire destroyed their beloved church structure on February 19, 2023.
“It was as if time stood still,” said Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Rodney D. Smith, remembering the smoke that covered the skies as Oakland firefighters heroically fought for seven hours to protect the East Bay’s oldest Black church
In spite of calamity, God’s grace and mercy has held FAME Oakland together and now they prepare for an uplifting community-driven, worship-elevating, soul-stirring, God-praising three-day commemorative weekend experience themed "Up From the Ashes!" (UFTA24)
“Despite what it looks like, we know God will give us joy instead of mourning and beauty for ashes! This is a major opportunity to reflect and remember that God always turns everything in your favor when He is in control,” said First Lady, Rev. Amittia Smith.
Presented by the Bay Area Ministerial Alliance, and sponsored by AT&T, PG&E and Radius Recycling, the UFTA24 weekend kicks off on February 17, 2024 with a high-spirited Community Day filled with exciting activities and games, food trucks, and dance classes. A variety of vendors will be on hand to provide vital information on health and wellness, education, and employment opportunities. In addition, each and every family attending will receive grocery cards to promote and prioritize good nutrition.
Award-winning actor Delroy Lindo, local radio personality Cuzzin Dre, and other surprise guests will take part in a conversation titled "Black Men Need Therapy" led by Pastor Rodney. Sunday, February 18th, FAME Oakland will host a next level worship service as the congregation marks the last gathering they shared as a “FAMEly” in the beloved sanctuary before the fire.
The weekend concludes with a POWER PACKED musical experience with Grammy Nominated artist Zacardi Cortez, gospel extraordinaire Rev. Jeffery Williams along with a debut from Pastor Rodney as FAME embarks on the next phase of its rebuild journey.
“I have always believed that this was an opportunity to build back bigger and better, and to embrace FAME’s rich legacy of service and spiritual empowerment in Oakland,” said Smith. I am overwhelmingly proud of FAME’s resilience and steadfastness to lean on God."
More information, including tickets for the UFTA Musical Experience and Community Day registration, can be found at www.fameoakland.org or on the church’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
The Christian Recorder is the official newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the oldest continuously produced publication by persons of African descent.
Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., Chair of the General Board Commission on Publications Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, President/Publisher of the AME Sunday School Union Dr. John Thomas III, Editor of The Christian Recorder
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