By Maria White Tillman, 6th Episcopal District
On Sunday, April 27, 2025, under the grand steeple of Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, a beacon of faith and tradition illuminated the corner of Jesse Hill Jr. Boulevard and Auburn Avenue. As the natural sunlight from the steeple reached into the Atlanta skies, a powerful and moving message was delivered during the church’s Annual Lay Day service.
This year, the service was graced with the presence of Sister Alfreda Brooks, the Sixth Episcopal District Lay President, who took to the pulpit with a message that resonated deeply with both seasoned members and the next generation. Speaking with passion and conviction, Sister Brooks urged the congregation to reflect on the day’s theme: “Remembering Our Heritage: Shaping Our Future.” She called upon the faithful to embrace the rich legacy of Historic Big Bethel, the broader AME Church, and most importantly, to pass it down to future generations.
Sister Brooks shared the powerful message that a true connection to one’s faith heritage isn’t just a matter of reflection, but of active engagement. She emphasized the need for church leaders, parents, and community members to actively work to guide and prepare younger adults for leadership roles within the church. “We need to ensure that our young adults don’t drift away” to other congregations, she said, stressing that positions like Class Leaders and Chairpersons of the Women’s Missionary Society are crucial for continued spiritual growth within the AME community.
Madam President Brooks also took a moment to highlight the deep-rooted history of the AME Church’s expansion into Canada, where over 100 AME churches were established. “As laymen working with God, we need to give more of our history to our members,” she urged, reaffirming the importance of passing down this legacy of faith and community building.
Guiding the worship service was the dynamic Worship Leader Jory Young, whose leadership ensured the spirit-filled atmosphere that permeated the church. The day also included remarks from the esteemed 61st Mayor of Atlanta, Andre Dickens, who was warmly welcomed by Senior Pastor the Rev. John Foster, PhD. Mayor Dickens, having slipped into the pews, led his brief remarks with the traditional AME Call to Worship, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.
Throughout the service, Mr. Mayor joined in the beloved hymns of “Sweet Holy Spirit,” “The Blood Still Works,” and “Oh Give Thanks.” His presence added a layer of unity and significance to an already extraordinary service.
The melodies of Big Bethel’s inter-generational choir, directed by Cornelius Pettway and Nicole Chapman, and the church Minister of Music, Jeremy Johnson, provided the perfect soundtrack to the day’s events. The choir’s vibrant rendition of gospel classics helped fill the sanctuary with joy and praise, reminding all who attended of the power of music and fellowship in worship.
Guy Howard, President of the Edge-Cannon Lay Organization, reflected on the importance of the day, stating, “It is my honor to lead such a powerful and dedicated ministry. The Annual Lay Day Service is an opportunity for us Laymen to honor, empower, and equip the everyday lay members who continue to make our wonderful church strong.” His words were a testament to the enduring strength of Big Bethel’s community of lay members who are dedicated to the church.
The service was further enriched by contributions from Martha Thomas, who led the Hymn of Praise; Clarissa Carmichael, who delivered the Invocation; Eunice Davis, who led the Responsive Scripture reading; and Tony Jones, who recited the Summary of the Decalogue. The heartfelt participation of these individuals brought additional layers of spiritual depth to the already vibrant service. Dr. Stanley Pritchett made the Stewardship Appeal to the congregation.
Adding a unique artistic touch to the day, Rev. Monica Jones, PhD, Director of Christian Education Ministries, read John 15:13 from the pulpit, as the intergenerational Kawanza-Sol Dancers, directed by Rosalyn Bussey Johnson, graced the sanctuary with a beautiful praise dance to “Oh What Love” by Vickie Winans. The dancers, draped in flowing sea blue and white attire, exemplified the power of movement and worship in a way that captivated the entire congregation.
The Annual Big Bethel Lay Recognitions were presented during the Sunday service. John Jordan was recognized as Lay Person of the Year, and Ja’Keilla Rouse was recognized as the Young Adult Lay Person of the Year.
The smooth coordination of the Lay Day service would not have been possible without the tireless work of its co-chairs, Donna Williams and Maria White Tillman. Their leadership ensured that the event went off without a hitch, and their dedication to preserving the legacy of Big Bethel and the AME Church was evident in every detail of the service.
As the service concluded and the congregation spilled out into the warm Atlanta afternoon, it was clear that the words of Sister Alfreda Brooks had touched hearts and minds. The challenge to “Remember Our Heritage” was not just a call to look back at the past, but a call to actively shape the future of the church, ensuring that the light of faith continues to shine brightly for generations to come.
