Invitations from Mt. Zion AME Church: Our Neighbors for 169 Years!

On August 1, Chris and I went up to Mount Zion A.M.E. Church to play some Bingo and have a chicken dinner. Pastor April Martin greeted us enthusiastically. We’ve gotten to know her through shared holiday events and community choir practices, prayer vigils and services. You might remember our congregation inviting their congregation over for Christmas Dinner one year. Our churches have a long history together starting in 1856 with their purchase of land for a church building from Jonathan Lewis, a member of the Wilberforce Anti-Slavery Society started by our Rev. Fletcher in 1837. We’ve been neighbors for 169 years. Check out their history on their website.

You may have wondered what is going on with the old church on their property. In June of 2021, they received a grant for $35,220 from the Commonwealth’s Keystone Historic Preservation Fund. They used the funding to restore the ten stained glass windows and frames that are about a century old. They are encouraged and hope to build on this success with appeals for more state historical preservation money.

Mt. Zion has many other more immediate challenges that they are responding to with a series of fundraisers. Currently, they are trying to raise about $170,000 for two heaters, some roofing and to renovate their parking lot. I also noticed on their website that the double freezer in their kitchen that is crucial to their food insecurity ministry has broken down and they are appealing for help with that also. The first fundraiser is inviting the community to play Bingo and have a chicken dinner, announcing the dates about every two weeks. The first one was August 1 with more to follow.

In addition, on Sunday, August 31, they are having an Outdoor Super Bowl Watch Party. They will be replaying a video of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl on a 24 foot screen. Entrance is $10. You bring your own lawn chair, buy some food, and watch the game surrounded by avid fans. They have requested some swag from the Eagles and hope to have nice giveaways. It should be a lovely day weather-wise to share some football and fellowship.

They are a small but optimistic congregation, trusting in God’s Grace but persisting in creative ways to engage the community in their future. “Hat’s off!” to that kind of effort!