Sunday, Sep. 20, 2015 was “Family Reunion: Annual Pearl Johnson Family & Friends Day” at J.W. James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Maywood, Illinois, west of downtown Chicago. A campaign used by major retailers like Macy’s to improve traffic in stores and sales and ultimately add to the bottom line, this family and friends day concept incorporates Jesus Christ and God. For the A.M.E. church, there’s a spiritual bottom line, acknowledging the Creator while visiting a new church with friends and loved ones.
To many, the A.M.E. Church is the bedrock of the African American Christian experience, which is the very basis for the formation of this church order. Formed in the basement of its founder’s home it is an institution that educates many on prayer and worship, and aims to save souls that are willing to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
During this service, the minister welcomes visitors and invites them to fellowship regularly, be part of the family, join the choir and be “washed in the blood” if they desire to before the end of service.
Young men and boys, who accompanied their friends and parents, went to the altar to be personally welcomed by the pastor and have a new Christian experience.
For all of us, friends and family are important. Worshipping with friends and family is where one might experience love and the power of miracles. Friends and family day at J.W. James African Methodist Episcopal Church sounds like a wonderful sale, but the difference here is salvation is free.
The beautiful families, the wonderful children and the beautiful moments at friends and family day is just another means churches use to reach and motivate its members by asking them to bring loved ones to church to experience God in a new way.
For those who may not make it to a particular church, the church is reaching out in many ways like AT&T Inspired Mobility, a national conversation that highlights how people use mobile technology, devices and the Internet to enhance their faith experience and personal lives.
Socially and spiritually, friends and family day is a great deal and a way to experience love and the Lord.
Congratulations to all A.M.E. churches and other ministries who are doing innovative outreach. The mother, father, sister and wife who spoke from the pulpit about their experience, shared how valuable friends and family day has been, and how appreciative they are to know they are welcomed every Sunday. This was a particularly special service knowing that your attendance included a free dinner for all – that was quite a deal – no charge, for Jesus has already paid the price.
