31st Celebration Honoring
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Honoring the Journey”
Sunday, January 12, 2025
In person and Livestreamed · Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church
211 Moross Rd, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 · 313.886.2363
Rev. David Eardley, Lead Pastor
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AN INVITATION LETTER TO SHARE WITH YOUR CONGREGATION!
Dear Greater Detroit District Pastors, Lay Leaders, and Youth Leaders,
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” He spoke of the urgency of making progress--despite turmoil, despite animosity, despite setbacks. To pay tribute to his legacy, and to continue to cultivate his dreams within our own lives, we invite you to gather at the 31st Celebration honoring Dr. King.
Through a service of song, prayer, litany, and reflection, we will use our voices to honor the journey. We will present awards and scholarships to individuals within our congregations who are pivotal examples of his legacy and who use their lives as a platform to speak. This year we will also unveil a new award, The Beloved Community Grant. This celebration is always a beautiful way to recenter our hearts and intentions. It is uplifting, poignant, and powerful. We sincerely hope to see you there, either in person or via the livestream! To participate:
- Encourage your congregation to join us for this impacting service either in person or via livestream.
- Nominate a clergy or layperson who demonstrates Dr. King’s values to be named a “Drum Major for Justice.”
- Please submit a one-page nomination by October 13, 2024 to the MLK Committee by email: [email protected]
Scholarships for High School Seniors
Reach out to high school seniors who are active members of your congregation and whose actions demonstrate a commitment to the values of Dr. King. Encourage them to apply electronically for a Scholarship for up to $1,000.
Please see the application options below. The deadline to submit the application and all materials is October 13, 2024 (11:59 p.m. EST). Submissions must be emailed to: [email protected]
Donate to the scholarship fund by clicking the link below:
Faithfully, your 31st Celebration Committee honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Sherman Louis · Micki Phelps · Victor Raybaud · Tina Campbell · Rev. Jonathan Combs · Adrienne Trupiano-Stepaniak · Susanna Klimek · Rev. David Eardley, Host Pastor
Scholarships for High School Seniors
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee invites High School Seniors attending a United Methodist Church within the Greater Detroit District to apply for a scholarship. The deadline to submit an application is Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. If awarded the scholarship, the recipient must plan on attending the Celebration at Grosse Pointe UMC on Sunday, January 12, 2025.
Please click the buttons below to apply by emailing a completed PDF, or by submitting a Google Form application.
Must complete all steps and submit all materials requested on the application to be considered for the scholarship.
Nominations for the Drum Major for Justice Award
“Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice,” King intoned. “Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter” (King, “The Drum Major,” 185–186).
The Drum Major for Justice Award is presented to a person who embodies Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s values and vision of justice, peace, and righteousness. This honor recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to their community, advocating for equity, fairness, and compassion through service and leadership.
To nominate a clergy or layperson from the Greater Detroit District, please submit a one-page nomination by October 13, 2024, to the MLK Committee at [email protected]. In your nomination, consider the following qualifications:
- The nominee should demonstrate a consistent commitment to social justice and equity, particularly in marginalized or underserved communities.
- The nominee should exhibit leadership qualities that inspire and mobilize others toward positive change.
- The nominee’s actions should reflect a spirit of peace and reconciliation in the face of conflict or division.
- The nominee should uphold moral integrity and ethical standards in all areas of life, aligning with King’s emphasis on righteousness.
Watch a Video Slideshow of the 2024 MLK Celebration!
The 30th Celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. took place at Royal Oak United Methodist Church on January 14, 2024.