"Oh Happy Day" Meets SF Gay Men's Choir @ Miracles of Faith in Oakland Celebrating Christ & 75 Years

OAKLAND, Calif. - March 20, 2018 - PRLog -- Posted Courtesy of Wright Enterprises~~~

"MIRACLES OF FAITH" CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF GOSPEL SERVICE FOR ALL PEOPLE

The recent celebration included the phenomenal Grammy-nominated virtuoso pianist Ricardo Scale,Dorothy "O Happy Day" Morrison and San Francisco's Gay Men's Choir.

The celebration of seventy-five years of service at Miracles of Faith Community Church was not an event in and of itself.  The recent Jubilee Worship Service and Champagne Reception celebration marked not only a culmination or service well done, but also, a new beginning for seventy-five more great years of service and beyond.

According to a recent national poll, community churches make good neighbors, build up their community, contribute to inclusivity, challenge injustice, and stand on the side of love. That's certainly true of Miracles of Faith – the Community Church for the Church's Community, " said Reverend Greggory L. Brown, Pastor of Miracles of Faith Community Church.  For 75 years Miracles of Faith Community Church, formerly known as Faith American Lutheran Church, has been ministering to the diverse needs of the Maxwell Park/Laurel neighborhood of East Oakland.

The worship service and celebration was also a fundraiser to help the Miracles of Faith provide weekly food baskets and emergency aid to neighbors in desperate need; host wellness workshops; purchase academic and bi-lingual materials for after school tutoring and summer enrichment; and nurture spiritual well-being.

It was a moment of "Oh Happy Day Meets the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus" in celebration of Jesus Christ and Miracles of Faith Community Church anniversary.  The ceremony included The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus joined by Miracles of Faith musicians: Grammy-nominated piano virtuoso Ricardo Scales, Kymberly Jackson, Sonny Fairley, J.R. Hall, Tabe Gibson and Larry Gaines.  Guest musicians and Friends of Miracles of Faith were also invited: Kevin Choice, Deanne Brewer, and Bishop Bill Combs & Dorothy "O Happy Day" Morrison.  Dorothy Morrison with Bishop Bill combs leading the choir and musicians sang "a show-stopping, house rocking, audience standing and clapping" rendition of the beloved "O Happy Day."  She most recently sang the song in tribute to Edwin Hawkins, the famed worldwide gospel singer, songwriter, and producer, who recently died.  With Dorothy Morrison as lead in 1967, it was Hawkins who produced and arranged the 18^th century hymn "O Happy Day" into the international gospel crossover phenomenon.

Beyond its spiritual benefit to the East Oakland community, Miracles of Faith Community Church has helped residents with medical needs, food and education.

"Miracles of Faith" has been the home to the Head Start Program on Virginia Avenue for more than a decade and has positively impacted the lives of young people and their parents, many of who are single parents.

"Miracles of Faith" has consistently served people in need with its monthly food distribution program. "Miracles of Faith" is known for its community celebrations that have honored community leaders.

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The church on Virginia Avenue, has often joined with other community groups to impact change for Oakland; "The Take Back High Street" campaign is an example of the church's involvement in social justice.

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" We are pleased that "Miracles of Faith" is a beacon on the hill that cannot be hid as it serves the least of these our brethren and we ask the Lord's blessing for an additional seventy-five years and beyond.  I commend Gregg for his uncompromising spirit to serve Oakland, no matter what," said Bishop Mark Homelrud, Bishop of Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Sierra Pacific Synod (The ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod is approximately 63,000 Lutherans in 204 congregations across 48 counties in northern California and 12 counties and Carson City in northern Nevada.  The synod office is in Oakland.)."

Whether you missed the 75^th Anniversary event or not, you can still make a difference in the lives of people in need by investing in people through Miracles of Faith Community Church.

It is not too late to become a generous donor. Whether that is $750, $75, or $7.50, Miracles of Faith Community Church will be grateful for your support of its vital urban ministry. Checks may be made payable to Miracles of Faith Community Church or on the church's Paypal account--(copy & paste)

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=PJCYjAl12BWaKEHXgUtqTUKisu7G-mP2oKOwQ7LkYcAveBtPuqatbPjAwZ7e3d_DHmB-QG&country.x=US&locale.x=US

Make your tax-deductible donation to Miracles of Faith Community Church and mail to 4335 Virginia Avenue, Oakland, CA. 94619.