The Mineola Ministerial Alliance is hosting their Martin Luther King recognition service at 5 p.m. Monday at the First United Methodist Sanctuary. In years prior, the event was held in the morning at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. The themes for this year’s service are “In Times Like These We Must Stay Together” and “A CommUnity Rally.”

Opening words and welcome will be provided by Pastor David Bethel of New Life PC and president of the Mineola Ministerial Alliance, followed by a greeting from Mayor Rodney Watkins. An opening prayer of unity will be spoken by Pastor Bobbie Maltas of the First United Methodist Church.

Special music will be provided by the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church Music Ministry followed by lighting the Candle of Remembrance.

Pastor Jim Pickens of Smith Chapel United Methodist Church will call for the offering and a word of encouragement will be spoken by Pastor Demethrius T. Boyd of St. Paul MBC. Pastor Rick Son of First Christian Church will provide the benediction.

The clergy will lead a Unity March from the sanctuary, which is in the Church building on Pacific Street, to the gazebo at the railroad tracks.  Glow sticks will be distributed at the sanctuary exit as those in attendance will “take the light of Christ into the world.”