Behind this area was a tent with a full spread of camping items for them to enjoy.
By JAMES W. WADE III
Staff Reporter
“Seeking, Serving, Soaring” was the fitting theme for the third anniversary celebration for Rev. Jawanza Karriem Colvin andOlivetInstitutionalBaptistChurch.
A celebration of pastor and people, Colvin serves as the sixth pastor of theOlivetInstitutionalBaptistChurch.
Three was the operative word for the anniversary celebration.
For the third year, The Rev. Steven Eugene Carter, pastor, Mount Ararat Baptist Church of Brooklyn, New York was the guest preacher. Rev. Carter teased about being the official pastoral anniversary preacher.
The pastoral theme, “Seeking, Serving, Soaring” embraces Reverend Colvin’s philosophy of service, outreach and committed involvement of the Olivet congregation. He is a community builder as well as a pastor. Of prime importance in his current outreach involvement is his affiliation with the Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC), a non-partisan coalition of faith communities and partner organizations in Cuyahoga County, working together to build power for social justice.
Anniversary Chair Barbara J. Eggleston’s remarks touched on the biblical trilogy of faith, hope, and love.
The choir sang a special selection entitled “Kingdom” written by Charles (Chaz) Cotton for the occasion. Cotton serves as the Minister of Worship and Arts Ministry.
A special surprise came when Eggleston announced that Rev. Colvin was now Dr. Colvin, as he graduates this month. He’ll receive his doctorate of education from Teachers’ College,ColumbiaUniversity, specializing in adult leadership and education. Rev. Dr. Colvin was robed with the robe presented to him at his installation service three years ago.
Following the second service, the anniversary committee presented First Lady Allison Colvin with a bouquet of pink roses and Rev. Colvin with a special plaque. The first family’s two sons, Asher and Philip, played a game where they to select the right curtain. Of course, they chose the magic number 3.
Behind this area was a tent with a full spread of camping items for them to enjoy.
And for the guests, they passed out Smores.
Under Rev. Colvin’s leadership, the church has experienced the growth of 600 new disciples, increased community service efforts to feed more than 1000 persons during Christmas Season Outreach and dispatched more than 100 servant volunteers to a Community Day of Service.
