HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 913 Offered February 14, 2007 Commending Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church on the occasion of its 25th anniversary.  ---------- Patrons-- Plum; Senator: Howell ----------

WHEREAS, Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church is recognized for 25 years of outstanding service to the community of Reston; and

WHEREAS, the first discussion of a new church happened on a Sunday night among 12 friends, who got together for prayer, fellowship, and a crab feast in July 1981, so the story of the church originating from “crabs from heaven” is often retold with great joy by church members; and

WHEREAS, the first organizational meeting of the church founders was held on January 15, 1982, when the 12 Christians met at the home of Adelle and John Arthur Jones and decided to establish a church in the name of Martin Luther King, Jr., because he had such a strong faith, as well as a great compassion for the oppressed; and

WHEREAS, the first interim minister was the Reverend Dr. Joseph Dancy, Jr., who served Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church from 1982 to 1984, and it was during this time that “Christian” was added to the church’s name; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Dancy established a weekly bible study, which continues every Wednesday evening, and initiated the ministries of tutoring young people, Sunday school enrichment trips, and a vital food and clothing bank; and

WHEREAS, an inspirational and visionary leader, Reverend Dancy was instrumental in the church's establishing lasting partnerships with many community organizations to help citizens in need in the Reston area; and

WHEREAS, under Reverend Dr. Clinton D. McNair, who served from 1984 to 1998, the church developed an organizational structure that included five ministries; the members became more involved in the community working closely with the Reston Community Center; and an interactive, communitywide outreach program in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was established; and

WHEREAS, under Reverend McNair's leadership, Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church purchased 2.3 acres of land in 1987 located at North Shore Drive in Reston for a future church, and the congregation began partnerships with the Reston Association, the Fairfax County Education Committee, the Reston Interfaith Board, the Northwest Mental Health Center, and the Reston Shelter to increase its ministry to help its fellow residents in need; and

WHEREAS, after several fine interim ministers, the Reverend Clarence W. Davis came to lead the Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church, after serving at a church in Detroit, Michigan, and receiving his master's degrees in divinity and theology from Harvard University; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure, Reverend Davis strengthened the mission of the Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church to serve the community and "lead the lost to the Savior and to strengthen the saints for the work of ministry," and during his tenure, ministry opportunities have flourished; he developed a 6:00 a.m. morning prayer service, re-established the “King Circle” to provide informal bible study in members' homes, and implemented the ALPHA evangelism program in 2001; and

WHEREAS, Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church has been served throughout its 25-year history by immensely dedicated and able pastors, who have provided visionary leadership, devout worship, meaningful Christian education, and enthusiastic ministry and community missions; and

WHEREAS, today, the Reverend Jean Robinson-Casey is the head pastor of Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church, as the congregation looks forward to laying the foundation for its new and glorious permanent church in Reston; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church on the occasion of its 25th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church as an expression of the General Assembly's best wishes for a joyful celebration and future success in its ministry.