Father Pfleger hails “Spiritual Flash Mob” that performed at Saint Sabina on Pentecost Sunday”

 

By Chinta Strausberg 

 

Many of the church members remembered to wear something red for the “Feast of Pentecost” worship services which is considered the birthday of the Christian Church in the Upper Room, but they were pleasantly surprised when Father Michael L. Pfleger had a “spiritual flash mob” performed on “Pentecost Sunday.”

While Minister Julie Welborn was giving the announcements, dancers rushed around the altar from various directions of the church. At first stunned, she and the congregation soon began clapping and singing. Pfleger said, “If the secular world can do it in the mall, the spiritual world can do it in the church.  That was great.“

The performance included having Rickey Harris, who heads the Spirit of David dancers, play the part of Christ. “When we use someone as imagery, it’s a point of contact…to loosen faith…. It’s no different than anointing….”

As he prepared for the funeral of his middle son, Beronti, 32, who collapsed in his Orlando, Florida home, Pfleger thanked all of those who sent him cards, e-mails, messages on Facebook , those who sent donations. He held his son’s funeral services over the weekend in Orlando, Florida and will bury him this Tuesday.

Pfleger especially thanked John Travis, a member of Saint Sabina and owner of the Travis Funeral Home, who found Father Pfleger “a very kind” funeral director near his son’s home. Pfleger also thanked Vince Clark, his assistant, for accompanying him to Orlando, Florida. “He’s the best friend you could ever have,” Pfleger said.

But, Pfleger warned the church about the various storms life would bring to their doorsteps. “There will come a point in your life when you need a pastor and a church…. Life will take you to a street you don’t want to go down…. Life will take you to a street” that is a dead end leaving you with two choices, to continue or give up.” Pfleger thanked Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright for their daily calls and prayers after his son died. To all of his supporters, Pfleger said, “I thank you from my heart.”

Pfleger also reminded the church that ”ICARE Week” starts on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, sponsored by the Safety net Work of Auburn Gresham. There will be a “Youth for Peace” rally and demonstration at the James R. Thompson Center, 100 West Randolph St., from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Also, beginning at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 29, 2012, Pfleger urged all to attend the “Poverty Threatens Our Democracy” with co-authors Tavis Smiley and Cornel West who take on the “P” word, poverty as captured and documented by their book, “The Rich and the Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifesto.” There will be a book signing afterwards. The book costs $12.00.

On Wednesday, My 30, 2012, there will be an essay, visual art and Spoken Word contest 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bethune Hall, 7801 South Throop St.

On Thursday, May 31, 2012, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., there will be a “Show Your Talent” event at the Bethune Hall, 7801 So. Throop St.

On Friday, June 1, 2012, there will be an exciting “Hoops for Peace,” Five on Five Basketball Tournament & Cheerleading competition in The ARK of Saint Sabina gym located at 7800 So. Racine, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for children 12-16 and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for those between the ages of 17-24.

The Hoops for Peace Part 2/Championship Game and Dunk contest will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The ARK of Saint Sabina gym.

On Saturday, June 2, 2012, there will be a “Peace Festival with Performances” along with live music and free food in the Saint Sabina Park lot, 1210 W. 78^th Place, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Pfleger asks that especially those living in the Sixth police district to attend the Chicago Police Department’s 6^th District CAPS 10^th annual block club convention Saturday, June 2, 2012, at the Saint Sabina Catholic Church, 1210 W. 78^th Place, where Pfleger will be the keynote speaker.

As announced by both Pfleger and Michael Byrd, on Saturday, June 2^nd at 6:30 p.m. in the Bethune Hall, The Saint Sabina Cornerstone Family Ministry, the Marriage Enrichment Ministry and the Men’s Super Ministry, are inviting all men and their families to attend the “life-changing movie, “Courageous.”

Pfleger also announced he plans on anointing all youth next Sunday, June 3, 2012, which is “Unity Sunday” at Saint Sabina Church. “I want to put a protection on them,” Pfleger told the church. “Unfortunately, while we had a ‘Red Zone’ around McCormick Place (during the NATO summit), we don’t have a Red Zone here in the Auburn-Gresham/Englewood community.” Pfleger is urging parents to bring their children to church next Sunday, which starts at 10 a.m.

Also, the Saint Sabina Sisterhood Ministry presents “Jazzin’ With the Saints” featuring Ray Silkman, Skinny Williams and the Sax Preacher, Friday, June 8, 2012, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Saint Sabina Bethune Hall, 7801 So. Throop St.

Pfleger wants all of his supporters to join him at 7 p.m. Friday, June 15, 2012, on the steps of Saint Sabina for his “Call for Peacemakers” end of the school year march to proclaim “Peace in the Streets.”

And, Pfleger asked that all participate in the 27^th annual Hunger Walk being held on Saturday, June 23, 2012, 8:30 a.m. stepping off time. For more information, call: Sharon Tillmon at the Saint Sabina Social Services, 773-846-3018. You may also donate online by clicking on: www.chicgosfoodbank.org. Be sure and include the Team identification as being: St. Sabina-Catholic Charities A00024.

Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host. You can e-mail Strausberg at: Chintabernie@aol.com.