MLK Day 2013 Theme: 'Forward in Unity'

The following was submitted for publication.

The 31st annual Ridgewood/Glen Rock observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be held on Monday, January 21, 2013, at the Ridgewood United Methodist Church, 100 Dayton St., Ridgewood, NJ. The event is free and open to the public, and this year's theme is, “Forward in Unity.”

Sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Ridgewood/Glen Rock, the celebration begins at 10:00 a.m. with an interfaith service featuring The Rev. Dr. Gareth Icenogle of the West Side Presbyterian Church. There will be readings by Ridgewood and Glen Rock students and musical performances by the Indian Hills Chamber Choir and Men of Umoja Chorus, followed by an outdoor rally in Van Neste Square. Instead of the traditional community lunch following the march, a Fellowship Coffee Hour will be held at the church with a televised broadcast of the Presidential Inauguration for those who wish to stay.

Rev. Dr. Icenogle has been West Side's Senior Pastor since February, 2009. He holds degrees in ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA, and music degrees from the University of California, Riverside, and California State University of Los Angeles. His master’s degrees are in music (voice and composition) and divinity, and his doctorate is in ministry, with a focus on spiritual formation and discipleship. He is the author of an internationally used textbook on the theology, purposes, and dynamics of faith formation through small groups. Rev. Dr. Icenogle served as Senior Pastor at the National Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC, from 2004 to 2008, and as Senior Pastor and Co-Senior Pastor for 14 years at the First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, PA. He was also the Director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Fuller Seminary.

The annual Ridgewood/Glen Rock Martin Luther King Jr. celebration began in 1983 in an effort to unite area residents, regardless of faith or ethnic background, in worship and action as they work towards peace and justice for all. More than 20 religious groups, the Ridgewood and Glen Rock Boards of Education, local government, and civic organizations participate in and support the event each year. Financial support is generously provided by many organizations, individuals, agencies, and businesses throughout the area. For more information contact Alice Newton at 201-951-9903.