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Pastoral Idol

by Tom Ficklin | Mar 2, 2010 1:59 pm

(2) Comments | Commenting has been closed | E-mail the Author

Posted to: Health Care, Religion, Dwight

Leading New Haven ministers took turns singing to the heavens—and helped raise over $20,000 to combat AIDS in the process.

They did it all in one place, Sunday at Immanuel Baptist Church, at an uplifting first annual “My Pastor Can Sing” benefit on behalf of AIDS Interfaith New Haven (AIN).

As Black History Month concluded with the sun setting on Chapel Street, there was no doubt inside the church that the spectacle and scourge of AIDS have been written large in the last 30 years of the African-American story. The event raised money for the pioneering black community AIDS abolition and prevention not-for-profit founded by New Haven’s own Sojourner Truth, Dr. Elsie Cofield. Her husband, the late Rev. Curtis Cofield, was Immanuel Baptist’s longtime pastor. Her daughter Bonnye Cofield runs AIN today.

One after another, pastors from throughout New Haven’s black community took turns singing to raise money for AIN before close to 1,000 worshipers at Immanuel Baptist. Revs. Samuel T. Ross (Immanuel’s current pastor), Dr. Boise Kimber, Rev. Jackie Williams, Rev. James Newman, lll, Rev. Brian Bellamy, Rev. Keith King, Rev. Samuel Ross-Lee, Rev. Jason Turner and Dr Calvin Robinson all glorified their calling and brought the congregants to their feet frequently. This was a church, so the ebb and sway of call and response was the operative formula.

Let’s just say that American Idol had better watch out. And Black Entertainment Television’s Bobbi Jones Show better not sleep.

AIDS Interfaith Network Inc has been serving the needs of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and the minority community since 1985. The theme for the evening was: HIV is the battle. AIN is fighting the war. Are you in?

Sunday’s answer was a resounding yes. 

“Wasn’t that a joyous evening!” exclaimed retired school principal Eleanor Turner.

If you missed it, not to worry: Sample some of the pastor’s selections in the videos above and below. Feel free to judge your favorites in the comments section.

Rev. Keith King, Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church, sings, “I’m Free.”

Rev. Jason Lawrence Turner, Community Baptist Church, sings, “The Blood.”

Dr. Calvin Robinson, First Baptist Church, sings, “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child.”

Rev. Samuel Ross Lee, Immanuel Baptist Church, sings “Tomorrow.”

 

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posted by: motherof2 on March 3, 2010  3:48pm

It was my pleasure and honor to be a part of this wonderful event.  The building was packed with a genuine spirit of giving.  I am proud to be part of this community that was able to come together in time of need and answer the call for AIDS Interfaith.  New Haven, please wake up and remember the organizations that are down in the trenches fighting the fight. Some of these organization get looked over because they don’t have huge names or board members with the “right name” at the “right time”.  AIN has been around for 22 years supporting the AIDS population.  A population that goes too many time unforgotten becuase of the stigma of AIDS.  WAKE UP NEW HAVEN!  This is our home and we need to be visible in the fight of showing true human compassion.  It could be any of us.  I just thank my Heavenly Father for the ability of understanding basic human need.  The ability to love without prejudices and to treat each person I come in contact with like a decent God created individual.  Mother Cofield, I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU and I will always support you!  Bonnie, I pray for your strength as you continue the fight started by your parents years ago!!  I know Daddy Cofield was proud of us on Sunday!!  He was definitely in the building!!!  Love - Bethany (Sistah Soup Kitchen)

posted by: Phileene on March 4, 2010  11:33am

As a member of the host church for Sunday’s program, and a member of a family that has lost numerous loved ones to this dreaded disease, I was overjoyed at what was accomplished in just a few hours at Immanuel.  It restored my faith that we are a community that cares and that knows the power of prayer and compassion in fighting this war.  However, if you think the battle is won, think again.  Too many of our loved ones and neighbors continue to face the stigma of being HIV positive and need to know that not only can we rally together and march, but we are also available after the parade has passed and there is still much work to be done.  I wholeheartedly agree with Sis. Soup Kitchen.  It is time to wake up New Haven and make a difference in someone’s life. Happily, this is a cause that if you can’t get personally involved, it is definitely okay to “throw money at”.  I am sure donations of all kinds are enthusiastically accepted by AIN.

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