“Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod” are the words that open the second verse of the majestic Lift Every Voice and Sing: The Negro National Anthem by James Weldon Johnson. The music and words of this song ring through Martin Luther King Jr. tributes and commemorations throughout the nation every January. On Sunday morning, January 17, at 10:30, as we remember and honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and seek to carry on his legacy, we are mindful of the stones that remain in the road of racial equality and justice—and re-dedicate ourselves to their removal.

Robert René Galván, the Choir, and the House Band perform Matt Anderson’s composition, “Be the Power,” featuring guest artist and rapper Mike Shyne. David Horst, Minister; Robin Slaw, Director of Lifespan Faith Development; and Jill Wecht, Worship Associate, lead the service. David’s sermon topic is “Stony the Road” and Robin tells a story about Mahatma Gandhi, King’s exemplar of nonviolent action.

We take a second collection to raise funds for this year’s Teens Talk About Racism conference in May, sponsored by Central Unitarian Church and Fairleigh Dickinson University.