State Del. Dr. Emmett Burns, pastor of Rising Sun First Baptist Church in Baltimore County, has put together a most unique program for the month of August.
The 30 Days of August Celebration begin, Aug. 1, with a special Community Prayer and Praise Service. This is followed on Aug. 2, with the Parade Against Violence in the community. It will feature virtually all of the members and auxiliaries of the church. Burns says he expects at least 200 parade participants. Burns has been an outspoken advocate for gun control during his tenure in the Maryland House of Delegates which ends this December.
The Pray at the Pump Movement will sponsor a Book of Peace for people to sign. By signing, they agree to pray for peace in the community and in the Middle East at least three times a day. The first week of August also features a week-long Vacation Bible School for at-risk children in the community. Wholesome evening meals and expert instruction will be provided for the youth who are fighting tremendous odds.
Members and the community will be treated to outstanding seminars on such topics as life and financial planning; substance abuse counseling; legal aid and others. There will be a health screening night and a trip to the Baltimore Zoo. One hundred members will receive free tickets to the Baltimore Orioles game. A political candidates’ forum to acquaint the members with the issues for the November election is also on the agenda.
Burns says he wants his church to be connected to the community and this program of events provides that critical link. Many of his parishioners say this 30-day project represents the perfect way for him to climax his years of service in the General Assembly. They are also appreciative of the sacrifices that he made during the Civil Rights Movement of the 60s where he was a protégé of the slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers. Burns was a key leader in the Jackson State student protest that led to integration of public facilities in that segregated arena.
He will celebrate 53 years of marriage on August 23.