6 BOCNEWS.com SEPTEMBER 2017 Back-to-School Extravaganza For decades the Black church has served as an unparalleled force for good, providing community members with many things they need from food to social services. The Solomon Temple Missionary Baptist Church congrega- tion is dedicated to keeping that legacy alive, and that was shown through their two-day back-to-school extrava- ganza. The event was designed to sup- port families and set students up for success during a critical time in their lives. The festivities began on Saturday, July 29 with a block party, complete with food and games, in front of the church located at 3880 Elm St. in Denver. Senator Rhonda Fields was their special guest who announced the winners of the church’s student essay contest. Fields read and scored the essays that were written based on the topic “God is with us.” Solomon Temple awarded two laptops to essay contest winners, one high school stu- dent and one college student. Fields along with Pastor Terrence Hughes, Alpha and Omega Ministries, and president of the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance gave words of wisdom, encouragement and empowerment to the students and all in attendance. The good time continued on Sunday, July 30 when Tay Alexander, the youngest candidate ever to run for the Denver Public School Board was the featured speaker at Solomon Temple’s morning worship service. He shared details of his own struggle as a student as well as his belief that by putting God first and believing in yourself, anything is possible. He acknowledged that academic life can be difficult but tasked the students to stay focused and not let self-doubt or pressure from others derail them from their God-given purpose. On his journey, he refuses to allow naysayers who point to his youth and lack of experience to dismiss his candi- dacy. He implored other young people to raise their voices as well and par- ticipate in the major decision-making happening around them. As part of the worship service, sev- eral students who are members of Solomon Temple spoke candidly about issues they faced at school; their prob- lems ranged from middle school bully- ing to dizzying loads of college course- work. They also shared encouraging words about perseverance and meeting expectations. After the service, Solomon Temple gave more than 150 backpacks filled with school supplies to pre- school through college-aged students. “Receiving the supplies helped ease the burden of buying everything my chil- dren will need this school year,” said one parent. “It’s in the best interest of all of us in the church community and beyond for our children to succeed,” said Evangelist Mary Tellis. “And it’s our responsibility to invest in them.” The next step in these students’ journey will be the upcoming school year. With God, the support of their families and a place like Solomon Temple, the world is theirs. Pastor John and Evangelist Mary Tellis are grateful to be God-appointed stewards who could facilitate an event such as the extravaganza. CHURCH NEWS By Allen Christopher Tellis