4 BOCNEWS.com NOVEMBER 2017 Celebrating 90 Years of Life Alma Harris, celebrated her 90th birthday along with over 350 family and friends on Sunday September 24th, 2017 at New Hope Family Life Center. Mrs. Harris was escorted into the event by her only child a son, Jimmie L. Luster to the Boys to Men song, A Song for Mama, Sung by Roslyn “Lanie” Swinton and accompanied by Robertta Moore and Ervia Davis. Tears of joy were flowing as they came in to a standing ovation and they waved like the Queen and Prince that they were that day. Guest were asked to wear her favorite color, purple, and they wore many shades of purple in her honor. Although Mrs. Harris gave the guest list, she said she did not realize that she had touched so many lives until she entered the room and saw the many people clapping and greeting her on her birthday. The Mistress of Ceremonies was Ms. Sandy Williams and she kept the guest in laughter as they awaited the guest of honor and all during the program. A welcome speech was delivered by her Great Granddaughter Saini Montgomery; The House Worship Center paid homage to her for her long- standing work at her church; and her Grandson Christopher M. J. Bishop delivered the beautiful story of her life, while pictures of her, her family and friends were shown. Also in attendance were repre- sentatives of The State Usher Board, the Ministerial Alliance, the Daycare Association and many of the children (some of who are now adults) that she has kept in her day care for the past 31 years. At the age of 90, Mrs. Harris is still going strong. She is the new 70. Prior to the church’s name change, she has been a member of Mount Gilead Baptist Church since 1973 under the leadership of Bishop Acen Phillips, she continues her member- ship under the leadership of Pastor Del Phillips, at the church now called the House Worship Center. She heads their Food Bank Ministry, she is the Chaplin of the Usher Board, Deaconess and one of the Mothers of the church and she also belongs to the Northeast Children’s Network, as she is a home licensed child care provider, and she currently cares for three children under the age of 2 daily. Mrs. Harris still drives and makes calls to many sick and shut-ins. This is not your average 90-year-old and she is looking forward too many more exciting years. Alma is thankful for every day that the Lord allows her to wake. Alma is the matriarch to one son & his wife, 1 daughter and her husband, 8 grandchildren; 21 great grands and 4 great great grands, one Goddaughter and many nieces and nephews. The event was catered by Mary Langley’s Catering Service and hosted by Jimmie & Chrystal Luster. “The advantage of being 90 years old is that one has many people to love” MLK 50 Poverty Service President Terrence Hughes and the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance (GMDMA) welcome to Denver the National Chairman of the MLK50 Clergy Leadership Team, Dr. Alvin O’Neal Jackson. The MLK50 Clergy Leadership Team is being sponsored by the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, TN. Dr. Jackson will be in Denver, Colorado, on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, for the Kickoff Service of the GMDMA’s MLK50: March on Poverty. The service will be held at the Absolute Word Church, 2400 California Street in Denver. The service will begin at 11:00am. A Noon Lunch will follow, as well as an opportunity for the community to engage Dr. Jackson. The Noon Lunch is free and open to the public. This event will formally announce our local collab- oration with the National MLK50 Clergy Leadership Team. Great things are being planned and devel- oped by clergy and community around the country. We are pleased to welcome and we are pleased to have the leadership of one the most anointed and accomplished ministers of our generation. It has been over 20 years since Dr. Jackson has spoken in Denver. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to hear from one of God’s great servants!t Pastor Terrence Hughes Dr. Alvin O'Neal COMMUNITY COMMUNITY By Chrystal Burrell Luster