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St Paul AME taking it to the streets

Community: The Pastor of St Paul AME Church, Rev Dr Laniel Guyton and his wife Mrs Tanzania Guyton

Rain or shine, it is set to be their biggest community day yet.This Sunday, the congregation at St Paul AME Church will host its fourth annual Community Day, complete with a special worship service, followed by a block party on Victoria Street.“It should be our biggest Community Day yet,” said Rev Dr Lanel Guyton, pastor at St. Paul AME.The first time the event was held was in 2007, when about 100 people attended, but by 2009, there were upwards of 400 people, according to Rev. Guyton.Due to construction at the church, the event was cancelled last year.Those attending will enjoy a variety of free entertainment and food.“We’re trying to bless the community with a free food giveaway. We’re having hot foods, as well as hamburgers and hot dogs. It’s all free its like a day of thank yous for the community who have supported St. Paul.”Before the activities begin, a special service will be held at the church at 10.55am, featuring special music from the choir at Victor Scott Primary School, and a message of encouragement from Rev Guyton.Opening the street festival will be guest, Minister of Community Development, the Hon Michael A. Weeks, JP, MP.Brent Wilson and his steel pan group, the African Dance Troupe, gombeys and a gospel DJ will provide live entertainment, along with the church’s mime and dance teams. There will also be interactive games with the crowd, a limbo contest, fun castle, and pony rides, as well as a health corner with diabetes screenings and a prayer tent, where individuals can go for personal prayer concerns.The church has adopted both seniors at the Matilda Smith rest home and students at Victor Scott, and both groups will have an important part in the day’s events.During the school year, members of the congregation have taken students at Victor Scott under their wings, reading to them and assisting the school with an annual back-to-school school supplies drive for needy families.“We want to let [these kids] know that there are some people out there that love them and we’ve not forgotten about them.”Those sponsoring the day’s festivities include the Market Place, Dunkleys, Butterfield and Vallis, People’s Pharmacy, Barritt’s, the Corporation of Hamilton, the Department of Planning and Belco.“All these people they’ve practically donated their fees,” Rev Guyton said. “I thought it was amazing it shows the unity and love that permeates this island, despite the events that are happening.”The Bermuda Police Service has also arranged for four volunteer officers to serve duty, to ensure safety.In addition to the afternoon of fun, the church has also organized a walk-a-thon for this morning, beginning at 8am at the church, going to the church parsonage on North Shore Road, and then back.Rev Guyton hopes that this will be an annual event.“This is the first time we’re actually trying this, so we’re going to see how it goes and see if we can grow it,” he shared.Funds raised this year will go towards the church’s own organ restoration fund, but Rev. Guyton hopes that the event will be a away for members to connect with the community.“What we eventually want to do is grow this event so the church can use the funds for outreach... so we can benefit organizations, such as the Eliza Dolittle Society.”After renovating the original church sanctuary and restoring the organ this past year, the church next hopes to bring the kitchen in the hall up to standard so that it can be utlized by charitable groups.“We are in need of donors to help us to get that kitchen up to par so we can bring the Eliza Dolittle Society in,” the Reverend explained. “It would be great to see a community unite and together for a worthy cause. A lot of times, in times like these, we’re always looking for something, but it would be nice to give something back.”In case of rain, events will be held inside Centennial Hall.