You are invited to join the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church for its 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Program, “Standing Strong and Moving Forward,” on Saturday, Jan. 17, 10 a.m., at University City United Methodist Church, 3835 West W.T. Harris Boulevard in Charlotte.

The service will be a time of worship, reflection and recommitment to the work of justice, love and hope. Rev. Dr. Hanna Broome, Ordained Elder in the AMEZ Church, National Director for Religious Affairs for Repairers of the Breach, will be the guest speaker.

Children’s and Youth Essay-Art Contest

King’s efforts were about equality and fairness for all, and we remember his hard work and sacrifice. God’s people who also promote liberty and justice for all must “Stand Strong” and endeavor and work to keep “Moving Forward.” In spite of the obstacles the enemy may present, we ARE up to the challenge.

The prompt for the 2026 contest is this: If you had the power, what would you do to heal our country right now? What do we do to “Stand Strong?”

The response to this contest may be any of the following:

• Original essay (500 words or less)
• Original picture/drawing
• Original photograph
• Original sculpture
• Original painting
• Original poem

The contest is open to elementary, middle school and high school students. Three cash awards will be awarded in each category.

Winners will be announced at the WNC Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Service on Jan. 17 (see information above for address). Winning submissions also will be highlighted at this event.

The deadline for submissions is Jan. 13; submit contest entries to Tina McLendon, tinajmclendon@aol.com.

Please include the following information with each entry: student’s full name, mailing address, age, grade school name, and church name and pastor’s name.