St. Mark UMC, Baton Rouge lifts up class leaders

St. Mark United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge celebrated Class Leaders' Sunday on Nov. 1, recognizing 28 dedicated laity who lead 21 classes.

“These members play a key role in the life of the church, and they are a great help to me,” said Rev. Derrick D. Hills, senior pastor. “I depend upon them to keep in contact with their group, to check on members who are absent more than two consecutive Sundays and to keep me informed of special needs or requests from the members.”

Rev. Lee A. Thomas, Jr., pastor of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) in Brooklyn, New York, spoke during the celebration. Rev. Thomas is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany, Albany Medical School, New York University, The Methodist Institute of Theology and New York Theological Seminary. Connecting to the event theme, “Watching Over One Another in Love,” he talked about the importance of the responsibilities and commitment of class leaders.

After Rev. Thomas spoke, the class leaders were commissioned by Rev. Hills. Following the worship service, a meal was shared in the fellowship hall where each class leader ate with the group they lead.