The Easter Sunday morning renewal CELEBRATION at GLIDE Memorial United Church, San Francisco, was filled with the joyous singing of Glide's Ensemble, and stellar musicians of the Change Band, one, RON SUTHERLAND, and multitalented JOHN TURK, music director. The grand entrance of Rev. CECIL WILLIAMS, handsome in white suit, lavender accessories, strolled up the aisle shaking hands of many as he passed, joined by JANICE MIRIKITANI, Wiilliams wife, chic in spring dress, approached Pastor KAREN OLIVETO on the pulpit. The Rev's robust voice was later to sing a spirited "Amen".

As usual, the church was packed; the lower first floor of the church, Easter meals were served to homeless, and those who have met hard times (often drive through 6th street since I moved to Southeast of town - noticed the sidewalks absence of those hanging on the street - sure many were over at Glide; three meals were served).

Prior to the 11 a.m. service, ran into Cecil when I entered the back entrance of the church. NO stranger to the highly regarded leader, remarked how stunning he looked, pecked a kiss on his cheek. He took my hand and ordered to follow him to the elevator, his brother - the announcer - was there, coming down to get him. Cecil was running a little late.

April 2, marked Cecil's GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY at Glide - Gosh, remember when he challenged the church in 1963, and thereafter, with winds of CHANGE!

CONGRATULATIONS to DR. JOSEPH BRYANT, Jr., and First Lady KELLY S. BRYANT in celebration of their 16th Year Appreciation at Calvary Hill Community Church, located on Industrial Street, in San Francisco Bayview District. Greetings from MAYOR ED LEE and Supervisor MALIA COHEN were read.

Sunday, March 25, was a joyous occasion at the church - three morning services featured guest speakers, started at 8, 10, and 12 noon - the one I attended. Pastor Chris Williams, Harvest Fellowship Church, Oakland, fiery message asked the provocative question, "Are you JUST a member of the church, or have you JOINED?" - in other words, are you involved - COMMITTED!

Much LOVE and joy was shown the First couple, elegantly dressed. The Young voices of the "DREAM CHOIR" uplifted the morning. .

Rev. Bryant is active in the overall community not just Bayview area. My acquaintance with him came through seeing him at GIANTS baseball games, proudly decked out in Giants regalia. Impressed with his conversation. I'm sure I will see him Friday at the GIANTS HOME OPENER! Hey Rev, what about Pitcher BARRY ZITO'S SHUT OUT Monday on the road against the Rockies in Denver -- SWEEEEET!

Let me tell you a little about Rev. Bryant. When reading his profile in the Anniversary Commemorative program brochure, learned Pastor Bryant has been lovingly named The "PLAYERS PASTOR", due, in part , to his passion for sports. His bible-based labor extends to both stadiums and arenas. The Players Pastor is a sports enthusiast that works with ESPN personnel and writers in the industry, while interviewing former and active professional athletes as a radio sports anchor, he can rattle off sports statistics for baseball, football and basketball alike and still provide spiritual counsel to players in their homes, in training camps, locker rooms and on the field. The Commemorative brochure showed photos of Rev. Bryant with a few sports stars.

A visionary, Rev. Bryant and Mrs. Bryant, have helped to educate children with the establishment of the Vision Academy After School Program, and have coordinated with local hospitals in developing nutritional and well-being programs towards the betterment and vitality of our City's residents.

A family man, he and his wife have three children. He wears many hats - a businessman/scholar, an activist, serves as the Convener/Organizer for the Bay Area Rainbow P.U.S.H. and serves as a co-laborer with the Rev. Jesse Jackson. He has been in Calvary pulpit since 1996. Originally in Daly City; the church relocated to San Francisco in 2005.

THANK you to dynamic Media publicist, JACKIE WRIGHT, Wright Enterprises-Community Spotlight , who recently joined Calvary and brought my attention to the spiritually, uplifting CELEBRATION!

HEY, IT'S NICE TO BE NICE AND TO ALL OF YOU OUT THERE ... LOOK FOR ME ... I'LL BE THERE ...
E-mail Rochelle at iheard@earthlink.net