Date: March 7, 2025

Location: South Portland Community Church

Speaker: Sister Vivian

Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, we gather here today in Your name, seeking justice, peace, and unity for our town. We lift up this meeting to You, asking for wisdom and strength as we discuss civil rights in South Portland. May Your presence guide us, and may our hearts be open to Your truth. Amen.

Welcome and Introduction: Pastor James welcomed everyone to the gathering, emphasizing the importance of standing for righteousness and love in our community. “South Portland is known for its scenic coastline and lighthouses,” he began, “offering stunning views and a peaceful living environment. But beyond its beauty, we must ensure that every resident experiences true peace through justice and equality.”

He highlighted the city’s strong local economy, thriving in retail and services, but reminded the congregation that economic prosperity must be accompanied by fairness and inclusivity. “The high quality of life we enjoy,” he continued, “must be available to all, regardless of race, background, or status.”

Keynote Speaker: Sister Vivian

Sister Vivian took the stage with a passionate message about faith and justice. “As followers of Christ,” she declared, “we are called to be a voice for the oppressed and to stand against injustice.” She referenced Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

She spoke about the historical struggles for civil rights, reminding everyone that progress has been made, but the journey is far from over. She pointed to local issues that need attention, including fair housing, employment opportunities, and racial equity in education. “It is not enough to enjoy the beautiful parks, schools, and community activities,” she said. “We must ensure that these blessings are shared fairly among all residents.”

Vivian highlighted how South Portland’s waterfront and the nearby Willard Beach symbolize freedom and opportunity. “Boating, fishing, and swimming are activities that should be accessible to all,” she stated. “But access to leisure is just one part of the bigger picture—we need equal access to opportunity, to justice, to safety.”

She reminded the congregation that even in a town as peaceful as South Portland, there are those who face discrimination and systemic barriers. “Jesus stood for the marginalized,” she said. “He dined with tax collectors, healed the outcasts, and called us to love our neighbors as ourselves.”

Scripture Reflection: The congregation read Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”

Brother Thomas led a discussion on how faith and activism go hand in hand. “We cannot separate our spiritual lives from the world around us,” he said. “If we love God, we must also love His people and work for justice.”

Community Testimonies: Several members shared their experiences. Sister Angela, a teacher, spoke about the importance of inclusive education. “Our schools are excellent,” she said, “but we must continue ensuring that every child, regardless of background, gets the support they need to succeed.”

Brother Mark, a small business owner, discussed fair employment practices. “A strong local economy means nothing if people are excluded from opportunities,” he said. “We must be intentional about diversity in hiring.”

Call to Action: Sister Vivian encouraged practical steps:

1. Prayer and Awareness – Continually pray for justice and educate ourselves on civil rights issues.
2. Community Engagement – Attend city meetings, support local initiatives for equity, and advocate for fair policies.
3. Acts of Service – Volunteer at shelters, mentor youth, and assist families in need.
4. Spreading the Word – Share resources and encourage discussions on justice within our faith communities.

Closing Prayer and Worship: The meeting concluded with a heartfelt prayer led by Pastor James. “Lord, we ask for Your wisdom and strength as we work toward justice. May we be Your hands and feet in this community. May love and equality prevail. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

The congregation then joined in singing “We Shall Overcome,” a hymn of hope and perseverance.

For further resources on faith and justice, visit Christianity Today.

Final Encouragement: As the meeting ended, the members left with a renewed sense of purpose. South Portland is not just a place of beauty and economic prosperity—it is a community that can shine God’s light through justice, love, and unity.

God bless!