In 2012, during a service at Third Baptist Church in San Francisco where St. Luke’s pastor, the Rev. Renard D. Allen Jr., was then working, Judge Hatchett left a lasting impact. As soon as he began work at St. Luke, he knew he wanted her to leave the same impact on his new congregation.
“She really can’t be put in a box,” the Rev. Allen said. “It’s her presence — she’s dignified, yet down to earth. She’s classy, but comfortable. She’s highly intelligent and yet, very personable ... That’s what I remembered. She just inspired.”
Like in many churches, the Rev. Allen said, women, while usually making up the majority of the membership, have not always been allowed space to have their voices heard in a significant way, particularly in the area of worship.
“So this is also intended to be a liberating experience for women (who are) a part of traditional congregations that should have their presence, their gifts and their value affirmed, acknowledged, and celebrated,” the Rev. Allen said. “Deeply rooted in the Christian faith, Judge Hatchett is an elegant and electrifying speaker with an ability to reach people across racial, gender, political and even religious lines.”
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Judge Glenda Hatchett to speak at St. Luke Baptist Church
WHEN: 10:45 a.m. Sunday, July 22
WHERE: St. Luke's, 2262 N. Gettysburg Ave., Dayton
INFO: stlukedayton.org
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