Without consideration for your time, your schedule, your hopes, or your preference for how life should be arranged, death can just barge in and change everything in an instant. No notice. No heads up. No warning. Just immediate change. After a meaningful and memorable worship experience yesterday at church, I came home to the news of Kobe Bryant's tragic death and that of his daughter, Gianna and other family friends. It was a punch to the gut. Kobe and I are about the same age. I feel like I grew up with him - watching him develop as a man and as a basketball player until he would blossom to dominate the NBA and become a global ambassador for the sport. I enjoyed watching him getting comfor
Pleasant Hope Baptist Church has been the home of Orita's Cross Freedom School since its inception in 2012. "Orita" is a West African Yoruba word that means "where the ways come together." At Orita's Cross Freedom School, young people experience an African-centered learning environment that centers African history, celebrates our heritage and uplifts the Black experience. The young people are also given opportunities to participate in hands-on workshops which teach skills like sewing, herbalism, gardening, culinary skills and so much more! Our next Freedom School session is on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday - Monday, January 20, 2020 from 9AM - 1PM. This event is free, but re
On Saturday, January 11, 2020, ten members of Pleasant Hope traveled to First Baptist Church of Glenarden to participate in a Leadership Summit featuring Bishop T.D. Jakes. Since 2013, Pastor Brown has been organizing current and emerging leaders of the congregation to participate in this free event. (oftentimes serving as the bus driver for the event as well!) It can be very difficult getting a church full of people who have their own ideas to be intentional about working together behind one vision. This annual event helps members of our church to practice intentional unity and strategic synergy by being exposed to a religious leader whose ministry exemplifies collective work and responsi
