By LaToya Tooles
Special to the AFRO
Dr. Suzan Johnson-Cook launched her “Wonderful Washington Worship” this week. A similar program on New York’s Wall Street brought her national acclaim. (Courtesy Photo)
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In a time of economic turmoil and decisive political decisions a nationally-renowned pastor and a local church have joined together to create a mid-day service meant to nourish the soul.
The Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson-Cook, pastor of Bronx Christian Fellowship in New York, and Mt. Vernon Place United Methodist Church hosted their first “Wonderful Washington Worship” on Tuesday.
The service, modeled after the minister’s highly popular program on Wall Street, will take place every Tuesday from 12:15-12:45 p.m. at United Methodist Church located on 900 Massachusetts St., N.W. and is geared towards both policy makers and the average citizen.
“Not only do we invite the leadership of this nation,” said Cook, “but it is for the people of the nations.”
In her sermon, Cook, who served as an advisor to former president Bill Clinton, spoke on how economic recession often leads to spiritual depression.
During the half-hour service, members of the congregation sang songs and prayed for one another. Many there greeted each other as old friends, having driven all the way from New York to hear their pastor speak.
A mix of lawmakers and average citizens participated in Rev. Cook’s mid-day service. (Courtesy Photo)
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Cook said she felt called to start Wonderful Washington Worship after praying at President Barack Obama’s inauguration. The Wall Street worship service occurs in the nation’s financial capital, so it seemed imperative to have one in the political capitol, she said.
“We need to bathe our president and his family in prayer,” Cook said.
After reading a passage from the Bible Cook reflected on the continuing barrage of bad news that is delivered as a result of the nation’s financial woes.
“I thought, ‘What is the missing ingredient that we don’t hear about in the news?’” she said. Faith, she said, was the answer.
Cook will attempt to inject some of the faith she says is missing into those who come to the worship service and along with it peace and joy.
“The nation is depressed,” she said. “My ministry is to uplift the people.”