The biggest story last week was the Nigerian man who had the makings of a bomb in his underwear. How did it happen? How did he get through security? Many years before 9/11 I worked in an airport. There were rules then and the same rules and red flags are in place now.

If you purchase a one way ticket, red flag. When you pay cash for the ticket, red flag. No luggage to check in, big red flag. Boyfriend should have been stopped before he got to the security checkpoint. Possibly it was time for the security officers to go home and they just didn’t have the time to do their job. Since the alleged shoe bomber boarded a plane a few years ago and tried to set his shoes on fire, we have been forced to remove our shoes when we go through security. What now?

“Jesus is the center of our joy” was the proclamation of the congregation at Corinthian Baptist Church, 2037 Forbes Ave., in the Soho district of Pittsburgh. It is more than words for those who worship at the CBC, it is a way of living. Celebrating their 31st Pastoral Anniversary for Rev. Christopher Glover, who is in his 35th year of ministry, the church showered him with gratitude and appreciation for his commitment to lead souls to Christ.

GLOVER FAMILY— From left: Rev. Christine G. Wimberly, Tafani Thompson, Rev. Christopher Glover, Troy Thompson and Khaleah Thompson Glover.

Honoring Rev. Glover, the flock, headed by the Anniversary Committee of Sister Delores Hicks (chairperson), Deacon Mae Francis Jackson, Sister Mary Ester Broddie, Deacon Calvin Glover, Sister Khaleah Thomas Glover, Deacon Joseph Risher, Sister Brenda Risher and Sister Ruby Scott requested a worthy soul to give praise.

The Mission of the Homewood African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is to spread the love of God, witness to God’s work of salvation, encourage acceptance of Christ as Savior and Lord and to help meet the needs of humankind by giving our best to the Master. The church song is “All is Well, “all is well, all is well, it’s getting better, it’s getting better and the best is yet to come.” On Dec. 11, at the Marriott City Center, all was well as members and friends of Homewood AMEZ Church celebrated Rev. Stanley Dennison’s (pastor of Homewood AMEZ and presiding elder of the Braddock District) 30 years in the ministry.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS IN MINISTRY—Rev. Stanley C. Dennison and Rev. Dr. William Kelly (Trinity AMEZ, Washington, D.C.)

After a meet and greet reception, Rev. Dennison and First Lady Debra were escorted into the ballroom by Toni and Wayne Phinisee. The evening included a wonderful meal, presentations by friends, church members and family. Those in attendance were able to enjoy a video that featured a much younger Dennison with a large afro.

PRAYER BREAKFAST— Men gathered from across the city recently at a Prayer Breakfast at Christ Missionary Baptist Church in Homewood to help each other overcome barriers and to try to curtail the violence throughout the city. The title of the program was “Brothers Overcoming Barriers Prayer Breakfast.” The guest speaker was Elder George Yancey.

Taizé service

JAN. 6—East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Ave., East Liberty, will host a Taizé Service at 7 p.m. This hour-long service includes sung prayers, simple, beautiful music, a time of silence, spoken and silent prayers and opportunity for individual prayer and anointing. All are welcome. There will be a fellowship following the service. For more information, call 412-441-3800.