WEST ORANGE, NJ — On Sunday, Sept. 19, the Nia Fellowship Baptist Church, the only African American Baptist church in West Orange, celebrated seven years of church acquisition. Nia Fellowship Baptist Church awarded its inaugural Silva F. Umukoro Humanitarian Award to one of West Orange’s native sons, NBA star Kyrie Irving, and the K.A.I. Family Foundation. The award was named in honor of the late Silva F. Umukoro, a founding member and leader at Nia, who lived a life of service to his community and those in need around the world.
In keeping with COVID-19 prevention protocols, a limited number of members and guests gathered in the sanctuary, as well as virtually. Nia’s pastor, the Rev. Alphonsus Platt, delivered a sermon titled, “Be Consecrated for a Purpose.” He reminded the congregation of the words in Romans 12, which say to present your bodies as a living sacrifice. He encouraged all to consecrate themselves with their living and with their giving, always being mindful of the needs of others. Platt declared that this is the year of complete return to the sanctuary and his church is in the process of reviving, restoring and reigniting the return.
Nia Fellowship Baptist Church worships at 174 S. Valley Road in West Orange at 10 a.m. each Sunday.
Photos Courtesy of Patricia A. Session
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