For the fourth year, People United Against Racism (PUAR) has organized two days of community events on Sunday, Jan. 19 and Monday, Jan. 20. All events are free and open to the public and intended to facilitate conversations around how we can continue working toward Dr. King’s vision of building the “Beloved Community” in Lincoln County and beyond.

The events start Sunday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m. at the Lincoln Theater with a special showing of the movie “Backs Against the Wall: The Howard Thurman Story” which explores the extraordinary life and legacy of one of the most important religious figures of the 20th century. Born the grandson of slaves, Thurman became a “spiritual foundation” for the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring many of its leaders including Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson and Congressman John Lewis. There will also be a post film discussion led by Andrew Fenniman, director of the theater.

A highlight of the weekend will be a community multi-faith service at the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle at 6 p.m. the same day. Music will be provided by a combined community choir made up of members of the Sheepscot Valley Chorus, the St. Cecilia Chamber Choir, the Tapestry Singers, St. Andrew’s Choral Choirs, Second Congregational Church’s Chancel Choir and others from the community. This Community Choir will be conducted by choral director Linda Blanchard. A choir rehearsal for those interested begins at 4:30 p.m. the same evening at Second Congregational Church. In addition, the evening program will also feature a a solo offered by Midcoast-based musical artist, John David Adams. Organ pieces will be played by Jane Wilmot, minister of music at Second Congregational Church. Readings and litanies will be offered by local clergy, community leaders and Lincoln Academy’s Civil Rights Team. Free-will donations collected during the evening will support the Maine Chapter of the Poor People’s Campaign. The Poor People’s Campaign, organized by Martin Luther King Jr over 50 years ago, was formed to address economic justice for the poor and human rights for all people. Today the Poor People’s Campaign continues MLK’s work with a “national call for moral revival,” and addresses such social and national issues as systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation and the war economy.

The next day on Monday, Jan. 20, from 9 a.m. until noon, the National Martin Luther King Day of Service will be organized from the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle. The Baha'i Faith, along with the Lincoln Academy Interact Club, the service fraternity, Alpha Sigma Gamma, and the service sorority, Sigma Sigma Chi, and other student volunteers will be offering service to the community. Others are welcome to join in providing service by gathering in the basement at 9 am. Those in need of service can contact Jenny Mayher with job requests to get on the day’s schedule by emailing her at mayher@LincolnAcademy.org or phoning 563-3596 ext. 286. (Please have job requests in by Friday, Jan. 17).