Kokomo Standard

 Mayor’s Prayer & Action Breakfast Held At Cross America; Faith And Community In Action Award Presented To Rev. Dr. Michael C. Carson

Faith and Community in Action Award presented to Rev. Dr. Michael C. Carson 

Mayor Tyler Moore and the Howard County Ministerial Association hosted the annual Mayor’s Prayer & Action Breakfast at the Cross America on Monday, January 9.“This event is always a positive way to start off a new year,” said Mayor Moore. “When we come together in prayer, unity and fellowship. it moves the focus from the ‘me’ to the ‘us.” It truly does bring us together as a community.”

This annual, interdenominational service brings civic and religious leaders together to offer prayers of intercession for elected officials, police, firefighters, educators, leaders of the labor, business and medical communities as well as spiritual leaders. Mayor Moore presented the 13th annual Faith and Community in Action Award to the Rev. Dr. Michael C. Carson.  The award honors spiritually-based individuals or groups who contribute, through their time and talent, in making a positive difference in our community.

“Since coming to Kokomo, Dr. Carson has become a vital and essential part of our community,” said Mayor Moore. “Through his actions and words, he has been a true servant to our city and residents. His commitment to Kokomo is only surpassed by his commitment to God”

Carson is the pastor of First Friends Church and a long-time community activist in Kokomo. He was the pastor at Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church from 1991-2005. He previously served at Alexander AME Church in Evansville, Bethel AME Church in Mt. Vernon, Indiana, Union Memorial AME Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Coppin Chapel AME Church in Indianapolis, and St. Paul AME Church in Indianapolis.

Carson is a columnist for numerous publications including the Kokomo Tribune. A graduate of Earlham College, he earned degrees from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and United Theological Seminary. Carson is a volunteer Coach for Player Development at Kokomo High School under Coach John Peckinpaugh. He also served in that capacity under former coaches Mike Wade and Basil Mawbey.

Faith and Community in Action Award winners:
2021   Dennine Smith, Coordinated Assistance Ministries
2020   Ruth Lawson, Coordinated Assistance Ministries
2019   Morgan Young, Oakbrook Church
2018   Rev. Lonnie E. Anderson, Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church
2017   Kevin Smith, Crossroads Community Church
2016   Beth Notaro, Community Activist
2015    Travis Taflinger and Casey Cline, Bridges Outreach 
2014    Kevin Sprinkle, Community Activist
2013    Reba Harris, Director of the Gilead House
2012    Van Taylor, Director of the Kokomo Rescue
2011    Jeff Newton, Director of Kokomo Urban Outreach
2010    Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer 

Original source can be found here.