Bethel AME Carlisle’s 10th Annual MLK Luncheon
The Bethel Carlisle family invites you to our 10th Annual Luncheon to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Join us for an unforgettable multi-denominational celebration. We are proud of our Bethel Carlisle tradition to offer this community event, especially during a period of polarization in our country.
This is our first MLK luncheon under the dynamic leadership of Pastor Cottrell, and this year’s special focus will be on outreach and partnerships, working towards Dr. King’s Beloved Community through multiple connections with our neighbors.
Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 at 11:00
Our host church is, once again, Carlisle’s Second Presbyterian Church. We are most grateful to Second Presbyterian and to Pastor Jeff Gibelius for their partnership and their hospitality. The church is located at 528 Garland Dr, Carlisle, PA 17013.
Instead of one single keynote speaker, we will have the opportunity this year to hear from several Carlisle community leaders who will be sharing their vision and their hope for the future.
Local pastors who will be participating in the event include:
- Rev. Natesha Glenn – West Street AME Zion Church, Carlisle, PA
- Rev. Emerson A. Cottrell – Bethel AME Church, Carlisle, PA
- Rev. Dr. Jeff Gibelius – Second Presbyterian Church, Carlisle, PA
The list of guest participants is growing fast, and we will update this page regularly with new names. The best way to stay connected until the event is through our Facebook page.
An ad-hoc community choir will be lifting diverse and blended voices in unity and hope.
The cost for the luncheon is $35 (or $350 per table). Financial assistance is available upon request.
For tickets and reservations, please email us at bethelamecarlisle@gmail.com
- You may pay for your ticket at the door or use our Cash App platform (see button below).
- Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the event unless we sell out beforehand.
- Any weather-related change will be communicated on this page and on our Facebook page.
Note: If you wish to be included in the choir, please text 717-701-1504. There will be no more than 2 rehearsals scheduled in January, before the event.
Download and Print Luncheon Flyer
Pastor Cottrell to be Keynote Speaker
Our Pastor is in demand this coming MLK weekend! It is hard to imagine that Rev. Cottrell has only been part of the community for less than a year. He has made many connections since his appointment in Carlisle, and we are honored that he will be the keynote speaker at the 37th Annual MLK Commemoration, which will be taking place on Sunday, January 18 at 4:00 p.m. at our sister Methodist church, Carlisle United Methodist.
Our Sister TaWanda Stallworth is currently serving as co-chair of the Commemoration Committee that puts this annual event together. Proceeds from the offering will go towards scholarships for local students.
A commemorative march will precede the event, starting from our church at 3:00 p.m. The distance to CUMC from Bethel is approximately one mile. Any weather-related change in plans will be shared on our Facebook page.
Community Commemoration on January 18
