Philadelphia Marathon Names Mother Bethel AME Church A "Cheer Zone" For 30,000+ Runners

PHILADELPHIA - Nov. 21, 2019 - PRLog -- Mother Bethel AME Church will hold a special sidewalk service" this Sunday (11/24) during the Philadelphia Marathon at 7 am outside of the historic church located at the corner of South 6^th & Lombard Streets in Society Hill. The Philadelphia Marathon has named the church an official "cheer zone" for the more than 30,000 runners who will pass the church doors. The marathoners will hear the up-tempo beats and inspirational lyrics from the Mother Bethel's Combined Choir, and church members, along with neighbors, will pass out refreshments and inspirational rubber wrist bands inscribed with the words "God Is My Pace Partner" and "Run And Not Grow Weary."

This is Mother Bethel's second year taking part in the Marathon after years of canceling or rescheduling worship services due to blocked streets and traffic detours caused by the marathon. Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, PhD., is the church's 52^nd Pastor and had a change of heart after talking to Michael Specter, President of the Society Hill Neighbors Association, who encouraged the pastor to host a cheer zone. Pastor Tyler agreed and both the choir and members enthusiastically joined in creating a 'holy ghost cheer zone!'! "The church has received countless phone calls and letters from marathoners thanking us for cheering them on," says Pastor Tyler, remarking on the success of Mother Bethel's cheer zone in 2018. "One runner told us she was ready to give up at mile 20, then she looked at her wrist band that read 'God Is My Pace Partner, ' which gave her the strength to finish the race. This is truly a unique opportunity for ministry!"

The Mother Bethel combined choir, under the direction of Jonas Crenshaw, has rendered music at many noteworthy events, including the opening of the Democratic National Convention, the Liberty Medal Ceremony, the national conventions for the Urban League and the NAACP, the annual A Soulful Christmas celebration at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and the choir has also shared stages with the likes of Phillip Bailey, Shirley Caesar, Eric Benet, Chrisette Michele, Eddie Levert, Smokie Norful and other renowned artists.

Mother Bethel AME Church sits on the nation's oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African Americans. Founded by Bishop Richard Allen in 1787, the AME church now spans five continents, 40 nations, and more than 3-million members.

For more information contact the church at (215) 925-0616. All media inquiries should be sent to Tyler Made Media, LLC via email tylermadePR@gmail.com.