When most people move to Greenbelt, they hope to be good neighbors and gradually get to know their new neighbors. But Reverend George Odom II, the new pastor of Rivers of Life AME Church, threw a block party to get to know all of his neighbors at once.
Among the grilled burgers and hotdogs, Odom greeted neighbors, including Mayor Emmett Jordan. The children enjoyed face painting, moon bounce, giant checkers and other field day activities. The 100-degree plus temperature dampened none of their enthusiasm. Thirty-seven children and 24 adults registered to enjoy the free event, and the block party Sunday worship service saw several new faces in the congregation.
Odom has been a minister for 29 years, and although this is his first assignment under the episcopacy of the AME church, he comes from a long line of men called to serve. “A call to ministry is part of my DNA,” he explained. “My last name in its Nigerian fullness is Odom-gwa-bah, meaning ‘those who guard the secret throne.’”
Read more of this story in the July 5 News Review.
