Union Memorial AME Church

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

Philippians 2 calls us to live with the mind of Christ, humility, unity, and joyful service. Jesus showed us the way by emptying Himself, obeying the Father, and serving others with love. As God works within us, our lives become a light, and our leadership becomes a witness. May we walk in Christ shaped purpose and reflect His heart in all we do.

08/28/2026

Celebrating Mother Lesten Alston on Her 93rd Birthday

Today we joyfully celebrate Mother Lesten Alston, one of the treasured senior members of Union Memorial A.M.E. Church. For many decades she has served with devotion, dignity, and a steadfast spirit of faith. Her life reflects a quiet strength, a caring heart, and a commitment to God’s work that has blessed our church family across generations. We honor her long journey of service, her solid dedication, and the love she continues to share so generously.

Wishing Mother Alston a very Happy 93rd Birthday, may God’s grace, joy, and peace surround her today and always.

Pastor Fred & Robin Madden, Sr.

08/23/2026

Appreciation Message to Union Memorial AMEC

Union Memorial Church. With a grateful heart I acknowledge the Certificate of Appointment placed in the hands of Elder Dr. H. Michael Lemmons and signed on behalf of the Michigan 140th Annual Conference, Frederick Alan Wright, Sr., Presiding Bishop, on August 22, 2026. I was appointed once again to serve as pastor of this great church, my fourth-year walking beside you in ministry, fellowship, and faith.

I want to express my deep appreciation to each member of Union Memorial. Your prayers, your dedication, your willingness to serve, and your steady encouragement have strengthened me more than you know. Every victory we’ve shared, every challenge we’ve faced, and every blessing we’ve celebrated has been shaped by your commitment to God and to one another. Thank you for trusting me, supporting me, and helping me stay focused on the work God has placed before us. You make ministry a joy.

To my wife, Robin. Your support has been a blessing beyond measure. You have stood with me, prayed for me, encouraged me, and helped keep my spirit steady as we serve God’s people together. Your hard work, your love, and your solid commitment strengthen both me and this ministry. Thank you for being my partner in life and in service. I honor you, I appreciate you, and I thank God for you. Love you, my Gold Dust 😘

With appreciation and love,
Pastor Fred D. Madden,Sr.

08/22/2026

🗣️ SHOUT OUT TO PASTOR MADDEN! The appointment is in 👏🏽and it’s another year at Union Memorial AME Church! ⛪️🙌🏾 We celebrate you, Pastor, and the work God has called you to do. Thank you for your leadership, your commitment, your prayers, and for continuing to show up and pour into God’s people. 📖❤️ Here’s to another year of preaching, teaching, encouraging, praying… and, of course, FEEDING THE SHEEP! 🐑Keep doing what you do, keep letting God lead, and keep shining that light! ✨ Congratulations, Pastor Madden, on another year of ministry! 🙌🏾 “Feed my sheep.” — John 21:17 Session of the Michigan Annual Conference of the AME Church 22nd 2026

08/18/2026

🙌🏽 What a glorious time was had during our Men & Women’s Day! 🙏🏽 So blessed to have Pastor Fred and Elder Herman Pollard III together in this picture. Elder brought forth a powerful word, and we were truly encouraged, uplifted, and reminded of God’s goodness. God continues to move, and we are grateful for every moment in His presence! ❤️ To God be all the glory!

08/09/2026

REFLECTION ON MATTEW 25:31-46
Matthew 25 reminds us that Jesus sees Himself in the faces of those who need help. When we feed the hungry, welcome the lonely, care for the sick, or encourage the discouraged, Jesus says, “You did it unto Me.” This passage teaches us that compassion is not just kindness, it is discipleship. Every small act of love becomes an offering to Christ Himself.

As we move through this week, may we look for Christ in the vulnerable and let His love shine through our words, our actions, and our hearts. Serving others is serving Jesus. And He remembers every act of love.

07/25/2026

CAROLYN ANNETTE GRAVES We celebrate the life and legacy of Carolyn Annette Graves, who passed on July 3, 2026. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Union Memorial AME Church, 911 South Crystal Ave., Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Please keep the Graves family in prayer as we honor Carolyn’s memory and give thanks for her life.

07/22/2026

“THE LORD REMAINS FAITHFUL FOREVER”

Psalm 146 reminds us that when life becomes overwhelming, God invites us to draw near, breathe, and place our trust in Him. Human strength fades, human plans end, but “the Lord remains faithful forever.”

Worship helps us refocus our hearts. When we praise God, our worries lose their power and our souls find relief. Worship is more than singing, it is hearing the Word, praying together, sharing peace, giving thanks, and opening our hearts to God’s presence.

When we truly enter into worship, God transforms us.
The psalmist warns us not to place our hope in human rulers or earthly solutions. Instead, we trust the God who created heaven and earth, who lifts the bowed down, feeds the hungry, frees the captive, watches over the vulnerable, and frustrates the ways of the wicked. He alone is worthy of our devotion.

Our hope rests not in circumstances but in the God who loves us, sustains us, and calls us His own. Because He is faithful, we praise Him with our whole being, today and for all generations.