LAKE COUNTY – In “Strength to Love” the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. collected a group of sermons about loving your enemy; of course, it is also about loving your neighbor and anyone in need when you have the power to help.

With this in mind the Lake Ministerial Association (LMA) has announced a writing contest for junior and high school students who can express this call to love in action.

Essays must be three pages long (type-written or computer processed) and address our call to love one another through service. Themes of Christian unity, anti-racism and mission are all appropriate for the essay.

Essays must be received by 10 a.m. Jan. 6. Late entries will not be considered.

Entries can be turned in to Lakeport Christian Center, United Christian Parish or Kelseyville Presbyterian Church; or mailed to UCP at 745 N Brush St., Lakeport, CA 95453. Mark envelope “Strength to Love.”

There will be one prize awarded for $500 to the student who best articulates the theme. The winner must read their essay at the LMA Christian Unity celebration Feb. 14 at 6 p.m.

The prize money will be in the form of a scholarship and may be used for school tuition or for the student to go on a mission trip.

For more information contact Pastor Shannon Kimbell-Auth at 707-263-4788.