This audio recording features a worship service on July 5, 1981 at Central United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. This audio recording features musical performances by a church choir, scripture readings, and a sermon by Joseph E. Lowery. At 00:03:25, Lowery begins his sermon by remarking that his message is a continuation of his sermon series "Recipe For Happiness". Lowery recaps the four beatitudes of happiness that he has previously discussed in sermons: 1) Poor in spirit and need for God 2) Blessed are they in mourn 3) Blessed are the meek 4) Blessed are the hunger after righteousness and defines the fifth "beatitude" as "Blessed Are the Merciful". His focus for the sermon is on the fifth beatitude topic. Lowery emphasizes that people should practice mercy with justice, equality, equity, budget cuts, and with one another in order to allow for grace, understanding, concern, and opportunities. This audio recording concludes with the singing of "Amazing Grace" and "Hallelujah". Audio note: Left Channel louder than Right Channel throughout recording playback.
