WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama attended a church service in Washington Sunday that honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Obamas were welcomed warmly when they arrived at Metropolitan AME Church. The several hundred congregants cheered loudly and one woman yelled "God bless you!"
After the choir sang several hymns, including "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the Negro National Anthem, the congregation prayed and many yelled "Amen!" when the speaker mentioned the "people of Tucson, Ariz."
The Right Rev. Adam J. Richardson recognized the Obamas, thanked them for their leadership and also praised the president for his speech at the memorial service last week for the victims of the shooting in Tucson.
In his spirited sermon, the Rev. Ronald E. Braxton recounted the story of civil rights activist Rosa Parks as well as King's achievements, eliciting "amens" from the audience.
The congregation also sang "Happy Birthday" to the first lady, who turns 47 Monday.
