Churches show unity in joint service

A shared religious heritage provides unifying factor for racially diverse churches.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR
WARREN -- "It's good to look out in the pews and see black and white faces worshipping together," said the Rev. Anita Rayburn, pastor of Tod Avenue United Methodist Church, 155 Tod Ave. N.W., which hosted a joint service on Ash Wednesday.
"A lot of folks work together in the community, and this gives them a chance to worship together," she said.
Also participating were Coleman Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 1102 Highland Ave. S.W., and its pastor, the Rev. Phyllis Jones; First United Methodist Church, 309 N. Park Ave. and pastor, the Rev. Rick L. Oaks; and Grace African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1137 Main Ave. S.W., and pastor, the Rev. Kevin E. Parks.
The churches share a common religious heritage of United Methodist, but a split occurred in the 1700s because of racial tensions. Two churches represent historically black Methodist denominations -- African Methodist Episcopal Church and Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
The AMEC was born out of the Free African Society organized in 1787 by Bishop Richard Allen and Absalom Jones in Philadelphia. There was an incident of discrimination against Jones, a member of St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, whose prayer was interrupted by church trustees. The congregation sided with the trustees, and Allen and Jones led black church members to form a new church that followed the Methodist doctrine. Episcopal refers to the form of government, with bishops as leaders, the church uses.
The CMEC began as the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, but adopted the current name in the 1950s. The church was organized in 1870 when a group of black ministers formed a fellowship that would not be directed by a white-dominated body.
Promoting integration
The Rev. Mr. Parks said he sees a strong symbolism in the service that unites the churches in one effort and promotes integration not segregation.
"I think it symbolizes the progress in how far we have come as a society," he said. "These denominations were one. Racial discrimination and ethnic differences divided them not theological issues," he said.
Having a joint Ash Wednesday service focuses on unity in coming together to worship, Mr. Parks said. "It's the season that Christ teaches us about love and fellowship. The participants do enjoy the fellowship and the chance to develop friendships."
The Rev. Mr. Oaks, the main speaker at the service, spoke on "Swinging through Lent," which focused on the process of learning to discern Christ as our Lord and hearing his words."
He described the congregation at his church, First United Methodist, as "multiracial" and noted he felt that term also reflected the community of Warren. "It's what heaven will look like," he said in terms of the diversity of people.
Mr. Oaks acknowledged that Warren, like so many other communities, faces racial issues and situations. "It's up to churches to set an example. If the church gets it right, then the community will follow," he said. "Anything we can do to advance unity will help in these circumstances."
Tradition
The Rev. Ms. Rayburn, who has been pastor at Tod for eight years, said the shared service has been a tradition among the churches. She noted that Coleman Chapel was asked to participate this year. This is the 41st year for the shared service.
"We follow the Book of Discipline. Worship and communion are the same," she said. "We need to understand we are all brothers and sisters. The color of your skin shouldn't make a difference."
Ms. Rayburn said that the churches take turns hosting the service. "The Ash Wednesday service focuses on self-reflection about our relationship to God. We want to become more intentional about following Christ," she said.
Proceeds from an offering will benefit United Methodist Community Center, 760 Main Ave. S.W., formerly the Rebecca Williams Community Center.
Calls to Coleman Chapel seeking comment were not returned.