Central Atlantic Conference spirit-filled revival fills hearts

Nearly 250 members of the churches of the Central Atlantic Conference of the United Church of Christ met on June 1 for a spirit-filled day entitled, “Love4 Revival: A Festival Worship Service for Connection, Community, and Celebration.” It was held at the Peoples Congregational UCC in Washington, D.C.

Re-energizing ourselves

“We really wanted to re-energize ourselves,” said Potomac Association moderator Yvonne Hinkson. “It was a way to bring congregations together from the city of Washington to the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia. We weren’t sure how many would really come, but when we looked outside before we opened the doors, people were lined up down the street!”

Following a welcome from Hinkson, as well as the revival co-chairs Minister Francis Smith of Peoples Congregational UCC, and the Rev. Katja Albrecht of The United Church in Washington, D.C., attendees spread out through the church building and grounds. They participated in workshops led by Rev. Shelli Poe of the Little River UCC in Annandale, Virginia, and the Rev. Carolyn Boyd of the Wellspring UCC in Centreville, Virginia.

Activities also included postcarding sponsored by Reclaim Our Vote from the Center for Common Ground, as well as an “artisans alley” with local art for sale and on display, and musical performances by youth. Youth participated in gardening a plot outside the church, and there was a luncheon.

A fiery sermon

Many felt the highlight of the day was the worship service lead by guest preacher the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, UCC general minister and president. Her fiery sermon was entitled “And Yet,” which explored the meaning of love while respecting diversity. Communion was celebrated together, and the service concluded with waving red hearts while shouting out examples of love of service and ministry projects.

“It was a highly successful event,” said Hinkson. “And part of the reason for that was we compelled people to get to know others that they did not come with that day. We encouraged people to sit with someone new at lunch, to participate in workshops, and to really form connections.”

Today, the spirit of the event lives on as a very special quilt made for the occasion with the names of participating churches that will get passed from congregation to congregation.

The Love4 Celebration and Revival was the brainchild of former Associate Conference Minister Rev. Marvin Silver, as he led the Potomac Association in discussions on how to build covenant. 

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