Reconciliation Service: “Let the Walls Fall Down”
June 10th, 2007Focusing on the theme “Let the Walls Fall Down,” two very different churches met in a blocked off street in Tipp City, Ohio, on Sunday, June 10, 2007, for a special Reconciliation Service. The two churches, CrossRoads Christian Fellowship, a predominately white congregation, and the Temple of Praise, a predominately black congregation, met together and praised God in both words and songs. The two churches are located within walking distance of each other.
God’s Spirit was evident as the Pastor of CrossRoads, James L. Valekis, and the Pastor of Temple of Praise, Roy Pirtle, shared equally in the service. It was demonstrated that when praises go up, blessings come down as we were joined by people from the neighborhood, some of whom expressed a desire to become members of CrossRoads. CrossRoads has held a Reconciliation Service annually for the last six years, but this is the first service shared with another church and to quote Pastor Pirtle’s wife, Marjorie, “We don’t want to wait another year to get together again.” The same sentiments were voiced by lay members as well.
A very fitting message was given by keynote speaker, Assistant Pastor of CrossRoads, Gary Weldon, titled “That They May be One.”
Both churches provided and shared a delicious three-course meal. Tipp City Mayor, George Lovett, was a special guest. The service concluded with the taking of communion.
This year’s service was especially meaningful to coordinator Levada Bibbs who spearheaded a seven-week program in 2006 in an effort to bring strangers together for dialogue and meals. The program was titled “A Time to Reconcile,” and had minimal success. The seven-week program culminated with a special Reconciliation Service titled “Reconciliation Is Everybody’s Job.”
We thank and praise God for the partnership that we enjoy through Jesus Christ in fulfilling our Ministry of Reconciliation. The June 10th service was a giant step in the right direction and we pray that it will inspire future dialogue.
Written by Levada Bibbs
Coordinator of Reconciliation Ministry
at CrossRoads Christian Fellowship
