June 27, 2024

LOVE4 - Love of God, Service, Church, Neighbor

John 13:34 “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”

On Saturday, June 1, 2024, nearly 250 members of the churches of the Potomac Association met at Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ in Washington, DC for a spirit filled day. The event sought to bring the congregations together for a day of fellowship, service, worship and covenant building.

Following a welcome from Moderator Yvonne Hinkson (Peoples Congregational UCC) and Revival Co-Chairs Min. Francis Smith (Peoples Congregational UCC) and Rev. Katja Albrecht (The United Church), attendees spread out through the church to participate in workshops led by Rev. Shelli Poe (Little River UCC) and Rev. Carolyn Boyd (Wellspring UCC). They engaged in postcarding sponsored by Reclaim Our Votes, Center for Common Ground. The Youth Explosion allowed students to share their musical talents. Siblings in Christ enjoyed fun and fellowship over lunch with ice-breaker activities led by Rev. Dawn Jefferson (Hope UCC). Children did some gardening with Cynthia Prather (Peoples Congregational UCC). Our “Artisans’ Alley” allowed artists, Fair Trade purveyors and the Peoples Church Boy Scouts to show their artwork and products (and make a little money!)

The highlight of the day was the afternoon worship service, “Love4 Revival: A Festival Worship Service for Connection, Community, and Celebration”. Members entered the sanctuary to find the altar and the pulpit adorned with the Love4 quilt and paraments, made with strips representing every congregation in our Association. Our guest preacher was Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President, UCC. Her fiery sermon, titled “And Yet”, explored the meaning of love while respecting diversity. A diversity of music from three church choirs and a Praise Team ushered in the Holy Spirit!

Pastors from several churches in the Association led the worship service addressing each of the four Loves. We celebrated Communion together. The service concluded as we waved red hearts and shouted out examples of our love of service and ministry projects. The combined choirs then led us in a joyful rendition of “Total Praise”. Hands were lifted throughout the sanctuary in praise as we ended our day together. 

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 within the Association. This year we were finally able to develop the actual celebration which grew beyond our wildest dreams. Spirit-led, the ideas flowed and the Celebration came to fruition. View Photos Here!

Abundant gratitude to:
Co-Chairs – Minister Francis Smith (Peoples Cong. UCC) and Rev. Katja Albrecht (The United Church) Potomac Association Members-at-Large.
Planning Committee – Rev. Amber Neuroth (Hope UCC), Rev. Kathy Dwyer (Rock Spring UCC), Rev. Darryl! Moch (Fredericksburg UCC), Rev. Paula Hall (Beloved UCC), Rev. Adalphie Johnson (Community Church of Washington)

Liturgy written by Rev. Amber Neuroth (Hope UCC)
Liturgists – Rev. Dr. Susan Minasian, Designated Pastor (St. Johns UCC), Rev. Jennifer Knutsen, Senior Pastor (Rockville United Church), Rev. Aubra Love, Executive Pastor (Christ Congregational UCC), Rev. Matt Braddock, Senior Pastor (Christ Congregational UCC), Rev. William T. Young, IV, Pastor (Covenant Baptist UCC)

Musicians and Choirs

• Adult Choir under the direction of Dr. Robert Jefferson, Director of Music, People’s Congregational UCC, DC

• Chancel Choir under the direction of Leela Koilpillai, Director of Music Ministry, First Congregational, DC

• Chancel Choir under the direction of Sam Wack, Director of Music, Christ Congregational Church in Silver Spring, MD 

• Rev. Mia Michelle McClain, Senior Pastor, Riverside DC Baptist Church

• Praise Band under the direction of Rev. Darryl! Moch with musicians from Inner Light Ministries, The Community Church of Washington DC, and Riverside Baptist Church and Accompanist Deidre Gray

Quilters – Rock Spring UCC – Martha Jolkosvski and Peggy Greenwood, Coordinators, Nan Battle, Gail Briggs, Ann Zuniga, Audrey Benson, Stace Northrup, Sheryl Giacci (Emmaus UCC) Judy McDowell, Laurie Rogers. 

Peoples Congregational UCC – Rev. Benjamin Bragg-Reynolds, Church Moderator Brenda Smith, staff and congregational for their extravagant welcome and tireless efforts.