WARREN — Members of a dozen churches in Trumbull and Mahoning counties came together in unity before the start of the new year for the third annual Unison Live event at Restoration Christian Fellowship.

With singing, dancing, praise, flag waving and sharing of testimonials, congregants from different denominations joined to appreciate the fine and performing arts.

Jeremy Walker, event coordinator, said Unison Live has been popular for the past two years.

“This is an annual get together at the end of the year to focus on the true meaning of the season. There are people who are facing loneliness, depression and others who may have nothing to do at the holidays. We reached out and welcomed everyone from all denominations to come here for worship and unity,” he said.

Walker said it is important that people understand Jesus is the reason for the season.

Youngstown resident Shawne Carson, a tenor in the choir that performed, said he has taken part in the event since its first year in 2017.

Carson said he is concerned there is a wedge between the cities of Youngstown and Warren and events such as Unison Live help break down walls to bring everyone together.

“There is a feeling of unity here, which is great. Everyone is here to celebrate and lift up the Lord together,” he said.

Carson said it is too often an individual world where everyone is on their own with their cellphones and computers.

Bethany Boykon, 12, said “Everyone can take time out of their day to come together and be part of this. This is about coming together no matter who you are.”

Vince Peterson, a Warren resident, said many young people from area churches help make such events possible.

“Events like this show just how much our young people can do when they come together,” he said.

Tesha Giles, who was singing soprano, said while she has performed with choirs in Pittsburgh, this was her first time at the Warren gathering.

“I saw last year’s event online and how nice it was and wanted to be part this year,” she said.

Walker said there is power in music, dance and praise.

“We are all here as a spiritual family,” he said.

He said featured at the event were speakers, singers and musicians from northeastern Ohio. Walker said people from Akron, Cleveland, Warren and Youngs-town attended.

Those who organized the event said it is the generation of young people today who will help raise the awareness of the importance of having God in one’s life.

“In the past three years, we have been able to bring together people of all ages from different Warren and Youngstown churches. We have people sharing their testimonies through song and music,” Walker said.