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Mahoning, Trumbull series promotes unity, diversity

WARREN — A new monthly series is bringing congregations of different denominations and faiths together from Trumbull and Mahoning counties for combined fellowship, praise and worship.

The Greater Apostolic Faith Church in Warren kicked off the series in May with plans for hosting events on Wednesday nights throughout the year with a common theme of “Loving and Serving God.”

Pastor J. Laverne Tyson of the Apostolic Faith church said the first guest speaker was from Calvary Ministries International (a sister church) of Youngstown. Bishop C. Shawn Tyson, along with his church members and choir, joined Greater Apostolic Faith Church in May.

Guest speaker in June was Bishop Ernest B. Hawkins from the Apostolic Faith Temple in Youngstown. Hawkins has been pastoring for 28 years and brought his congregation and praise team to uplift the name of Jesus.

Tyson said the goal of the series is to break down denominational and racial barriers.

“We just started this in May and we have had many churches who want to be part. There are many who want to be part of this vision of what we are trying to do now,” Tyson said.

“We want to create racial harmony and establish unity among the area churches,” he said.

“Our goal as the body of Christ is to bring surrounding churches of different faiths through fellowship during the pandemic, building positive relationships with our ministries spiritually, emotionally and educationally, bringing about a sense of shared purpose and truths knowing that we are all one in the eyes of Jesus Christ,” Tyson said.

Pastor Jack Acri of First Federated Church in North Jackson said he was very excited to be part of the series and spoke at the July 7 event.

“Before COVID-19, Natalie Scott brought students from Choffin to our church. We held discussions with the youth. She knew I was all for bringing people together from different churches. I heard about this series and was interested in being part of it,” Acri said.

Tyson said each pastor can speak on whatever topic he or she likes for that evening. He said the visiting church and the host church will work together on the program, sharing music and other aspects.

“Basically for the first year we want to establish camaraderie,” Tyson said.

Pastor Todd Johnson of Second Baptist Church in Warren will be a future guest pastor.

Tyson, who moved back to the Warren area 15 months ago, said he had spoken about the series and wanted to see it put in place.

“I have made a lot of good friends,” he said.

“First Federated Church is excited to be in conversation with the Greater Apostolic Faith Church about where do we go from here? We share similar experiences from the pandemic. Many people just want to get back to normal, but we know that as churches, we are called to do so much more. We are going to challenge each other to think bigger — and put into action — things that will have us be the model of service for our communities,” Acri said.

Acri said he spoke on thinking big and the messages of II Corinthians in which Paul said people were living their lives too small.

“I want to challenge people in how they are living today, and encourage them to live bigger,” he said.

The series is at 6 p.m. Wednesdays, usually the third Wednesday of each month.

“We would love to see many churches participating. We would love to have many churches participate in fellowship,” Acri said.

Minister Yelet Johnson, event service leader, said everyone faces challenges in life and needs to put faith in the Lord.

She said in the past week she had calls from friends and relatives who lost family members.

“Lift up the Lord on what he can do. Think of the goodness of Jesus,” Johnson said.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com

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