Submitted by Eric Wylie, Director of Media and Technology, Lovely Lane United Methodist Church - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The Cedar Rapids Metro Circuit churches held a citywide worship service on Sunday, July 2, bringing together 7 worshipping communities.
Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai opened the service with prayer for the over 200 area United Methodists gathered at Sinclair Auditorium on the campus of Coe College in Cedar Rapids. In part, the bishop's Independence Day weekend prayer stated, "We thank you for bringing us here as one body unified in Christ, a body that finds its freedom in and through our Lord Jesus Christ. A body that finds its hope within our Lord." The bishop also presided over Holy Communion.
The pastors of the participating churches each led a portion of the service, with Pastor Scott Meador sharing the message, "Coming Together." Musicians from St. Paul's UMC led the congregation in hymns and provided service music. A choir made up of members from each of the circuit churches shared a joyful rendition of, "Standing on the Promises." Fellowship and refreshments were enjoyed following the service.
The participating churches and pastors were: Asbury and Kenwood Park UMCs (Chuck Layton), Buffalo UMC (Carol Mart), Lovely Lane UMC (Scott Meador, Kristina Roth-Klinck), St. Paul’s UMC (Jonathan Heifner, Ryan Roth-Klinck, Daniel Niyonzima), and Trinity St. James and Palo UMCs (Tyler Walker).
The service was live streamed and can be viewed on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/live/xSsabC-1mXc
View photos of worship, credit Frank Camp:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ty3oERJmEUGJfjZP8
