PREECEVILLE- On Sunday, Feb. 9, the ministers of Preeceville came together to lead a heartfelt service for Prayer for Christian Unity at Trinity United Church. The evening began with a warm and welcoming potluck meal, fostering fellowship among attendees followed by a moving worship service. This special gathering united members from various Christian traditions, all sharing a commitment to Christ’s call for unity.
Leading the service were Reverends David Mugadzi, (United), Hein Bertram (Lutheran), Bob Drayer (Interdenominational), and Miles Russell (retired previous United minister), who guided the congregation in prayers, reflections, and a message focused on the power of Christian unity. The evening served as a profound reminder that, despite denominational differences, believers are ultimately one body in Christ.
A call to unity in Christ
In his welcome remarks, Rev. David Mugadzi set the tone for the evening with a passionate message about the importance of unity in the body of Christ.
“What a joy it is to gather here today, across denominations, traditions, and backgrounds, to answer Christ’s heartfelt prayer for unity”, he said. “We come as one family, bound not by our differences but by our shared love for the Savior who calls us to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).
He went on to emphasize that unity does not mean uniformity. Instead, it is about recognizing Christ’s presence in one another, listening with humility, and allowing the Holy Spirit to heal divisions that have long separated the Church.
“In this sacred space, we lay down our pride, our histories of separation, and our fears, choosing instead to lift up prayers, hopes, and hands in solidarity,” Rev. David shared.
He also echoed the timeless words of St. Augustine: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” He encouraged the congregation to celebrate what unites them, their shared faith, baptism, and mission, while embracing diversity as a reflection of God’s wisdom.
“This service is more than a moment, it is a testimony,” he concluded. “A testimony that when we seek Christ first, walls become bridges, strangers become siblings, and fragmented hearts find wholeness.”
Reflections and prayers for unity
Adding to this theme, reflecting on John 11:17-27, Rev. Hein Bertram reminded the congregation that they are part of the universal Church of God, called to see beyond denominational boundaries.
“Our unity is not defined by the walls of our churches or the labels we carry. It is found in our shared identity as followers of Jesus Christ, who prayed that we may all be one,” he reflected. “…in a prayer for Christian Unity, this scripture challenges us to set aside division and come together in faith, recognizing that in Christ, we are one family, called to bear witness to His love and power to heal, restore, and bring new life to His catholic/universal church,” he concluded.
Rev. Miles Russell then led the congregation in a powerful prayer for unity, asking God to bind His people together in love and truth.
“God of all creation, you call us into one body, united in Christ, though we are many and diverse. Lord, we ask that You remind us daily that it is Christ who binds us together, even when our human understanding and traditions may pull us apart,” he prayed. “
A testament to Christian fellowship
Throughout the evening, the congregation engaged in moments of reflection, prayer, and worship, celebrating their common faith and commitment to Christ’s teachings. The service also underscored the beauty of diversity within the Church, emphasizing that differences in tradition should never be a barrier to love and fellowship.
As the event drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of hope and a renewed commitment to fostering unity within the Christian community. It was a powerful reminder that when believers set aside differences and come together in prayer, they become a living testimony of Christ’s love and reconciling power. The Preeceville Ministerial Service for Prayer for Christian Unity was not just an event, it was a movement. It was a call to continue building bridges, healing divisions, and walking together in the Spirit of unity.
A commitment to ongoing unity
While the service has ended, its message endures. The ministers and congregants of Preeceville remain committed to the work of unity, ensuring that this spirit of fellowship extends beyond a single evening. As Christ Himself prayed in John 17:21, “that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You.”
May the Church in Preeceville and beyond continue to live out this prayer, standing together as one in faith, hope, and love.
