Central people celebrated Pentecost Sunday by gathering with multiple Baltimore churches on May 24 at the Pier Six Pavilion at the inner harbor to worship as one. We celebrated the goodness of God, and asked His Spirit to breathe fresh fire on us and bring a renewed longing for the Lord to our city. For our members, it was a meaningful worship and witness experience.

Here are a few reflections:

We attended as a family with three kids. It was nice to see people of various types from different churches, and to be able to worship together in a shared space. It was a good experience for our kids to see Jesus being loved by more people than just our own church, I found the sermon message challenging and inspiring. –Joseph Boecker

It was exciting to gather with other churches and feel unity and connection. I enjoyed talking with people before the service and connecting with others from different congregations. It was joyful and filled me with hope. I was encouraged by the topic of the sermon. –Andrea Boecker

I was blessed by the gathering of God’s people from churches, Pastor Antoine Payne’s message, the music and that there were so many folks from Central who were part of it.  I would say that God grew my heart in that I am praying for the needs of the City of Baltimore and the Baltimore area. –Anne Maksim

I experienced what Heaven will feel like. The diversity, the languages, the comradery. I just happened to sit near some Central attendees, I was embraced, and made new friends. I left feeling free and blessed. –Tammy Plumley

Being greeted by Christians with whom I’ve worshiped in years past was an unforeseen blessing. I felt that the worship music glorified God in its sincerity, inclusiveness (what I perceived as team- and congregation-mindedness) and reflection statements that helped me focus on God. The message highlighting unity was reinforced by the other aspects of the service and made the end result deeper and fuller for me. I’ve been remembering to pray for unity among the Body; mindful that it’s the way God chooses to manifest Himself on Earth. Thank you! –Charlene Prem

The corporate witness to downtown passersby was meaningful, and to the churches that participated (a vision for the heavenly kingdom). I could see a future where all 4,500 seats are full! –Bill Foxburrow

It was very powerful being in community worship with other churches at a public venue in the city. The music was amazing; the message was very clear and heartfelt and the Scripture in different languages was a nice addition. –Amy Davidson

It warmed my heart to look around and see people from the various churches and ministries I’ve gotten to know through the years joined in worship. I especially loved hearing the scriptures in different languages and how this was woven into the worship songs. The Oman who spoke Yoruba brought me to tears because that is my parents’ mother tongue. I can understand a lot, but can’t speak it well, but it was lovely to hear nonetheless. –Crystal Nwachu