United by God’s Love
In the Wake of a Divisive Election Season, Calvary and Milford First United Methodist Churches Worship as One
In the aftermath of a contentious national election, when many Americans were weary of the constant political rhetoric and the divisions it fostered, two United Methodist congregations came together to offer a bold testament of unity. On November 10, 2024, Calvary and Milford First United Methodist churches united for a joint worship gathering, focusing not on the political divisions of the world, but on the unifying love of God. This service, held just five days after the election, was a powerful reminder of the One who transcends earthly politics and binds us all together.
Under the banner of God’s love, worshipers gathered to affirm their shared commitment to the Kingdom of God—a realm where the government rests on the shoulders of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:6).
The service began with Rev. Kenneth Stewart's call to unity: “We’re making a bold, prophetic statement here this morning by coming together at a time when we’ve never been more divided.” His words set the tone for a morning of worship that was both joyful and profound.
The Call to Worship, led by Rev. Bill Tice, echoed the scriptures of 1 Peter 2:10 and Ephesians 4:4-5, emphasizing the radical reconciliation brought about by Jesus Christ. Rev. Tice read aloud:
“We once were strangers to God and strangers to each other, kept apart by assumptions and fear, suspicious of those unlike us. We were once short on hope and thin with our love, but Jesus the Christ broke down the walls between us! He made us new, sharing the same Spirit, sharing one hope, one faith, and one baptism. Now we are becoming the children of God, citizens of God’s eternal Kingdom, for we now belong in Christ, forever at home by his side. With one heart and one voice, let us worship the one, true God together!”
The service continued with two songs from Calvary UMC’s Praise Team, each lifting the congregation to a place of holy reverence and awe. Rev. Tice then offered a heartfelt pastoral prayer, followed by a special invitation to give. Rev. Stewart invited the congregation to contribute to the launch of a new food pantry at Calvary UMC, a tangible expression of the two churches’ commitment to serving the community together. He explained, “We not only want to partner with you for an hour in worship, but in the nitty-gritty, where the rubber meets the road in mission and ministry...together.” The offering raised $1,000 to support the pantry initiative.
After another anthem and a time of praise, Rev. Andre’ Foster shared a pastoral reflection, expressing gratitude for the partnership between the two churches and highlighting the powerful work of God’s Spirit in uniting believers despite their differences. Rev. Foster encouraged the congregation to take the light of Christ into a world that desperately needs it, sharing the message of "Christ and him crucified" with a broken world.
The combined musical talent from both congregations filled Milford First UMC’s Great Hall with joyous praise, as the music reached a jubilant crescendo, highlighted by a rendition of “Oh Happy Day.” The room was alive with the energy of the Holy Spirit, as congregants clapped, sang and swayed to the uplifting rhythms. Following worship, many remained for a potluck lunch, sharing fellowship around tables, breaking bread together and reflecting on the profound sense of community that had emerged from the gathering.
On a rainy, overcast Sunday in Milford, Ohio, God’s light shone brightly as people of various backgrounds, political views, ethnicities and walks of life came together in a shared experience of worship and unity. Many left the service commenting, “This is just what I needed – this is just what we needed. Let’s do this again...and soon!” Indeed, the day was a powerful reminder of the unifying work of the Holy Spirit, calling us to transcend divisions and embrace our shared identity in Christ.