Worship service is for everyone

By BRENDA S. EDWARDS 
Staff Writer 

The Rev. Lance Perry was a bit nervous when he thought about delivering his first sermon at the ecumenical service on the final day of the 2002 Great American Brass Band Festival. 

He had to make sure all the details were worked out for the service that has been a tradition for First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) since the festival began in 1990. However, with the help of other local ministers, everything was in place as planned. 

“It was exciting to be a part of it,” said Perry, who is in his third year as pastor at First Christian. “It was a pleasure working with other ministers.” 

Perry learned what it’s like to preach to a multitude, something he never thought he would do. 

“When I was in the seminary, I never had the aspiration to preach to a couple of thousand people,” said Perry. 

The crowd was one of the largest to attend the community service on Brass Band Festival Sunday, which traditionally falls on Father’s Day. “We had 3,000 cups for communion and ran out,” he said. 

Perry will not be as nervous this year. He will have help from congregations at The Presbyterian Church, Lexington Avenue Baptist Church, Christ the Head Missionary Church, Grace Presbyterian Church, Salvation Army Church and Trinity Episcopal Church. 

First Christian Church cancels all its Sunday services and has been in charge of the Brass Band Festival’s morning worship since it began 13 years ago. Most of its members are among the 90 volunteers serving communion, and most of the choir members participate. 

“They really enjoy it,” said Perry. “It (the service) is good for the community. It brings us together and accomplishes something of quality.” 

Perry likes the service because it is a good family event to attend. His family is coming from South Carolina and Ohio for the festival weekend. 

This year’s theme is “Partners With God.” 

Perry will base his sermon on text from Mark 4:26-32. He will speak about “Great Things God Does With Small Beginnings,” based on the parable of the mustard seed. He also will talk about the importance of fathers being involved in life of the family and the importance of men of faith in communities today. 

The service also will feature the Olympia Brass Band of New Orleans and Mississauga Temple Band (Salvation Army) of Ontario, Canada. 

A new component of the worship will be a prayer for the world, followed by a moment of silence. Trumpeters will play taps on Center Stage and also in front of Old Centre on the hill facing the stage. 

“We hope to have a bagpiper to play ‘Amazing Grace’ to start the prelude,” said Perry. Music will include the “Hallelujah Chorus.” 

Perry thinks the worship service should be done on the same level as the entire festival. 

“We designed it so all faiths will feel comfortable there, regardless of denomination,” said Perry. 

“We want everyone to feel like the worship is for them. We want it to be inspiring and a time of celebration.” 

Music begins at 9:15 a.m. The service starts at 9:30 a.m.