From left are the Rev. Jeffrey Cerar and Dr. John Fountaine.

Under the “Big Top,” breezes brought some relief from the heat, drinks were cold and the camaraderie was warm, reported St. Stephen’s senior warden Steve Proctor. A buffet ‘Pot Luck’ food-spread was delicious and plentiful with more than six different versions of pasta salad, numerous side dishes, fried chicken and grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Among the homemade desserts, a variety of outstanding cakes, cookies and brownies completed the meal.

A large team, led by Ward and Judy LeHardy of Kilmarnock, handled the planning and preparations, said Proctor.

Songs of joy and praise filled the air as choirs from both churches offered selections praising God for “…seeing the best in me.” Young and old all joined to sing the timeless classic, “Jesus Loves Me,” he said.

Sung as a round, with echoes and chorus covering the grounds and nearby highway, it was a truly moving experience and flawlessly captured the spirit of the afternoon, said Proctor. Lyn Conley’s solo, “Statue of Liberty,” reminded us that we are all Christians first and then Americans or Virginians or Northern Neckers.

After everyone was comfortably full and had a refill of lemonade or iced tea served in a take home glow-in-the-dark cup, the pastors of both congregations took the stage to participate in a “Meet the Press” question and answer period. The Rev. Tad DeBordenave served as moderator, asking questions centered on “Does God Have a Plan for Your Life.”

“How awesome is it that we all came to America for different successes,” said Dr. John Fountaine of First Baptist Church. “No matter how we arrived or if we came here from the other side of the earth, we are all here for a Divine purpose. And God did not make us to be ashamed of each other.”

Commenting on the surprise that God’s plans often hold, Dr. Fountaine marveled at how God had put together himself, a former businessman, and the Rev. Cerar, a former attorney, as good friends and country pastors.

“What could bring such a diverse conglomeration of people together for laughter, understanding and worship on a hot, humid July afternoon? Only God’s love for us and our love for God. God is infinitely creative. He does have the Master Plan and He knows how to enlist us in His purposes,” said the Rev. Jeffrey Cerar of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church.

The two congregations have been enjoying mutual fellowship for the past nine years, having worked together on “Save the Community Crusade,” pulpit exchanges, worship and social events, said Proctor. The partnership is an important bridge across denominational, cultural and racial barriers for the cause of Jesus Christ.

One member observed on Sunday, “Today we celebrate as one tribe.”