NEWS

Revive Utica brings local churches together

Anna Jeffries
Reporter
  • Several Utica churches are coming together for a week of preaching and unity.
  • Revive Utica will be held at 7 p.m. from Sunday-Sept. 3 at Miller Park in Utica.

UTICA – Although Christian churches of different denominations have varying traditions and rituals, Jason Jackson believed they all have the same basic goal.

“It’s all about loving people and telling them about Jesus Christ,” Jackson said.

Inspired by this simple principle, Jackson, a Utica resident who is studying to be a minister, came up with Revive Utica, an effort to bring local churches together.

Starting Sunday and continuing until Sept. 3, the revival event will include five nights of preaching from representatives of Utica Presbyterian Church, First Baptist Church of Utica, The Lighthouse of Utica and Utica United Methodist Church.

“It’s not a denominational thing,” Jackson said. “The whole goal is to put denominational doctrine aside and focus on evangelism of the community.”

A graduate of Utica High School, Jackson was inspired to study ministry after his faith helped him reconnect with family members after a tragedy.

Since then, he felt called to help churches work together.

He was recently talking to a young co-worker who expressed frustration that the last church he attended was criticizing other churches.

Jackson was so troubled by his story he decided to take a walk. While he was walking, he saw a sign outside the Utica Presbyterian Church that said, “Love one another.”

He took a picture of the sign, spent the next few weeks visiting churches, and got the idea to bring churches together for a week of programing. Several other churches embraced his plan.

Every evening at 7 p.m. a different spiritual leader will preach, Jackson said. There will be music and activities for children. The event is free and open to the public and focuses on messages of hope.

“It’s a way for the community to get together and we invite people to come from all different churches,” he said.

Jackson said he’s gotten a variety of donations from community members, which has helped make the event possible.

“I’d love to spread this culture to other communities,” Jackson said. “I’d love for it to catch on and for others to do the same thing.”

ajeffries@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8544

Twitter: @amsjeffries

IF YOU GO

What: Revive Utica

When: 7 p.m. Sunday-Sept. 3

Where: Miller Park, Utica

Cost: Free and open to the public

More info: Call 740-644-6880 or go to facebook.com/reviveutica. Worship will be lead by Marty Riley. The schedule of speakers is below.

Sunday: Jason Jackson

August 31: Darryl Beckett

September 1: Terry Holobaugh

September 2: Steve Looker

September 3: Dave Martin