After several years of talking about it, Pastors Roland Smith of Salem Baptist and David Zuchelli of Smith Chapel got their respective congregations together for worship.  On Sunday, August 16 & 23, 2009, the two led their congregations in combined worship services.  The first was held at Smith Chapel, the second at Salem Baptist. 

At Smith, the Salem choir sang, and Rev. Smith preached.  At Salem, Rev. Zuchelli preached and accompanied Donna Glass on guitar as they presented some special music for that service.

The church buildings are only two miles apart, and the congregations are relatively small...definitely not mega-churches.  The logistics easily fell into place, and the combined congregations still fit into each building.

It was a time of celebrating our common foundation in Jesus and our desire to serve and worship Him as the Body of Christ in this place we call Great Falls, VA.  Not only was it inspiring, but it was somewhat of a call to unity as we seek to reach our community for Christ together.

Future collaborations are on a temporary hold as Salem Baptist wrestles with replacing their building.  In the meantime, there has been a solid foundation laid for continued co-operative events.

For a few pictures of these events click here.