More than 700 worshippers from 11 different West End churches came together last Sunday for a special community service at the Royal Naval Field – and it was such a success the organisers are now being urged to hold the event more frequently.

West End Ministerial Alliance president and Beulah Tabernacle Pastor Stephen Jones said the idea for the service grew out of similar services which are held on Good Friday and at an Easter Day sunrise services.

"This year we gad a tent at the Naval Field for the Easter services and there was such good teamwork that we thought it would be great to do something in the summer as well."

Also conttributing to the decision to hold the service was the recent rise in gun crime and violence, from which the West end has has its share, he said.

"Right now there are great divisions in our community and the churches can bring peple together," he said, adding: "The main emphasis is that God is glorified in the community. Sometimes we can get so caught up with our individual pursuits that we need to come together in a very informal spiritual setting."

Pastor Jones said that putting the service together is a mammoth exercise, starting with a tent that can accommodate 700 worshippers. And he said it would not have happened without he dedicated efforts of the West End Ministerial Alliance team, including secretary and Somerset Methodist Church pastor the Rev. Lynette Raynor.

In addition to the service, a special puppet ministry for children was held, along with a bouncy castle. Attendees also enjoyed food and fellowship after the service.

Now the West End Minsierial Alliance is being urged to hold more joint services, and Pastor Jones said it is possible one will b eheld towards the end of the year, although this time it may be in an auditorium or assembly hall.

Churches taking part were: Allen Temple AME, Mount Zion AME, New Testament Church of God, United Apostolic Church of God in Christ Jesus, St. Joseph's Roman Catholic, Somerset Methodist, Beulah Tabernacle, First Church of God Soundview, Touch Through Me Ministry, Agape Faith Kingdom Ministry and West End Salvation Army.

"It was a wonderful participation of the community's churches," Pastor Jones said.