Charles County Hub Celebrates World Communion Sunday
By Pastor Keith White
Smith Chapel UMC
What began as an idea in July 2026 became a powerful demonstration of connection, collaboration, and Christian unity among the 12 churches of the Charles County Hub.
Pastor Keith A. White of Smith Chapel United Methodist Church had already reserved a pavilion at Gilbert Run Park in Charlotte Hall, Maryland, for Smith Chapel’s annual October outdoor worship service. Seeing a larger opportunity, Pastor White envisioned bringing all 12 Charles County Hub churches together in one place for worship, fellowship, Holy Communion, food, music, and ministry across generations.
The theme quickly emerged:
“One Church. One Purpose. One Lord.”
The gathering was centered on Psalm 133:1 NIV: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Pastor White shared the vision with Rev. Dr. Susan Boehl, pastor of La Plata United Methodist Church and Charles County Hub Coordinator. With her support, the idea moved quickly into action.
A Charles County Hub Events Committee was formed with laity representing the Hub churches, and CLM Kim Walker, Journey of Faith Church in Waldorf, MD, was assigned to serve as Laity Lead. Weekly meetings began, and a detailed planning checklist was developed to ensure the gathering would be inclusive, meaningful, and representative of the entire Hub.
The committee considered every age group, a variety of worship styles, diverse music selections, hospitality, food, fellowship, recreation, and participation throughout the worship experience.
One priority was non-negotiable: youth had to have a meaningful role.
Young people were not simply invited to attend. They were intentionally included in worship leadership, Scripture reading, activities, and other areas of participation.
The planning was so thorough that the committee also identified an alternate worship location in case of unfavorable weather.
That preparation proved essential.
Less than a week before the event, cooler temperatures and wet weather were forecasted for Southern Maryland. Rather than cancel or scramble, the committee activated its contingency plan and moved the event from Gilbert Run Park to La Plata United Methodist Church.
The transition was nearly seamless.
On Sunday, October 4, more than 400 worshippers gathered under one roof. Churches that normally worship in separate sanctuaries came together as one body. Choirs sang, youth participated, laity served, clergy led, food was shared, children enjoyed activities, Scripture was proclaimed, and the Word was preached.
The Hub became what it had declared from the beginning:
One Church. One Purpose. One Lord.
The timing made the gathering even more meaningful. The event was held on World Communion Sunday, allowing the entire Hub to gather together at the Lord’s Table.
Rev. Johnsie Cogman, District Superintendent of the Two Rivers District, served as presiding elder for the occasion and helped lead the congregation in Holy Communion.
The Charles County Hub also responded generously to the World Communion Sunday offering, contributing nearly $2,300 in support of the denomination’s connectional ministries.
The impact of the gathering continues to be felt.
In the days following the event, people of all ages continued talking about the worship, fellowship, music, food, and the experience of seeing so many churches come together in unity. Questions are already being asked about when the Hub will gather again.
Perhaps that is one of the clearest signs of success.
The Charles County Hub did more than host an event.
It strengthened relationships.
It demonstrated the power of clergy and laity working together.
It showed what is possible when churches share resources, ideas, gifts, people, and ministry.
And it reminded everyone present that connectional ministry is not merely part of the structure of The United Methodist Church. It is something that can be lived, experienced, and celebrated.
Twelve churches.
More than 400 worshippers.
One table.
One purpose.
One Lord.
And after months of planning, prayer, collaboration, flexibility, and faithful service, perhaps there is only one thing left to say: LOOK AT GOD!