Keepin’ It Real Worship Service Touches Hearts Across Generations
By Pator Gay Green-Carden
Asbury Jessup UMC
On Sunday, July 26, Asbury Jessup United Methodist Church under the leadership of Pastor Gay Green-Carden was blessed to host a powerful Keepin’ It Real Worship Service that brought together more than 75 youth and young adults, along with additional 75 family members, friends, and supporters from across the community that packed the church for a Sunday Morning Worship Service.
The highlight of the service was a moving testimony and Spoken Word presentation from a young man, Davon Hughes, whose life has been marked by significant challenges, including incarceration. With honesty, humility, and courage, he shared how remaining connected to the church during a season of house arrest transformed his life. Through consistent worship, the guidance and support of Pastor Gay Green-Carden, and a renewed commitment to God, he discovered a deeper relationship with Christ and the joy of worshiping each Sunday alongside his young children.
His testimony was both heartfelt and inspiring. As he recounted his journey of struggle, redemption, and hope, many throughout the congregation were moved to tears. Parents applauded his transparency and courage, especially those who have sons, daughters, or loved ones currently facing incarceration and life challenges of their own.
What made the service especially impactful was its ability to reach beyond its intended audience. One adult parishioner remarked, “This may be a 'Keepin’ It Real' service for the youth, but it impacted my life as well.” She shared how hearing the testimony encouraged her own journey of recovery after years of battling substance abuse.
The service also welcomed special guests from near and far, including Pastor Terry McCain of Hopkins UMC, who witnessed firsthand the powerful movement of God among the congregation. The atmosphere was filled with authenticity, healing, encouragement, and hope as generations came together to celebrate the transforming power of faith.
The Keepin’ It Real Worship Service serves as a reminder that God can use every life story for God's glory. Through testimony, worship, and the spoken word, hearts were touched, lives were encouraged, and the church was reminded that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace.
Asbury Jessup continues to be a place where people from all walks of life can encounter God's love, find support for their journey, and experience the power of transformation through Jesus Christ. What a blessing it was to witness God moving in such a profound way among our youth, young adults, and the entire congregation.
If you or someone you know is looking for resources on criminal justice and mercy ministries, visit: https://www.bwcumc.org/restorative-justice/.