By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— There are dozens of churches in Shelby County that meet separately every Sunday for service. In an attempt to bring those churches together for worship, Life Church hosted a Heavenly United service Jan. 17.

“It was to create an atmosphere of heaven on earth,” said Andréa Weems, worship pastor of Kingdom Christian Center in Pelham. “If we can learn to love each other through what God sees, it will be a better place for all of us.”

Between 15 and 20 churches were represented at the Jan. 17 service, including Foundry in Bessemer, Destiny International Church in Alabaster and Pelham’s Crosscreek Baptist Church.

Weems said they had about 300 participants in the service on Sunday, and he described it as an “amazing night.”

Several gospel and contemporary groups took turns performing during the service, and Weems said the pastors also rotated through worship.

“It’s a great thing because it is spirit led,” he said. “It’s talking about heaven and being together.”

The process started in Pelham, according to Weems. Kingdom Christian Center is located in Pelham, so Weems said he reached out to neighboring churches and to Pelham Mayor Gary Waters to get the word out.

All age groups and several denominations were represented at the event, according to Weems.

Weems said they plan to have the next Heavenly United service in May. The plan is to rotate the unity services through the represented churches, allowing several to host service.

Each of the represented churches can bring ushers, greeters, additional equipment and more to help out with the event. Weems said they are working on a committee for the services.

“It’s more than just a unity service,” Weems said. “We have to learn about each other, understand each other and love despite of our race, culture and background through spirit.  Just like (in) heaven.”