By Leann Callaway

Youth ministries from Irving and Coppell are joining together for a common goal: to create unity among area churches and to encourage students to build mutual respect for one another by focusing on their common belief in Jesus Christ.

On Wednesday, March 5 at Irving Bible Church, area youth groups put aside denominational differences and came together for a time of worship and prayer at "The ONE Service." The service is based on John 17:22, when Jesus said, "...That they may be ONE..."

The Robbie Seay Band from Houston led students in a powerful time of worship, and a panel of youth ministers posed questions to students during a small group discussion.

Youth groups in attendance included Irving Bible Church, Valley Ranch Baptist Church, First Baptist Coppell, First United Methodist Coppell, Living Hope, St. Ann's Catholic Church, and Coppell Young Life.

Youth leaders hope for this to become a quarterly event and are planning another gathering in May.