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Arts & Entertainment

Passover and Easter Music Festival is Sunday

of Baltimore and Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Randallstown will host a free interfaith concert at 4 p.m. March 5.

The second annual "Festivals of Our Faith: Passover and Easter - God's Promise of Release, Restoration and Renewal" blends Jewish and Christian mucial traditions.

It's free and open to the entire community. A reception will be held after the program.

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The following leaders will be the featured voices of the program, and choirs from both congregations will perform:

  • Cantor Thom King of Beth El Congregation, which was formed in 1948 as a progressive synagogue that serves the spiritual, educational and social needs of its members.
  • Pastor Charles T. Sembly of Union Bethel. The congregation's origin dates back to 1826, in a log church used to transport slaves to the North in the Underground Railroad.

"What a joy it is to be in brotherhood with Cantor Thom King and Beth El Congregation of Baltimore, as we celebrate together the festivals of our faith, Passover and Easter," Sembly said. "Understanding the Hebrew roots of our Christian faith in the teachings and practices of Judaism deepens our understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!"

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Beth El is "thrilled to be involved in this wonderful endeavor," King said.

"In a world where fear, mistrust, and misunderstanding often pollute our relationships with those of different backgrounds, it is a joy to join in fellowship with Pastor Charles Sembly and the Union Bethel AME Church, and to share our common foundation of faith as we celebrate our diversity through our musical traditions," he said. "Hinei ma tov umamayim, shevet achim gam yachad!" ("Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"-Psalm 133:1)

Community friends and families overflowed the sanctuary at last year's event held at Union Bethel.

Union Bethel's building which, was the former location of the Liberty Jewish Center Synagogue, was purchased by Union Bethel in 1992.

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