By Richard L. Gaw

Staff Writer

On Saturday, July 20, Stillwaters Presbyterian Church in West Grove will open its doors to those who feel moved to praise, pray and testify, in an effort to heal the wounds of the world. The even better news is that they won't be alone.

Stillwaters will be one of eight congregations participating in "Re-Creation: Joyful Noise, Fervent Prayer," a three-hour, inter-denominational unification of ideas, thought and spiritual growth. Other churches who will be a part of the event include the Avondale Presbyterian Church, the Avondale United Methodist Church, the Avon Grove Church of the Nazarene, Christ Church at the Grove, the New London United Methodist Church, the West Grove Presbyterian Church, and the Christ Community Fellowship. The event is sponsored by the Avon Grove Ministerium.

"One of the things that's unique about our ministerium is that we have really seen barriers and walls come down," said Tony Stephens, pastor at Stillwaters. "This is the next step in that. This is a concert of prayer and praise, and all we're doing is coming together as churches."

Stephens said that although he sees the positive effect that world aid organizations are having in their attempt to stem the tide of the world's problems, but that the power of prayer is the chief component "that will get the world righted."

"Churches are there to be a positive influence in our community and in our world," Stephens said. "I have seen substantive change happen in people through prayer. How do you change the situation? The answer is, 'one person at a time.'"

A highlight of the day will include the formal dedication of a prayer trail, currently in its fnal stages of construction, that circles through Stillwater's 12-acre property. The trail will feature walking trails, places for reflection, and ends at a pond adjacent to the church.

Stephens said that the event will be non-denominational in its message, and that everyone will be welcome. "We get entertainment, we get food, and guess what? They may entertain us, but they don't fill our souls," he said. "Spiritual atmosphere fills your soul. This event will be uplifting, even though one may not feel like it's his or her philosophy. The second component he or she will feel is the strength of people, that person-to-person connection."

The gathering will take place from 1-4 p.m. Stillwaters Presbyterian Church is located at 643 Coatesville Road, West Grove, Pa. 19390.