Irish Singer to Lead Jesus Fest

The organizers of JesusFest are bringing Robin Mark, a globally-known Christian composer, singer and guitarist from Belfast, Northern Ireland, to lead an acoustic community-wide, inter-denominational worship service on Friday, Aug. 31 at Union Church, 3 Elm Street, in downtown Rockville.

The Doors are scheduled to open at 6 p.m., with the service starting at 7.

Dress is casual.

General admission seating is free on a first-come, first-served basis. The circa 1889 sanctuary seats 600. An offering will be taken to help with expenses.

During the JesusFest worship service, Mark will lead the assembly in praise and worship through 15 of his original songs, including (in chronological order) Worship Medley, Revival, Take Us to the River, Fly, None Like You, All Is Well, He will not Remember, Holy is our God, All for Jesus, The Wonder of the Cross, One Day, You’re the Lion of Judah, Days of Elijah, How Great are You Lord, and We See the Lord.

Before and after the service, participants will be able to visit displays set up in the church chapel by various organizations.

"The core purpose of JesusFest is to celebrate the Christian journey and lift up Jesus," said Drew Crandall, the founder and chairman of the all-volunteer group. "We're inviting Christians of all traditions to gather together in unity and praise the Lord."

Founded in 2001, the group organized a christian country fair and music festival at the Tolland County Agricultural Center from 2002 to 2007. The group then shifted venues and created a Christian urban block party in downtown Rockville from 2008 to 2010.

After taking a break in 2011, this year the group is sponsoring a series of events in downtown Rockville. In October, JesusFest is sponsoring a
Kids/Family event featuring FamilyQuest. In December, the group is hosting a worship service during Winterfest featuring Vineyard-style Christian singer Rita Springer. The group also co-sponsors the monthly Jacob's Well Christian Coffeehouse in Rockville.
 
"Instead of just one big event a year," Crandall said. "In 2012, we are playing a key role in 15 different Christian events in downtown Rockville throughout the year."

For details, call 860.872.3190 or visit www.JesusFestCT.org. The group's lawn signs will be popping up in the community the next few days leading into the event. Crandall said.