Interdenominational “as a place of worship for the summer community,” Union Chapel is listed in the National Register of Historic Places Organ Prelude Begins at 9:50 A.M. Sunday Worship Begins at 10:00 A.M.
August 16, 2026
Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson The Abyssinian Baptist Church - New York, NY 55 Narragansett Avenue Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
www.unionchapelmv.org
Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson
Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson is a nationally recognized religious leader, visionary builder, and transformative organizational leader. Called to preach at age 16, he has dedicated his life to spiritual leadership, education, and community development. A Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude graduate of Morehouse College, Dr. Johnson earned a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary as a Union Scholar and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Transformational Learning from Columbia University. In June 2024, Dr. Johnson was called as the 21st Senior Pastor of The Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City, succeeding his mentor, the late Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III. Under his leadership, more than 550 new members have joined the historic congregation, and new outreach initiatives have expanded its community impact. He also guided the completion of the $14 million Dr. Calvin O. Butts III Educational and Cultural Center, which opened in September 2025 to serve Harlem through education, arts, and financial literacy. Previously, Dr. Johnson founded Dare to Imagine Church in Philadelphia, growing the congregation from 20 members to 1,500 and developing a $2.2 million, 6.8-acre campus. As President and CEO of Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center, he expanded the organization’s budget from $2 million to more than $5 million while developing workforce and educational programs. His leadership has earned national recognition, with appearances on CNN, NBC, MSNBC, ABC, and FOX News. He has also preached internationally at prominent institutions in South Korea and Africa. Dr. Johnson is married to Kimya S. P. Johnson, Esq., and they are the proud parents of three children. His life and ministry reflect a steadfast commitment to faith, education, leadership, and community transformation.
2026 Season 2026 Season Guests Guests
June 28 Rev. Joanne Hus
August 2 Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III
United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard (Note, this is a combined service with United Methodist, held at 40 Trinity Park, OB)
Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, IL
July 5 Claire Seguin, DNP, RN
Alfred Street Baptist Church, Alexandria, VA
August 9 Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley
Martha’s Vineyard Hospital President & COO
August 16 Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson
The Abyssinian Baptist Church, New York, NY
July 12 Rev. Shannon Kershner
August 23 Rev. Maureen Gerald
Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA
First Baptist Church of Princeton, Princeton, NJ
July 19 Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart
August 30 Rev. Jennie Salas
Christ Missionary Baptist Church, Memphis, TN
July 26
Iglesia Presbiteriana en San Sebastián, Puerto Rico
Bishop William J. Barber, II, DMin. Repairers of the Breach President & Senior Lecturer
September 6 Pastor Kevin Wayne Johnson
Celebration Church at Columbia, Columbia, MD
Union Chapel Union Chapel Board Board of of Trustees Trustees
Rev. Dr. Aliya F. Browne, President Heidi Bryan, Vice President Stephanie Parker, Secretary Kamla Branche, Treasurer
Rachelle Browne, Brenda Bryan, Cindy Carter, MD, Lynette Glover, Alvin R. Johnson, Rev. Kevin Wayne Johnson, Louise Johnson, Robert Jennings, Sexton, Kathleen McGhee-Anderson, Roger Morris, Kevin Myatt, Haywood L. Perry III, Andrew Skeen, Ann Stewart, Ed Trayes, Diane Welburn, Lois Jean White, Sabrina Williams Trustees Emeriti:
William Adams, Joann Kidd, Anne H. Parsons, Trustee President Emeritus Richard Taylor
William D. Peek Jr., Music Director and Organist
ORDER OF ORDER OF SERVICE SERVICE
PRELUDE I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me C.H.H. Parry, arr. Jay Tillman Jay Tillman, organ INTROIT I am Thine, O Lord words: Fanny Crosby music: William H. Doane TRUSTEE GREETING Rev. Kevin Wayne Johnson *INVOCATION “God of hope, we have sensed your spirit walking with us as we open a new door in our lives, felt your urging when we were reluctant to say yes to a new adventure. Come among us today. Open our eyes to truth wherever it may be found. Allow us to hear the siren song of knowledge and understanding.” LORD’S PRAYER Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. *HYMN #444 Rain Down RAIN DOWN
ANTHEM I Am On the Battlefield for My Lord words: Sylvanna Bell and E.V. Banks music: arr. Thomas A. Dorsey PRAYER OFFERTORY Blessed Assurance Crosby and Knapp, arr. Jay Tillman *DOXOLOGY ANTHEM Perfect Praise (Oh Lord, How Excellent) Brenda Joyce Moore Mekhi McClain, solo SERMON Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson John 16:20-22 (KJV) You Can’t Have My Joy *HYMN #499 He Leadeth Me HE LEADETH ME BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Fanfare Kenneth Leighton
Our Musicians Our Musicians Today Today
Rodney Dean Boyden Rodney Dean Boyden is a consummate musician whose artistry is rooted in both tradition and innovation. Raised by his grandparents in the soulful hills of West Virginia, Boyden's musical journey began at the tender age of eight when he first touched the keys of a piano. Specializing in gospel, classical, and rhythm & blues, Boyden has spent his life weaving these traditions into a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. His commitment to sacred music led him to serve as Minister of Music at the renowned Potter’s House, under the leadership of Bishop T.D. Jakes. There, he not only directed and arranged music for worship but also stepped into the national spotlight with the recording of "The Storm Is Over Now", a stirring gospel anthem that earned a Grammy Award nomination and affirmed his stature as one of gospel’s most gifted musical minds. Boyden's forthcoming project, Reimagine, offers a fresh expression of his artistic voice. This collection of beloved gospel songs—reinterpreted with a smooth jazz sensibility—embodies his signature approach: honoring the past while creating new pathways for spiritual and sonic exploration. Jay Tillman Jay Tillman is a multi-instrumentalist from Dallas, Texas. Although his primary instrument is piano, he is proficient in organ, bass, and percussion. He is currently a student, the Minister of Music of his local church, and has been a frequent music instructor/consultant for The African American Cultural Center in Austin, Texas. His energetic playing style reflects his effervescent personality. He is fluent in gospel, pop, jazz, soul, fusion, and country, and plays them all with improvisational prowess. He has dedicated his life to music education and believes that "the key to living a happy life is Jesus and Gustav Mahler." Mekhi McClain Mekhi McClain is a young gospel singer from Washington, D.C. Inspired by his grandfather playing gospel music on Sunday mornings, he began singing at just two years old. Now 13, Mekhi carries an anointing beyond his years and has become a viral sensation, captivating audiences with his powerful voice both in churches and online, where several of his performances have reached wide audiences. His mission is to spread joy and positivity through gospel music. He has been featured on major platforms, including a live performance on the Today Show.
Today’s floral Today’s floral arrangements arrangements on on the the altar altar are are placed placed ... ...
By the Union Chapel Board of Trustees, who celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III and warmly welcome Rev. Johnson and the Abyssinian Baptist Church family to Union Chapel. With blessings for the family of Kevin A. Foster as he now resides in Heaven! From The Boston Chapter of the National Association of Guardsmen. On behalf of the Deltas on the Vineyard, we would like to extend a warm and friendly welcome to the sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. By Charles, Gwen & Helena Miller of Glen Ridge, New Jersey. In memory of my beloved husband, Reuben N. Dottin, Jr. Love, Darlene. And by the family of Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. in celebration of his birthday, August 15, 1935.
Union Chapel Ministers’ Fund The Union Chapel Board of Trustees gratefully acknowledges the Walter Edison Lowe Estate, under the direction of Executor Stephen Ross Johnson, for generously sponsoring the 2026 Summer Ministers Program through the Minister's Sponsor Fund. To learn about supporting the 2027 Minister's Sponsor Fund, please contact Al Johnson at retiredjohnson47@yahoo.com.
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