By KIM MULFORD
Courier-Post Staff

Camden is calling God next Saturday.

Thousands are expected to attend a city-wide interfaith service at Campbell's Field on the Waterfront.

Organizers have pulled together a 175-voice choir, praise dancers, a puppet team, gospel singers and drill teams for the day-long event.

But more importantly, they say, prayers will be offered at every hour for the city.

"We want to lift up the Lord and give the city back to him," said the Rev. Donald Sullivan-Medley, pastor of the Ferry Avenue United Methodist Church and event co-chair.

Both he and the Rev. Hiram Garcia, pastor of the First Spanish Pentecostal Church on 27th Street, have spent months pulling together Camden's churches.

More than 300 churches in the city have been recruited to join in the service: Protestant and Catholic, and congregants of every color.

Medley said it's time for someone to reach out and bring the city together. The pastor was brought into Camden six years ago be cause of his work to unite churches in Philadelphia. He has been working to do the same here, but this is his biggest project yet.

The service is the brainchild of Angel Fuentes, chairman of the city's council. Fuentes said it's time for Christians to pray for the end of violence, bigotry, racism, prejudice, unsafe neighborhoods and social injustice. He hopes to make this an annual event.

Connie Jackson, a city resident and professional event planner, volunteered to organize it. She has been working on the project every day.

Among the acts appearing will be Hispanic singer Roberto Orrellana and gospel singers Tyrone Tribbett and Greater Anointing.

Though an offering will be taken during the service, organizers are hoping for other donations to offset the cost of the sound system.

The stadium can seat 6,500 people, Jackson said. "We're looking to pack it out."

Camden's praise-and-prayer service will be held Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Campbell's Field (the Rivershark baseball stadium) on the Waterfront.