Race wasn’t mentioned during the service, but as white and black hands clasped across pews before the closing prayer, the pastor talked about the Christian response to struggles that bind all people. “If we’re going to make it together, the only way we’re going to do it ... is together,” said the Rev. Stephen Samuel, pastor of traditionally black St. John Baptist Church in Gainesville. He was speaking during a community Lenten service Wednesday that brought together several area churches.