So go, eat your food with gladness. Ecclesiastes 9:7
One of the joys that I have each year is when I meet with area clergy friends who represent various Christian denominations. We each realize that the sign in front of our churches does not determine a path to heaven or verify a stronger relationship with God. What matters is what is in our hearts. God did not designate a specific denomination as being “God’s church,” just like the truth that God has not designated any nation as “God’s chosen nation.” Only humans try to gain power by labeling themselves as God’s special people.
Every year we work together in various causes, but our most visible collaboration is our annual Lenten Lunch and Lessons series, which begins on the Wednesday after Ash Wednesday and continues until a shared Good Friday service and luncheon.
I would like you to set aside your Wednesdays beginning March 12th and continuing through Wednesday April 9th from 11:30am until 1pm. Come and share a simple soup-focused lunch while digging into God’s Word with folks from neighboring churches. And then join us on Good Friday for a time of reflection, worship, and lunch beginning at 11am at Mantua United Methodist Church.
St. Paul’s will be hosting our area churches on Wednesday April 2nd, and I will need you to join me in making soups and desserts for our guests.
Check the graphic for specific church locations for each Wednesday’s Lenten Lunch and Lessons. I hope to see many of you this season as we make Lent Personal!
Blessings,
Pastor Dave