HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Grace Episcopal, Emanuel Lutheran, First Presbyterian, First Mennonite and Trinity United Methodist churches will jointly host “God’s Chosen Fast: Justice, Mercy, Humility,” a five-week worship and luncheon series beginning Feb. 25 at Trinity United Methodist Church.
Each congregation will take turns hosting the event during Lent. Luncheons begin at 12:05 p.m. and include worship, a brief sermon and a light meal. Pastors from the other participating churches will speak and assist at the host church each week. The gatherings conclude promptly at 1 p.m., although guests are welcome to stay longer.
“The Season of Lent is a season of renewal and reorientation,” said the Rev. Dr. J. Ted Blakley, rector of Grace Episcopal Church. “Lent has a long and deep history in the various expressions of the Christian faith. These ecumenical lunches give us an opportunity to worship together, to learn from one another, and to appreciate the wisdom and the diversity of the gifts of our neighbors in the faith.”
Schedule of Locations and Speakers
- Feb. 25 — Trinity United Methodist Church The Rev. Dr. J. Ted Blakley, Grace Episcopal Church
- March 4 — Emanuel Lutheran Church The Rev. Tonya Wenger, First Mennonite Church
- March 11 — First Presbyterian Church The Rev. Lisa Simmelink, Emanuel Lutheran Church
- March 18 — Grace Episcopal Church The Rev. Dr. Kim Biery, Trinity United Methodist Church
- March 25 — First Mennonite Church The Rev. Christy Kass, First Presbyterian Church
All luncheons are free and open to the public.
About the Participating Churches
Grace Episcopal Church Founded in 1879, Grace Episcopal Church is part of the Diocese of Western Kansas and the worldwide Anglican Communion. More information is available at www.gracechurchhutch.org.
Emanuel Lutheran Church Founded in 1886, Emanuel Lutheran Church is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Learn more at www.emanuel-hutchinson.org.
First Presbyterian Church A congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Presbytery of Southern Kansas and the Synod of Mid-America, First Presbyterian has been located at the corner of Sherman and Poplar in Hutchinson for 150 years. More information is available at www.fpchutch.org.
First Mennonite Church First Mennonite Church traces its roots to 1913, when members met in homes and in a room above Bloom’s Drug Store on Main Street. The congregation now worships at 21st and Rambler Road and is part of Mennonite Church USA. Learn more at www.hutchfmc.org.
Trinity United Methodist Church Since 1923, Trinity United Methodist Church has provided worship services, community outreach and programs for all ages. It is located at the southeast corner of 17th and Main. More information is available at www.trinityhutch.org.