HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Grace Episcopal, Emanuel Lutheran, First Presbyterian, First Mennonite, and Trinity United Methodist Churches, all of Hutchinson, will jointly host “The Wisdom of Lent,” a worship and luncheon series, starting March 12 at Grace Episcopal Church.
Each church will take turns hosting the event over five weeks. Luncheons will begin at 12:05 p.m. and feature worship, a short sermon, and a light meal. Pastors from the other participating congregations will speak and assist at the week’s host church. Each luncheon will end promptly at 1 p.m., although guests are welcome to remain 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.”
“The Wisdom of Lent” locations and speakers follow:
- March 12 Grace Episcopal The Rev. Christy Kass (First Presbyterian)
- March 19 Trinity UMC The Rev. Lisa Simmelink (Emanuel Lutheran)
- March 26 Emanuel Lutheran The Rev. Kim Biery (Trinity UMC)
- April 2 First Mennonite The Rev. Dr. J. Ted Blakley (Grace Episcopal)
- April 9 First Presbyterian The Rev. Tonya Wenger (First Mennonite)
All the luncheons are free and open to the public.
About Grace Episcopal Church:
Grace Episcopal Church has been part of the Hutchinson community since 1879. It is also part of the Diocese of Western Kansas and the worldwide Anglican Communion. Learn more by visiting www.gracechurchhutch.org.
About 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.
About First Presbyterian Church:
First Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Presbytery of Southern Kansas, and the Synod of Mid-America. It has been at the corner of Sherman and Poplar in Hutchinson for 150 years. For more information, visit www.fpchutch.org.
About First Mennonite Church:
The earliest beginnings of First Mennonite Church date to 1913, when a fledgling group began meeting in homes and a room above Bloom’s Drug Store (now Daylight Donuts) on Main Street. Today, the congregation worships at the intersection of 21st and Rambler Rd. Its denominational home is Mennonite Church USA. For more information, visit www.hutchfmc.org.
About Trinity United Methodist Church:
Since 1923, Trinity United Methodist has been a place for meaningful worship, service opportunities, and programs for all ages. It is located at the SE corner of 17th and Main. For more information, visit www.trinityhutch.org
