Lenten Luncheons will start up on March 5
A deep dive into the understanding of the theme “Connecting to a Higher Power” will be the basis of messages presented by six area minister and lay persons at the upcoming Lenten Luncheons.
The luncheons have been held for the past 54 years as a part of the Lenten season of the Christian Church which begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5. The event is held at The Presbyterian Church located at 142 N. Fourth St. across from the court square. Each week the gathering begins at 11:45 a.m. and is designed to end at 12:45 p.m.
Church Women United coordinates the food provided by many Coshocton County churches. Chef Mike Cichon and his culinary arts students at the Coshocton Career Center will provide two soups. The meal includes a choice of two soups, vegetables, cheese cubes, crackers, a piece of pie and beverage. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes will also be providing additional assistance each week. The message of the participating clergy/lay presenters, along with special music, become a central part of the time together.
Parking has been an issue due to the high attendance in recent years. To address that issue the steering committee has contacted Coshocton Mayor’s office requesting an area of the adjacent city parking lot be cordoned off each Wednesday. That has been agreed to and hopefully will alleviate some of the parking issues. It is suggested that those attending and able to walk some distance, use the city parking area. That would allow the parking lot adjacent to the church be considered handicapped accessible. Beyond that, carpooling as much as possible should be considered.
This season of Lenten Luncheons consists of the following schedule of speaker’s themes and texts based on the Book of Psalms which has been prepared by retired Roscoe United Methodist pastor, Richard Hoover. Jesus saw himself reflected in the Psalms, particularly in His mission, His suffering and eventual victory. “The Psalms contain our words to God: our pain, fears, doubts and delights. But the Psalms also assure us that we will be heard, respected and forgiven,” Hoover said.
The speakers and their topics are:
- March 5 – Connecting to God through Confession, Text: Psalm 51:1-12, The Rev. Jeff Chapin of the Conesville, New Moscow and Trinway United Methodist Churches
- March 12 – Connecting to God through Adoration, Text: Psalm 145:1-13, The Rev. Hannah Shriver of the Foursquare Church
- March 19 – Connecting to God through Lament, Text: Psalm 13 and Psalm 22:1-5, Father Tom Gardner of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church
- March 26, Connecting to God through Trust, Text: Psalm 37:1-7, Kierston Latham of Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- April 2, Connecting to God through Wisdom, Text: Psalm 15 and Psalm 119:1-8, The Rev. Neal Dearyan of Crossroads Baptist Church
- April 9 – Connecting to God through Thankfulness, Text: Psalm 30:1-5, The Rev. Brian Kittner of Emmanuel Lutheran Church
The six weeks of Lent leads us to a deepening of prayer life by exploring the Psalms of ancient Israel and how they connect us to God. The Rev. Hoover invites all who attend to renew a prayer life as the journey through this Holy season begins.
Category: Faith
