Lenten Luncheon series returns to Grace UMC

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Celebrating 200 years is a pretty big deal for the congregation of Grace United Methodist Church. The Grace Methodist Episcopal Society was organized in the summer of 1817. For most of the past 50 years, the ladies of the church have served a series of six luncheons, followed by a short Lenten message delivered by a different local pastor each week.

All proceeds are used by the United Methodist Women for mission projects. Our history shows that creamed chicken on biscuit has been a Grace Church favorite as far back as 1937, and was first served as a Lenten Luncheon meal in February 1970, for a $3 donation.

Fitting for our times, Pastor Mick Whistler has chosen the series, “Restored: Finding Redemption In Our Mess.” Based on the book by Tom Berlin, each speaker will explore a different aspect of this mess in which we find our world today.

The first Lenten message will be “This Is a Real Mess,” on Thursday, March 2, delivered by Dan McLean, pastor at Church of the Nazarene. The lunch entrée will be baked spaghetti.

On Thursday, March 9, the speaker will be Todd Maurer of Crossroads Christian Church, exploring “Who Left This Mess?” A ham loaf meal will be served.

On Thursday, March 16, Gray Marshall of First Presbyterian will address “Bless This Mess.” Grace baked chicken breast will be served.

“No Messing Around” will be the topic on Thursday, March 23. Barry Pettit of Southside Church of Christ will be the speaker. Catalina pork chops will be the entrée.

Grace baked steak will be served on Thursday, March 30. “Address This Mess” will be delivered by the host, Mick Whistler of Grace United Methodist Church.

The last Lenten Luncheon will be the perennial meal favorite, creamed chicken on biscuit, on Thursday, April 6. “The Message in the Mess” will be delivered by John Pfeifer of The Gathering Place. A table will be reserved for Retired Teachers at this meal.

The meal begins promptly at noon in fellowship hall of the church at 301 E. Market St., Washington C.H. The speaker will end before 1 so diners can return to work or get on with their day’s schedule. Cost of the meal is $8 per person and includes a hot entrée, side or salad, beverage and dessert. Reservations are requested by calling the church office at 740-335-0460 by 10 a.m. on the Monday prior to each Lenten lunch — or make a standing reservation for all six weeks. If there’s no answer by phone, please leave a message. Reservations and/or cancellations can also be emailed to [email protected]. Payment to Grace UMW can be made for all meals or for one at a time at the door.

Come for a delicious home cooked meal and “food for thought” each Thursday this season of Lent. You can reserve for all six luncheons at that same time by phone or email. Come a little early, as the meal is served promptly at noon. Grace United Methodist Church is located downtown on the corner of North and Market streets, just across from Washington Fire Station. Please enter the side door, off the alley beside the parking lot. Go up the stairs to fellowship hall for lunch. Elevator access is available by coming in the main door on Market Street. All are invited to join in this community tradition — a very special way to focus on the true spirit of Lent, while enjoying fellowship and good food with many of your friends and neighbors.

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