In 1970, the ladies of Grace United Methodist Church began serving a series of six Lenten Luncheons.
A full hot meal, followed by a short Lenten message delivered by a different local pastor each week, has become a local tradition, and continues now 46 years later. The ladies of Grace Church consider it their annual Easter gift to the community. All proceeds will be used by the United Methodist Women for mission projects, which allows them to be the hands and feet of Christ within our community and beyond.
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 p.m. 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]
Pastor Mick Whistler has chosen the book, “24 Hours that Changed the World,” by Adam Hamilton for this year’s messages. The first Lenten message will be “The Last Supper,” on Thursday, Feb. 11, delivered by Keith Clary, pastor at Unity Fellowship Church. The lunch entrée will be Grace chicken casserole.
On Thursday, Feb. 18, the speaker will be the host, Mick Whistler of Grace UMC. His message will be “The Garden of Gethsemane.” A ham loaf meal will be served for lunch.
On Thursday, Feb. 25, John Pfeiffer of The Gathering Place will address “Condemned by the Righteous.” Grace baked chicken breast will be served.
“Jesus, Barabbas and Pilate” will be the message on Thursday, March 3. Gray Marshall from First Presbyterian Church will be the speaker. Grace baked steak will be the entrée. A table will be reserved for Retired Teachers at this meal.
Catalina pork chop will be served on Thursday, March 10. The message, “The Torture and Humiliation of the King,” will be delivered by Todd Maurer of Crossroads Christian Church.
The last Lenten Luncheon will be the perennial meal favorite, creamed chicken on biscuit, on Thursday, March 17. The message, “The Crucifixion” will be delivered by Todd Wallace, pastor at Sugar Grove United Methodist Church.
Come for a delicious home cooked meal and “food for thought” each Thursday this season of Lent. Please call 740-335-0460 by 10 a.m. on the Monday before to reserve a meal, and pay as you enter. You can reserve for all six luncheons at that same time by phone or email, [email protected]. 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 the Washington Police and 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 off 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.
