Lenten theme is hope

16 years ago
Clergy invites residents to ecumenical services
By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer

    HOULTON — The spirit of ecumenism will prevail during the Lenten and Easter season in Houlton with several community services planned at various Christian churches. The Southern Aroostook Ministerial Association (SAMA) is inviting all residents to Wednesday evening services starting March 4 through April 1 in addition to special Good Friday and Easter services. (See full schedule below.)

    “It gives us a unified voice that we are all Christians, and that we can work together and fellowship together. And that’s what we think Christ would want and I don’t know a better time to display that than during the Lenten season and the whole Easter period,” says SAMA Chairperson Rev. Art Meyers of the First Baptist Church.
    The decades-old effort to create a welcoming atmosphere in churches throughout the year has chosen the theme “Hope for the World: A Reflection on Peace and Reconciliation” for this Lenten and Easter season. “We are inviting them to join in this celebration of unity in Christ. It’s a celebration of the Easter time in a unified witness to the rest of the community,” added Meyers. He stressed that non-churchgoers are also welcome to be a part of the services. Meyers says residents can expect a time of fellowship in a non-threatening situation where they won’t feel out of place.
    “For years we have had unified Lenten services where we meet in the various churches,” continued Meyers who explained how the various Christian denominations with differing theological viewpoints can work together so successfully. “The answer is really pretty simple. It’s because we agree on the main things. And that is basing our belief and faith in Christ and that’s a great unifying point.”
Schedule of ecumenical services and speakers
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
March 4 — Houlton United Methodist Church, Rev. David Hutchinson
March 11—Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Deacon Al Burleigh
March 18 — First Baptist Church, Marilyn Roper
March 25 — St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Rev. Marc Fuller
April 1 — Hodgdon United Methodist Church, Rev. Leslie Nesin
Good Friday and Easter
April 10     — Noon at Salvation Army on Court Street, joint dramatic presentation
April 12    — 6 a.m., Easter Sunrise Service at St. Mary’s, Rev. Robert  Johnston
April 12 — 7 a.m., breakfast at the Congregational Church by SAMA’s cooks