Ecumenical Lenten luncheons begin anew on Feb. 29

WARWICK — The Warwick Valley Ecumenical Council once again will host its series of Lenten devotional luncheons every Wednesday afternoon from Feb. 29 through March 28.

The events will take place in the fellowship hall of the Warwick United Methodist Church, 135 Forester Ave., from noon until 1 p.m. Tickets are $7 per person at the door.

Each week attendees will sing together, share a hot lunch and hear a message, the theme of which is: “Who Jesus Is ... In His Own Words.”

Local clergy presenting the weekly meditation will examine five of the seven great “I am” statements Jesus made about himself as recorded in the Gospel of John:

Feb. 29: the Rev. Michael Otte, Warwick Reformed Church

“I am ... the way, truth and life” from John 14:6.

March 7: The Rev. E. Suzanne Wille, Christ Church, Warwick

“I am ... the bread of life” from John 6:35, 41 and 48-51.

March 14: Pastor David L. Crumpton, Union AME Church

“I am ... the true vine” from John 15:1 and 5.

March 21: The Rev. Michael McLoughlin, pastor, St. Stephen’s Church

“I am ... the light of the world” - John 8:12 and 9:5.

March 28: Pastor David H. Peterson, Warwick Assembly of God

“I am ... the good shepherd” from John 10:11 and 14.

This year’s luncheon menu will be: Feb. 29, meat loaf; March 7, roast pork; March 14, turkey; March 21, ham; and March 28, chicken.

The Warwick Valley Ecumenical Council series of Lenten devotional luncheons is an annual offering to the community of Warwick. Area faith communities currently participating in the Council include Bellvale Community, Christ Episcopal Church, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. Stephen the Martyr Church, Sugar Loaf United Methodist Church, Union African Methodist Episcopal Church, Vision Community Church, Warwick Assembly of God, Warwick Reformed Church, Warwick United Methodist Church and Warwick Valley Church of the Nazarene.

For more information about the luncheons or any of the Council’s programs, send a message to wvecumenicalcouncil@gmail.com.