A once-in-a-century pandemic of a fiercely contagious and deadly disease knocked countless cherished traditions off track. One of those was the Lenten mid-week services organized by the Greater McMinnville Ministerial Fellowship.

When the series restarted Wednesday after a two-year suspension, it was cause for celebration.  And for serious reflection on the 40 days preceding Easter and the deeply spiritual meanings of the observance, which began some 1,800 years ago when multitudes were flocking to the early Christian church.

Rev. Jimmie Lancaster, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, was the visiting speaker for the lead-off event. He didn’t have far to travel as his late-19th Century house of worship is just across West Main Street from the regular venue for the Lenten devotionals, the comparably historic First United Methodist Church.

The public is invited to the services starting every Wednesday at 12:05 p.m. in the First United sanctuary. Ministers from various churches in Warren County will alternate in offering short lessons on themes from the New Testament accounts of Christ’s last days before His crucifixion and resurrection.  

Rev. Ryan Heatherly from the host church will be the presenter this coming Wednesday, March 9.

Following the spiritual nourishment in the Lenten worship, everyone attending is invited to the fellowship hall downstairs for a complimentary luncheon provided by that week’s sponsoring church. Guests needing to return to work speedily are encouraged to fill a carry-out box and take the soups, sandwiches and desserts with them.

Non-commercial public radio WCPI 91.3 FM has historically broadcast the Lenten devotionals the following Friday at 11:10 a.m. with a repeat at 11:10 p.m. Beginning with the resumption of the series this month, the non-profit broadcaster is adding a second day for airing the weekly services—the following Tuesday at 11:10 a.m. and 11:10 p.m.