Lenten Services

We are in the middle of the Lenten season. To be honest, I'm not the hippest person on this season. Don't get me wrong, I understand that Jesus's life, death, and resurrection are what separates us from many cult-like religions. I love Easter. It is the whole Lenten thing that disturbs me a bit.

It is just too ritualistic. Kind of like we have to do it because our forefathers did it, and their forefathers did it.

We live in a small community. This is an ecumenical event. Our brothers and sisters in Christ from the Lutheran church, Methodist church, and Catholic church hold dear to this season.

If they hold dearly to the season, I belive as a good neighbor that I should show them the respect to go, and take part, and help promote it. A lot of my friends who pastor churches in my denomination do not agree. They believe that this pulls away from what they are trying to accomplish.

Isn't it possible to find the good common ground and celebrate it? Isn't it possible to stretch ourselves beyond what makes us comfortable? I think it is. I have many people in my congregation who grew up in these denominations. They remember them very vividly. It is not much of a stretch for us to be a part of this.

Other pastors out there, are there things that you do to keep harmony with other churches and your community? I'd love to hear about it...