By Francis Scarcella
WATSONTOWN — Valley Lutherans, Methodists, Baptists and Mennonites are putting aside their denominational differences as they gather for six consecutive Wednesdays in Lent for a noontime “Soup and the Word” program.
The program, sponsored by the Milton Ministerium and held at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Milton, is meant to draw attention to the participants’ core belief in Jesus Christ.
Jill Bond, of Revival Tabernacle in Watsontown and president of the ministerium, said that participants will gather at noon Wednesdays until Easter and that “This is a time for us all to come together and celebrate Jesus Christ.”
The program has no central agenda, Bond said, “other then the Holy Bible.”
Being part of the group is exciting, Bond said, because it sends a clearer message on what the Valley has to offer with its denominations.
“It’s a great thing for our area because we can have a diverse leadership,” Bond said. “This is so nice because different churches, different pastors are teaching the same thing.”
Soup is provided and a Bible message is taught during the hourlong session.
“Each pastor will have a different week to sit and talk with people that come,” she said.
Pastor Pat Pittsnogle, of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, will lead devotions on Wednesday. The Rev. Donald Spiller, of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will speak March 10; the Rev. Cheryl Berner, of Trinity Lutheran Church, on March 17; the Rev. Dale Hippensteel, of St. Andrew’s, 1023 Market St., March 24; and Bond and her husband, James, on March 31.
Pastor Steve Shirk, of the First Presbyterian Church of Milton, opened the program on Feb. 24.
Among those Milton area congregations providing meals for the program are the Salvation Army, First Baptist Church, St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church and Community Mennonite.
“We do this with Easter approaching because we will be able to spread The Word and meet different people,” Bond said.
Pastors will not only teach from the Bible, but also speak about the importance of unity.
“I respect every religion that believes in Jesus Christ,” Bond said. “It is so important for all of us to come together and become united.”
Pastors from other Valley churches who want to participate should contact Bond.
“It’s open to any pastor or church to help people unite with Jesus Christ,” she said.
To end the celebration, Revival Tabernacle will host a two-day music conference at the Watsontown church.
“This place,” Bond said, “will be rocking.
The festivals will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 26 and 27 will feature several bands from across the Valley. The festival is free.
“We have people coming from all over the country to attend this event,” Bond said. “I encourage anyone that wants to be in for a special treat to come on out.”
For more information visit www.revtab.com or call the church at 538-2000.
-- E-mail comments to fscarcella@dailyitem.com.
