Albion Ministerium will host Ash Wednesday service, Lenten Lunches

File photo by Tom Rivers:  The Rev. Dr. Don Algeo, pastor of the Gaines Congregational United Church of Christ, offers the benediction and a closing blessing during an Ash Wednesday service on Feb. 14, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Albion. Algeo’s church on Route 104 in Gaines will be hosting a community Ash Wednesday service at 4 p.m. on Feb. 18.

Press Release, Albion Ministerium

ALBION — The Albion Ministerium, a longstanding collaboration among local churches, will hold an ecumenical Ash Wednesday service at 4 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Gaines Congregational Church, 14023 Ridge Road West.

Ministerium clergy members will be on hand for the imposition of ashes and prayer from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at Albion First Baptist Church, 30 West Park Street.

Starting February 25 at 12 noon, ONE Catholic will host the Ministerium’s annual Lenten Luncheon series at St. Joseph’s Lyceum, 114 South Main Street.

Soup, sandwiches and desserts are provided by the participating churches. The Ministerium provides beverages and table service. The hour-long gatherings include a brief devotional message from one of the clergy members, as well as a time of hymn-singing. They will occur five consecutive Wednesdays, from Feb. 25 through March 25.

There is no charge for the meal; a free will offering is collected to be used for luncheon supplies and other Ministerium events, such as the Albion High School Baccalaureate in June.

Luncheon attendees are welcome to park in the Albion First Baptist Church lot, adjacent to the Lyceum. A handicapped accessible lift is available at St. Joe’s.