Lenten lunches return after 3-year absence in Albion, connecting several churches

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Lenten lunches returned on Wednesday for Albion area churches. This group from the Gaines Congregational Church – Laurie Hatch, Kathy Smith and Chris Sartwell – serve soups prepared by the church.

The event was held at the First Presbyterian Church in Albion. The Presbyterians provided sandwiches.

The lunches will be at noon every Wednesday in March at the Presbyterian Church. Different churches take turns providing food and the message.

Marie Follett plays the piano and the Rev. Susan Thaine, pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Albion, leads the singing of hymns during the Lenten luncheon.

The luncheons are back for the first time in three years after being cancelled during the Covid pandemic.

Thaine also delivered a short message for the group. There were about 40 people from several churches at the gathering. The luncheons are free with a goodwill offering accepted.

The Lenten luncheons also are back in Medina at the Presbyterian Church on Main Street. It is a tradition going back several decades and sponsored by Medina Area Association of Churches.

All luncheons are served at the Presbyterian Church, with members of MAAC taking turns preparing the meal. Take-outs are available at 11:45 a.m., with serving at noon followed by a brief message. This year’s theme will explore “The Passion of Christ.”