Ash Wednesday 2012 - A Celebration?

Living Faith Parish - Giard Center

Area Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Service

Ash Wednesday Service, usually a somber occasion, was almost as much of a celebration in as much as this small church was nearly full this year, compared to recent years.  With so many people joining in the service it seemed to add something special to the service.  

There were people at the service from approximately 6 to 8 area towns and the surrounding area including Prairie du Chien.  Also, there were were approximately six area churches participating. 

Remember, the next five Wednesdays the Lenten programs will be held at First Congregational UCC in McGregor.  A meal will be served at 5:00 with a program following.  The local churches will take turns providing the meals and the programs.  Be sure to join us.

God bless.

Conversations heard by the Cross WK2

Conversations heard by the cross is a series of special Lenten services written by Arden W. Mead. This ecumenical series is being presented by local churches each in turn at First Congregational Church in McGregor. A meal is served at 5:00pm in the church basement and the program is presented in the church sanctuary at 6:00pm. The church is located at 429 Main St., in McGregor.
The second in the series was presented Wed. Mar. 3 with Rev. Dennis Gilbert from Giard Center of Living Faith Methodist Parish as the service leader and Margaret Schultz as the narrator. The conversation this night was between Barabbas (Bob Meyer) and Caiaphas (Ray Powers) with intercessions by the maid (Kate Trudo). The organist was Dorothy Peterson.
In this conversation Barabbas requested to talk to Caiaphas about what had just happened. He wanted to thank Caiaphas for his release, however, he was confused and wondered why he had been released and another (Jesus) had been put to death instead. After all, Barabbas was a convicted thief and murderer. He wondered what Jesus had done to deserve to be crucified. Caiaphus told him that it was a political cleansing and to just be happy, enjoy his newfound freedom and to live a better life.
Thank you to the people of First Lutheran Church, Swede Ridge, for providing the delicious food and to the people of the Giard Church for the program.
The next programs will be held on Mar. 10, Mar. 17, and the last on Mar. 24. Come join us for these performances and enjoy a delicious meal to dedicate the Lenten season. We would be privileged to have you as our guest.
May GOD who has called us forth from the dust of the earth and claimed us for CHRIST in the waters of Baptism, strengthen you on this journey to new life. Almighty GOD, Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever. Amen.

Conversations heard by the Cross Wk 1

Conversations heard by the cross is a series of special Lenten services written by Arden W. Mead. This ecumenical series is being presented by local churches each in turn at First Congregational Church in McGregor. A meal is served at 5:00pm in the church basement and the program is presented in the church sanctuary at 6:00pm. The church is located at 429 Main St., in McGregor.
The first of the series was presented last night, Feb. 24, with Pastor Alan Schultz as the leader of the service. The conversation heard was between Malchus (Gary Brooks), Mark (Bob Eggan) and Abner (Lynn Hallberg) and took place after the arrest of Jesus. Malchus was the servant of the high priest whose ear was cut off by Peter which Jesus healed like new. Mark is believed to be the man whose robe was pulled off as he escaped the mob because they believed he was a disciple of Jesus. Mark was not really a disciple of Jesus at the time but later went on the write the gospel of Mark. It was a fictional conversation, as far as we know, but was extremely interesting. First Lutheran Church did a fine job of presenting the program. Thank you to all of them.
There was a delicious meal beforehand provided by the ladies of First Congregational Church. We thank the ladies for providing the food. Several churches will take turns providing the meals for the series.
There will be four more performances over the next four weeks. They will be held on: Mar. 3, Mar. 10, Mar. 17 and Mar. 24. Come join us for these performances and enjoy a delicious meal to dedicate the Lenten season. We would be privileged to have you as our guest.

May GOD who has called us forth from the dust of the earth and claimed us for CHRIST in the waters of Baptism, strengthen you on this journey to new life. Almighty GOD, Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever. Amen.