Church Buzz

Pastors Pat Riddle and Jason Antley of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church know people are busy.

Many activities like youth sports, family gatherings and travel prevent some people from attending Sunday worship service.

So, in 2015, they started a worship service at 12:30 pm on Wednesdays.

The purpose was to give downtown Lexington workers and anyone else who finds it difficult to worship on Sundays an opportunity to attend a midweek worship service. It is a shortened version of what Sunday worship offers.

Then came the addition of lunch. Parish Administrator Tanya Reynolds offered to organize a group that would provide a light lunch before worship.

Now, the meal is an integral part of their “Power Hour” service. Attendees seem to really enjoy the opportunity to join in fellowship and eat before they worship together.

There is no fee for the meal. People just make a love offering.

Initial challenges were (and still are) getting out the word that this worship opportunity exists and that everyone is welcome. They stress the “everyone” part.

Invitations were sent out to local retirement communities and one of them, Well-more, brings some of their residents on a regular basis. Currently 45-50 people attend the worship service.

Shannon Burnett, Director of Family Life, said that St. Stephen’s is known for people of Christ making a difference in the community.

“We welcome everyone–whether it be on Wednesday or Sunday – and we are happy to offer this opportunity to give people an option of when they can worship.”

The church is at 119 N Church St., Lexington.

Pick a Wednesday and visit soon.

Do you have a ministry you would like to tell me about? Contact me at 803-348-0243 or chuck1946@hotmail.com