With the arrival of Lent downtown Butler churches will once again join together to offer a series of weekly ecumenical services in the weeks leading up to Easter.

“I've convened the group the last two years,” said the Rev. Alden Towberman, pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, which along with Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church, St. Peter's Anglican Church, First United Methodist Church and St. Paul Roman Catholic Church will participate in the services.

Churches will take turns hosting the hourlong 7 p.m. Wednesday services presided over by a guest pastor and followed by a time of fellowship among members of the different congregations.

“I know that last year was the first opportunity that Butler First Methodist had to have a connection with some of these other churches in the community during Lent,” said the Rev. Eric Park, senior pastor at First Methodist.

“It is something we developed together,” said Towberman. “The downtown churches thought that we might share different traditions as we go through the season of Lent.”

“This is the second year we're doing this,” said the Rev. Andrew DeFusco, pastor of St. Peter's.

“I think it went over really well,” said DeFusco. “From the point of view of St. Peter's members, they loved the chance to be in other churches and deepen relationships with other Christians in the community.”

“We have a chance in the church community to get to know one another,” agreed Towberman. “But the main focus is to have good worship together.”

“What we all highlighted was the strong sense of united that manifested itself last year,” said Park.

Towberman said the same churches that began the inaugural series last year will participate this year.

Park said, “This year the theme is 'The Kingdom in our Midst.'”

“There is a kingdom that Jesus Christ inaugurated that transcends any other kingdoms that this world offers,” he said.

“And so, the individual weeks will take a look at the characteristics of that unique kingdom.”

DeFusco said, “We all got together beforehand to decide on the themes each night and who would preach on each theme.

Park added, “Part of the uniqueness is the preaching clergy is preaching in a church environment that is not their own. And the members get to hear another preaching voice.”

“We saw that had great value as an expression of unity during Lent,” Park said.

It is a unity that is sorely needed after the past year, said Towberman

“There has been divisiveness over many different matters. We have a chance in the church community to get to know one another. The clergy will discuss what is needed for our community. Unity in Christ needs to be raised up,” said Towberman.

Park agreed, “Its been a pretty divisive year politically. What better witness for the community of the church to be worshipping together during the Lenten season?”

“Lent in the church tradition is the time to prepare for Easter,” said Towberman. “And part of that preparation is a springtime for the soul with alms, fasting and more prayer.”

“I'm sure to those outside the church it looks drab, but it's anything but,” said Towberman.

“Where hope has died, where love has withered, this season of Lent prepares us for a new season of growth,'' he said.

DeFusco said, “I don't know the numbers, but I was surprised at the numbers attending last year. It was more than I expected.”

Park said, “What I noticed is that it has led to a deeper appreciation in my own congregation, deeper appreciation of the sister churches in our community and their pastoral leaders.”

“I think Lent at its holiest is for the followers of Jesus to journey with him all the way to the cross and the empty tomb, and what better time than Lent to recognize it's better that you journey together with your sister congregations in love?” said Park.

March 8“The Call To Discipleship”Host Church: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 201 E. Jefferson St.Presiding: Pastor Mary Meloy and Pastor Jim SwansonPreaching: The Rev. Anthony Sciarappa/the Rev. Harry BielewiczMarch 15“Loving The Other”Host Church: St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 201 W. Jefferson St.Presiding: The Rev. Alden TowbermanPreaching: The Rev. Eric ParkMarch 22“Taming the Tongue”Host Church: St. Peter's Anglican ChurchPresiding: Father Andrew DeFuscoPreaching: The Rev. Jim Swanson and The Rev. Merry MeloyMarch 29“Doing Justice”Host Church: First United Methodist Church, 200 E. North St.Presiding: The Rev. Eric ParkPreaching: The Rev. Andrew DeFuscoApril 5“Unity In Christ”Host Church: Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 N. McKean St.Presiding: The Rev. Harry Bielewicz/The Rev. Anthony SciarappaPreaching: The Rev. Alden Towberman