Slideshow image

Mirroring Jesus’ forty days of prayer and fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry, the Church throughout its history has set aside Lent – the forty days before Easter – as a time to draw closer to God through self-discipline, prayer and charitable giving.  With this purpose in mind, Long Memorial has for many years hosted an annual series of Lenten Luncheons in association with other uptown churches including Compassionate Ministries, Roxboro Baptist, Roxboro Presbyterian, Sts. Mary and Edward Catholic, and St. Mark’s Episcopal Churches.  The luncheons, held in Harris Fellowship Hall at 12:00-1:00 p.m. each Wednesday for five weeks, are attended by members of all these churches and others from the community at large.  Beginning the week after Ash Wednesday, each of the churches takes a turn providing the sermon and special music for one of the weeks.  Long Memorial groups take turns providing simple lunches for a small charge.  Though some of this money may be used to cover costs, the greater part is used for mission work.  These luncheons strengthen our ecumenical ties in the community and provide us with an opportunity for fellowship and faith-sharing with our neighbors.