It’s hard for me to stop saying “the Lord moves in mysterious ways.”
I constantly see evidence of it.
The most recent is one church reaching out to another church in a time of need.
Flourish Church is a small non-denominational church that has been meeting in the Haven Coffee Shop on East Main in Lexington and was outgrowing their space.
Providence is a traditional Evangelical Lutheran church on Old Chapin Road.
Flourish had a need at the same time Providence felt called to a new ministry.
Robin Bowers, Executive Director of Mission Lexington helped by referring Pastor Jim Huthmaker to Pastor Patti Sue Burton-Pye. The two met at the Haven over coffee to discuss sharing space at Providence.
It became clear immediately that they both shared a passion for sharing Jesus Christ’s ministry.
They agreed it would be an exciting ecumenical opportunity. As brothers and sisters in Christ, they could do more together.
Now, the two congregations are sharing space at 840 Old Chapin Rd. on Sundays at 11 am. Providence has a traditional Lutheran service in the worship center. Flourish holds an upbeat contemporary service in the fellowship hall.
Pastor Patti Sue told me it was unusual for her church to work with other Lutheran churches let alone another denomination. But she felt God’s call to look beyond the individual church’s ability.
The result was a joint service and some great synergy between the congregations.
The churches plan to come together the first Sunday of each month for a potluck breakfast so that members can mingle and get to know each other. Additionally, their youth will come together for fun and missions.
They also plan to do joint outreach and vacation bible school.
Do you have a ministry that you want to talk about? Contact me by phone at 803-348-0243 or email at Chuck.lexchron@gmail.com .