There is excitement in the air at both St. Luke's United Church of Christ and Calvary Presbyterian Church as they experience some new beginnings together. Since October 2006, they have been sharing in worship and fellowship, and it has proven to be a joyous growth experience for both churches. The Women's Guild and the Suns of St. Luke's (men's group) are growing with the addition of Calvary folks, and everywhere there is renewed fellowship and vigor.

As a result, a 10-member transition team (five members from each congregation), is busy exploring possibilities for future ministry and mission together. Among other things, this group is considering whether Calvary and St. Luke's should continue their experiment in sharing and, if so, what form this might take - including merger and federation or a new united congregation. On Sunday, Jan. 28, after worship, a congregational forum will be conducted by the team to bring everyone up to date on current discussions and answer questions. A joint worship committee has also been formed to examine how to enrich their shared worship experience even more, including developing a joint order of worship and special events that blend the St. Luke's and Calvary heritages at various times throughout the church year. Councils of both churches have approved continuing to hold services at St. Luke's for January, February and March.

Special thanks to the Rev. Thomas Drake for sharing this exciting news and for this fine example of congregations joining in friendship and unity of worship.

A Taize service, a form of modern meditative chant, named after an ecumenical, monastic community of Catholic and Protestant brothers in France, will be offered at 6 p.m. on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 21, at Calvary Presbyterian Church on 90 Franklin St.

After the Rev. Drake explained this beautiful service to me, I had to go online to learn a little more. One site I visited described a Taize service as being very similar to that of the Divine Office from the Catholic monastic tradition consisting of a hymn, psalms, scripture reading and intercessions. To learn more about this most beautiful form of prayer and music (and way of life), visit www.spiritualitytoday.org/spir2day/904234burke.html, or better yet, visit Calvary Church on Ash Wednesday and see and learn for yourself.

Also coming up on Maundy Thursday, April 5, at St. Luke's, is a Communion and Tenebrae Service, “The Extinguishing of Lights.” The purpose of the tenebrae service is to recreate the emotional aspects of the passion story. The service begins with the church lit only by candlelight in the sanctuary. One by one the candles are put out as the story of the passion is recalled. By the end of the night the church is dark and everyone leaves in silence and sadness ... until Easter morning! “To attend Easter services without having gone to Holy Week services is to have watched the happy ending of a movie without having seen the middle; you only rob yourself of joy,” explained the Rev. Ken Collins.

In other news at St. Luke's/Calvary, the Suns of St. Luke's men's club has lots of activities planned for 2007. It's next meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, and all men from St. Luke's and Calvary Presbyterian are invited. This group will be hosting a Valentine Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 17, at Lasca's Restaurant. Also, mark your calendars for their chicken barbecue held Saturday, March 3. The cost is $7 for a complete dinner of half chicken, salt potatoes, baked beans, bread, cupcakes and a beverage. Half chickens only will also be sold for $4.

The Women's Guild was very busy over the Christmas season, but took some time to relax and enjoy each other's company at its annual Holiday Party, a Sunday brunch at the Springside Inn following worship on Jan. 7. A good time was had by all, and special thanks to Carleen Curran and Judy Kilbourne for hosting this event. The next Women's Guild meeting is planned for at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 12.

St. Luke's/Calvary faithfully continues to support the

following causes with its generosity and its time: food donations for the Salvation Army, pennies for the missions, pet food and supplies for those who can't afford them, used glasses for Habitat for Humanity, Cambells' soup labels and Labels for Education for schools, and donations for the Matthew House wish list. God bless this wonderful parish family.

Have a great week and remember, God loves you so much.

“If you planted hope today in any hopeless heart,

If someone's burden was lighter because you did your part,

If you caused a laugh that chased a tear away,

If tonight your name is mentioned when someone kneels to pray,

Then your day was well spent.”

Denise Bennett is a parishioner at Holy Family Church in Auburn. She can be reached at deniseb132@yahoo.com