AUBURN - Following a 100-year-old tradition, Christians from various denominations got together Friday night in Auburn for a common cause, as First United Methodist Church of Auburn hosted a service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Guests were treated to organist Donald Saxton's rendering of Mendelsohn's “The Lord is Mindful of His Own” as they seated themselves.
Auburn tradition provides for various churches and area clergy to take turns hosting the annual service.
Last year the event was held at St. Mary's Church, and in 2006 Westminster Presbyterian Church hosted the event.
This year marks the centennial anniversary of prayer for Christian unity, which began in 1908 with the Rev. Paul Wattson and Mother Lurana White co-founders of the Society of the Atonement. Christian churches worldwide are continuing the tradition.
Friday night's service began with First United Methodist pastor Jeff Childs' invocation to lead the congregation toward “fuller communion in love” and “reconciliation and justice.”
“Help us to understand that we are sisters and brothers. Break down the walls between us. Intercede for us Holy Spirit, whose profound sighs go further than our words,” he said.
The Rev. Frank Lioi of St. Mary's Catholic Church then prayed, “That God may gather and keep together in one Church all those who seek the truth with sincerity.”
Deacon John Tomandl, Auburn Memorial Hospital and prison chaplain, reflected and prayed that the prayer for unity would grow in the hearts and minds of all Christians. “May we be one in our yearning and pursuit of justice; may we be one in love,” he prayed.
Tomandl said, “When I started at the Auburn Correctional facility I learned more about religion than I cared to know.” He noted that 68 religious professions were acknowledged by the state.
He told a story of one man's desire for all Christians to be united, to speak and pray with a single voice. Passing a field of wildflowers, the man realized how beautiful they all looked together, united in praise of God.
The Rev. Dr. LeRoy Kettinger, retired from First United Methodist Church, read the gospel lesson from John.
“It's a privilege to read this passage,” he said, calling it the most beautiful in all scripture, where Christ is speaking to his followers on Pentecost and speaks of those who are to come.
“When they are of one mind and heart, they will know Him,” he read,
The Rev. Marcia Gibbons from Owasco Reformed Church led prayers of intercession. She invited the group to a “family reunion.”
“We pray without ceasing for the unity of all Christians,” she said.
The various pastors then formed a reception line to greet people on their way out, making the evening personal.
Among those attending were Jack Miller and Wilma Kettinger of United Methodist Church; Jean DeJoy and Lena Vitale from St. Francis of Assisi Church; Gary and Rosemarie LaLonde and Kathy Lipfert from St. Mary's Church; Lela Turney of First Presbyterian Church, and Christine Carter, wife of Paul Carter, pastor of AME Zion Church.
Staff writer Kathleen Barran can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kathleenbarran@lee.net
Auburn tradition provides for various churches and area clergy to take turns hosting the annual service.
Last year the event was held at St. Mary's Church, and in 2006 Westminster Presbyterian Church hosted the event.
This year marks the centennial anniversary of prayer for Christian unity, which began in 1908 with the Rev. Paul Wattson and Mother Lurana White co-founders of the Society of the Atonement. Christian churches worldwide are continuing the tradition.
Friday night's service began with First United Methodist pastor Jeff Childs' invocation to lead the congregation toward “fuller communion in love” and “reconciliation and justice.”
“Help us to understand that we are sisters and brothers. Break down the walls between us. Intercede for us Holy Spirit, whose profound sighs go further than our words,” he said.
The Rev. Frank Lioi of St. Mary's Catholic Church then prayed, “That God may gather and keep together in one Church all those who seek the truth with sincerity.”
Deacon John Tomandl, Auburn Memorial Hospital and prison chaplain, reflected and prayed that the prayer for unity would grow in the hearts and minds of all Christians. “May we be one in our yearning and pursuit of justice; may we be one in love,” he prayed.
Tomandl said, “When I started at the Auburn Correctional facility I learned more about religion than I cared to know.” He noted that 68 religious professions were acknowledged by the state.
He told a story of one man's desire for all Christians to be united, to speak and pray with a single voice. Passing a field of wildflowers, the man realized how beautiful they all looked together, united in praise of God.
The Rev. Dr. LeRoy Kettinger, retired from First United Methodist Church, read the gospel lesson from John.
“It's a privilege to read this passage,” he said, calling it the most beautiful in all scripture, where Christ is speaking to his followers on Pentecost and speaks of those who are to come.
“When they are of one mind and heart, they will know Him,” he read,
The Rev. Marcia Gibbons from Owasco Reformed Church led prayers of intercession. She invited the group to a “family reunion.”
“We pray without ceasing for the unity of all Christians,” she said.
The various pastors then formed a reception line to greet people on their way out, making the evening personal.
Among those attending were Jack Miller and Wilma Kettinger of United Methodist Church; Jean DeJoy and Lena Vitale from St. Francis of Assisi Church; Gary and Rosemarie LaLonde and Kathy Lipfert from St. Mary's Church; Lela Turney of First Presbyterian Church, and Christine Carter, wife of Paul Carter, pastor of AME Zion Church.
Staff writer Kathleen Barran can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kathleenbarran@lee.net
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