by Richard Gray
If you’ve been part of the St. John’s community for a while, you may remember our tradition of Ecumenical Vespers services with our neighbors at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, just down Summit Avenue. These gatherings have become a cherished part of our Advent and Ascension celebrations, and this Lent, we will also join with St. Paul’s Reformation Lutheran Church for an additional service.
Why might we do this? Because it is something that matters. Ecumenical worship services are a great reminder of our shared faith and our call to unity as people of God. These moments of coming together that include singing, praying, and worshipping are a very clear sign of hope. They embody the beauty of both diversity and unity. Through these services, we deepen our understanding of one another’s traditions and create lasting bonds of fellowship. We celebrate the fullness of our shared faith while honoring the unique ways of each.
As we gather for this year’s Advent Vespers, may we be inspired by this unity as well as the joy of preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.
