Mayerthorpe Christians hold 2000 celebration

By SYLVIA KRIKUN
Special to the WCR
Mayerthorpe

The event began with a hymn sing organized by Ruth Lotholz, the wife of the Pentecostal minister, at the Legion Hall at 5 p.m. One choir was made up of women from the Catholic, Pentecostal and Baptist churches.

"Some people think that members from different denominations don't get along. They obviously don't know us," one choir member said.

A potluck supper, organized by the Catholic Women's League and the United Church Women, was held at 6 p.m.

The worship service began at 7:30 p.m.

"It's absolutely awesome that seven churches were able to work together to set the tone for the coming millennium," said the Rev. Margaret Lange, the United Church minister, at the start of the service.

Members from each church took a turn, reading from Scripture, sharing a reflection on the meaning of each candle in the Advent wreath, and lighting the candle.

The children participated by dressing up as Mary, Joseph, shepherds and angels. A homily was delivered by the Rev. Barry Donnelly, the Baptist pastor.

Although it was Grey Cup day, the event drew 150 people.

Al Burrill, one of the organizers, summed up the event, saying, "Seeing worshippers from several denominations functioning together as one body, the 'Church of Mayerthorpe,' was an excellent launch for the Church's 2000 anniversary year."

Copyright © 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 -- Western Catholic Reporter