Monday, March 29
“The Unsung Hero of Holy Week”
Phil Christopher, First Baptist Church
https://vimeo.com/529522707                             

Tuesday, March 30
“When God is Late”
Shane Hughes, Highland Church of Christ
vimeo.com/527855462

Wednesday, March 31
“Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep”
Steve Patterson, St. Paul United Methodist Church
vimeo.com/527413002

Thursday, April 1
“The Final Miracle Before the Crucifixion”
Cliff Stewart, First Central Presbyterian Church
vimeo.com/527862671

By LORETTA FULTON

For the second consecutive year, the traditional Holy Week Luncheon Series will not be an in-person event.

Instead, sermons by the participating pastors will be posted on YouTube each day at noon Monday, March 29-Thursday, April 1. The sermons will remain on YouTube for viewing at any time.

“Prepare a lunch for yourself and watch the service on YouTube live at noon,” said Cliff Stewart, pastor of First Central Presbyterian Church, one of the participating churches.

Other participating churches and pastors are First Baptist, Phil Christopher; St. Paul United Methodist, Steve Patterson; and Highland Church of Christ, Shane Hughes.

“We are choosing to ‘sing’ in the storm as we continue the 38-year tradition of our noontime observance and Holy Week along with other downtown congregations,” Stewart said. “Many consider this series as some of the best evidence of the shared faith and trust of Abilenians.”

A year ago, the “novel coronavirus” was just making a name for itself, with masks and social distancing on the verge of becoming standard. Fast forward a year and much has changed. Masks and social distancing are the norm and the coronavirus is no longer “novel.” It, too has become a common household word.

On the bright side, the number of new cases is down and the number of vaccinations is up. But precautions are still being taken, including a decision to not have the traditional luncheon series again this year.

“We can still be together,” Stewart said, “even though we are scattered.”

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene