Its purpose was to bring about the unity of the Christian Church, which, over many centuries, had divided into many denominations. In recent years, it has been the expression of a growing movement of ecumenism, manifested by greater cooperation among Christian denominations regardless of differences in history, doctrine and practice.
For several years, the members of Warrenville Persons in Ministry have sponsored a Christian Unity Service in January. This year St. Irene’s Parish is hosting the service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20. Entitled “Multiplying the Blessings,” the program promises to be both more interactive and diversified.
A liturgical dance group will lead the opening procession, followed by a welcome from Fr. James Antiporek. Pastor Jeff Kamphausen of
Members of Community Baptist and Trinity Lutheran churches will present a short Sacred Drama, followed by the choirs of Community Baptist and Immanuel Presbyterian signing hymns on unity. The Trinity Band and a group from La Iglesia Roca Eterna will also perform.
There will be a Power Point presentation of last year’s WPIM activities, including Summer Daze, the National Day of Prayer, and the Country Ridge Block Party, demonstrating some of the ways the churches and WYFS are collaborating with each other, the Chamber of Commerce, and the City of
A collection will be taken to support the Local Emergency Assistance Fund (LEAF), a pool of funds contributed by local area churches and the Kiwanis Club from within the Warrenville Community. The fund is administered by a case manager at Warrenville Youth & Family Services to assist almost 100 individuals and households in Warrenville who are experiencing a temporary financial crisis. Chelsea Sudman, caseworker at WYFS, will explain the many ways this fund has helped people in need during the past year.
The service will close with a Doxology and the Lord’s Prayer sung to “Away in the Manger.”
Participating members of WPIM include: Blanchard Alliance Church Warrenville, Pastor Jeff Kamphausen; Community Baptist Church, Pastor Linda Tossey; Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Pastor George Garrison and Minister of Congregational Life Carol Plueddemann; La Roca Eterna Church, Pastor Gabriel Borjon; St. Irene Faith Community, Pastor James Antiporek; Trinity Lutheran Church, Pastor Wende West; Hope Presbyterian Church, Pastor Kevin Holley; WPIM Chairperson, Sister Joyce Kemp, r.c. and Ismael Espiricueta, Executive Director; Anne Suarez, Receptionist; and Chelsea Sudman, Caseworker, of WYFS.
Don’t miss a wonderful opportunity to share in this wonderful evening of dance, song, scripture, drama, videos and the participation of everyone present!
