Lent Service at Abundant Grace Church

On March 19, 2026, the multi-denominational Lent services in White County had their fourth service, hosted by Abundant Grace Church in Sparta and Pastor Caleb Andrews.  With a welcome by Pastor Caleb and singing, the service started at 12 p.m. at their location on 740 Crosslin Street.  The people who gathered were of varying ages, but they were ready to fellowship and worship during the Lent season. 

Many churches of varying denominations were represented within the crowd as Pastor Amber Armistead of Sparta United Methodist Church ministered the Word of God. 

As the tradition of these services continues, each Lent service has a hosting church with a guest minister, another pastor from another local church.  This tradition has brought many churches together in fellowship and has strengthened the Christian believers within the area. 

After the abbreviated service, lunch and fellowship followed in the dining area of the church.  The fellowship included a vast selection of soups and chilis along with crackers and bread.  The fellowship and food are a time of connection for the local people, who may have attended the previous years' Lent services, or they may not have seen each other for a time within the community. 

Those who attended the service were fed the Word of God spiritually, fed naturally with food, and also were able to fellowship with smiling faces and greetings.  Lent services continue each week on Thursdays throughout March and then wrap up on Good Friday in April.  With only 2 more Lent services to go, people of the community are encouraged to join in these soon.