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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Lime Springs United Methodist Church will host three Advent Luncheons on Wednesdays in December.

Each event is free and open to the public.

Bro. Jim Shannon, pastor of Lime Springs, said the idea was inspired by the Lenten Luncheons that Bro. Tony Hughes had at Mt. Nebo UMC.

Shannon said he was driving home from one of the Lenten Luncheons with his mother when the idea was first discussed.

“My mom and I were talking about how it would be nice to have this same thing at Advent because Advent is a very important … to the church,” Shannon said.

He said Hughes passed along information on how Mt. Nebo had coordinated the events.

Advent is traditionally highlighted in churches that observe it on the four Sundays in December. Each has a specific theme (Hope, Peace, Love or Joy) to reflect on the coming of Christ. However, since the lunches are being held on Wednesday, there can only be three before Christmas.

Each lunch event will begin at noon and end promptly at 1 p.m. Each devotion presented will be 10 minutes long and the singer will sing one song followed by lunch.

“What we are hoping is people will be able to come … and reflect,” Shannon said.

He also hopes those that attend will take time for fellowship with those from other churches.

“We want everyone to understand that regardless we are a family,” Shannon said.

Lunch will consist of soup, cornbread, dessert and a drink.

On Dec. 4, Shannon will be the speaker, and Chris Johnson will be the special guest singer.

On Dec. 11, Bro. Jason Green will be the guest pastor speaking, and Joe Raspberry will be the special guest singer.

On Dec. 18, Bro. Tony Hughes will be the guest pastor speaking, and Hal Ellison will be the special guest.

Lime Springs United Methodist Church is located at 80 County Road 184 in Clanton.