For many folks, the Lenten season is a time to give up their favorite foods or break bad habits. But it’s also a time for spiritual reflection and growth.
That’s why starting tonight (Feb. 13) Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ is beginning its ‘Dinner and a Movie? series designed to motivate people to examine their lives and their relationship with God.
Every Wednesday night for the next five weeks Immanuel will host a 6 p.m. dinner followed by a 6:30 p.m. movie highlighting different spiritual themes.
‘They’re all popular films,? noted Liz Wilson, a member of Immanuel’s Christian Education Team (CET).
The idea is there are plenty movies that can teach people about themselves, God and how to follow His path.
Immanuel’s movie series will deal with themes such as unity and teamwork; making righteous decisions and avoiding personal gray areas; looking for a ‘third way?; the impact of money, greed and selfishness; and the idea of ‘broken? people and second chances.
Tonight’s film is ‘Miracle,? the 2004 movie which tells the true story of Herb Brooks, the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Soviet squad.
After the movie, audience members are invited to participate in a discussion that will hopefully engage the mind and illuminate the soul, all by 9 p.m. when the program ends.
‘We have some discussion questions centered around the five movies,? said CET member Barb Theurer. ‘We’re getting those questions out to people ahead of time, so they can think about them while they watch the film.?
Theurer said the purpose of watching and discussing the films is to examine the ‘life choices? made by the characters in the movies.
‘These films all focus around different types of people and the choices that they’ve made,? she said. Theurer hopes examining the characters? choices will lead audience members to ask themselves questions such as, ‘Where am I? Am I where I want to be? Am I the person I want to be??
‘Lent is a time for personal reflection,? she said. The film schedule for the rest of the series is as follows ?
n Feb. 20 ? ‘Monsters, Inc.?
n Feb. 27 ? ‘The Emperor’s Club?
n March 5 ? ‘The Treasure of the Sierra Madre?
n March 12 ? ‘Seabiscuit?
Free child care will be provided during the movie and discussion period. Children will be entertained by G-rated films and supervised activities.
‘Dinner and a Movie? is a free event, which everyone, regardless of whether or not they’re a church member, is more than welcome to attend.
Donations will gladly be accepted to help reimburse the $190 license fee which the church was required to pay in order to show these copyrighted movies.
For more information visit www.icucc.org. Immanuel UCC is located at the corner of Hovey and Dennison streets, one block west of Starbucks.
Simple Sunday Suppers
Those looking for a good meal with a heaping helping of fellowship are invited to attend Immanuel’s Simple Sunday Suppers.
The next one is set for 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24 following the regular church service.
Piping hot chili and homemade cornbread are on the menu. Friends, family, neighbors and strangers are expected to gather round the table to break bread together and get to know one another.
‘The purpose is to reconnect with each other and enjoy each other’s company,? said Wilson, who does all the cooking. ‘We invite the public in to get to know us.?
About 40 people attended the first supper in January. Supper is free, but donations are gladly accepted for Oxford/Orion FISH.
Two more Simple Sunday Suppers are scheduled March 30 and April 27.