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Hungry for more

All over town, at synagogues, churches and halls, people are using their lunch break to attend worship services, religious studies and seminars reaffirming their faith. "Going to church on Sunday is not enough," one woman says.

By WAVENEY ANN MOORE
Published July 23, 2006

ST. PETERSBURG

Lunchtime isn't always a time to run errands, grab a hurried bite, or squeeze in a spot of exercise. For some, it's about spiritual renewal and study.

Recently, almost 50 such people gathered in the Mirror Lake Lyceum for "Life Lessons Over Lunch," a lunchtime respite organized by local businessman Norman LeClair.

Jeff Rothwell, a lawyer, was there with his wife, Lauren. "For my wife and me to sit together and receive an encouraging teaching during the week, it is priceless," he said. "It's a very simple decision. You're going to have lunch anyway."

In downtown St. Petersburg, some people use their lunch hour to attend noontime services at St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church or St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral.

At First United Methodist, a small group of professional women gather on Fridays twice monthly for a noon Bible study. A few miles away, First Unity Church offers a contemplative noontime service on Wednesdays. Once a month, Rabbi Jacob Luski of Congregation B'nai Israel hosts Lunch with the Rabbi sessions for study of the Mishnah, the first part of the Talmud containing traditional oral interpretations of laws and customs found in the Torah.

The luncheon at Lyceum, a 1926 Mediterranean revival structure at 737 Third Ave. N, had its origins 14 months ago at Bascom's Chop House in Clearwater. It quickly outgrew its location, said LeClair, who looked for a place that could seat 300.

The event is about "creating an environment for busy professionals to meet in the middle of usually a hectic workweek to watch a DVD and grab a bite to eat," according to Life Lessons Over Lunch's Web site, www.lifelessonsonline.org.

The session began a three-part series on prayer by Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church in Georgia.

LeClair, who owns an outsourcing business, Corban OneSource, said the lunchtime program draws mostly professionals, but also homemakers and retirees. "I think this type of meeting is unique," he said. "This isn't about religion, it's about relationships, relationships with God and relationships with each other."

The sessions are free, though participants are asked to make a donation for lunch. LeClair said the program costs about $45,000 annually, an amount that is covered by two benefactors. Besides lunch, each person gets free CDs of the message to share with others.

Eileen Bedinghaus, a Realtor with ERA Lambrecht & Associates, has been doing just that. At the session, she was joined by her husband, Jim, and their daughter-in-law Kristin. Bedinghaus' co-workers Debbie Turner, who is undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer, and Linda Fyvolent, also attended the 11:45 a.m. gathering.

"It's something to look forward to rather than another business lunch," Bedinghaus said. "Because my life is so busy, going to church on Sunday is not enough. My husband and I have a small Bible study group on Tuesday evenings and that's not enough. I have this desire to stay connected and to understand more."

Maria Williams was attending her fourth program. "My husband has cancer and it's a great stress relief and so uplifting and healing and spiritual," the retired secretary said.

"It just makes me feel better," said her friend Rosalie Shelton. "The message is universal. Anybody can accept it. And for a minimum donation for lunch, it's a nice break in the day."

For Dr. Mitchell LeVine, a colon and rectal surgeon, the Lunch with the Rabbi sessions he attends at Congregation B'nai Israel provide an intellectual break from his busy practice. "I find it's a nice break in the middle of the day for me," he said.

So too for Dr. Marc Reiskind, a physiatrist, who takes time off from his physical medicine and rehabilitation practice to participate in the synagogue program.

"Part of it is, it's nice to take a break to let me give some time to myself and let me learn a little more," he said.

Cathy Faulkner, national business support manager for the estate group at Bank of America downtown, started her Bible study when she realized "how few Bible studies were geared to the lives of professional women." Those who attend enjoy the camaraderie of women, she said, "Because it's hard to do things with women when you work. Just having Christian women friendships is hard unless you set it on your calendar."

LeClair had a reason for scheduling his twice-monthly program during lunch on a Wednesday.

"Traditionally, most people are stressed out in the middle of the week. We don't want to compete with churches," he said. "It's also a reminder that a relationship with God is just not on Sunday."

[Last modified July 22, 2006, 20:19:56]