I Love Downtown Arlington: Love Our Neighbors

For Christians around the world, this week marks the beginning of Lent. In Texas, the six-and-a-half-week countdown to Easter Sunday began on an Ash Wednesday that was one of the coldest on record. Not just cold, but severely disruptive as electrical supply from power grids and infrastructure failed to keep up with customer needs. 

In Downtown Arlington, non-profit organizations, faith-based communities and individuals sprung into action this week in support of our neighbors. Arlington Life Shelter and Safe Haven have teamed up with the Salvation Army to offer emergency shelter to those without a place to live. Mission Arlington immediately launched a drive for blankets and coats, which they’re now delivering to people across our community who are in homes without electricity. Although regular meal services continue on campus at UT Arlington, the UTA Tri-C Food Pantry continues to provide non-perishable foods to students in need, and First Baptist Church-Arlington has expanded its ministries to UTA students and others. In support of the City of Arlington, Downtown Arlington staff is helping get the word out about daytime and overnight emergency warming stations for residents and the city-wide boil water alert.

This outpouring of love for our neighbors shines even more brightly against the backdrop of Lent, a time of solemn observance, self-reflection and penitence for Christians. When times are treacherous, hope remains alive when a community shoulders the difficult times together, and in Downtown Arlington, our religious institutions make up an essential and active part of our community’s strong fabric.

If you’re seeking a faith-based community in Downtown Arlington through which you can take the Lenten journey, we encourage you to visit each congregation’s website for information about in-person and live-streaming services and events.

First Baptist Church-Arlington
301 S. Center Street
817-227-6353

First Baptist Church of Arlington is a Biblically-based congregation in the heart of Downtown Arlington. The church’s missional approach is based in values that are relational, inter-generational and gracious; that celebrate diversity and healthy living; and that glorify God by following The Jesus Way. During Holy Week, FBC-A joins with the four other area churches to provide a Lenten lecture series. 

First United Methodist Church of Arlington
313 N. Center Street
817-274-2571

Living as followers of Jesus calls the 5,000 strong members of First United Methodist Church of Arlington to connect with God, with one another, and with our neighbors. As disciples of Jesus Christ, FUMC of Arlington creates these connections through unconditional grace and forgiveness; joyous generosity; extraordinary hospitality; vibrant worship; engaging opportunities for spiritual growth; and relationship-based missions and community involvement.

Mount Olive Baptist Church
301 W Sanford Street
(817) 265-0461

Mount Olive Baptist Church's doctrinal belief is that Jesus is the Christ, eternal salvation belong to all who confess Him as their Savior, and the Bible is the word of God and is instructional in all matters of this life and hereafter. The congregation's manner of preaching is expository and worship style is classic, complete with choir and instrumental accompaniment. An active and vibrant congregation, Mt. Olive offers a wide variety of ministries, outreach activities, groups, plus in-person and live-stream services.

Calvary Church Arlington
224 N. Center Street (Arlington Music Hall)
972-261-1919

Calvary Church, a Multi-Congregational (One Church – Multiple Congregations) community, exists to declare and demonstrate the gospel to everyone, every day, and everywhere. Their values are based on ten principals including grace, vision, diversity, the strength of the local church, generosity, belonging, fun, multi-congregational (i.e. big picture approach), excellence, and creativity. Calvary Church Arlington meets at Arlington Music Hall on the first and third Monday of each month, plus offers live streaming worship opportunities.

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
316 W. Main St. (Theatre Arlington)
817-264-3083

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, a part of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, is an open, affirming, and inclusive Christian community striving through worship, love and service to welcome and value all people just as God created them. No matter where you are on your journey of faith, and whether you are single, married, divorced, separated, or partnered, their welcome knows no boundaries. Join St. Alban’s for worship and fellowship at Theatre Arlington in Downtown Arlington.
 

Archival photos from First Baptist Church-Arlington and Mount Olive Baptist Church Facebook pages.