Spokane Pastor Inspires Congregation with Flavorful Lenten Sermons Through Food

Pastor Rene Devantier leads Fowler United Methodist Church in Spokane with a mission to create an inclusive space. His focus is on people with disabilities and their families. Devantier draws inspiration from scripture, particularly James 1:27, emphasizing care for those who often feel left out—like widows and orphans.

The church features thoughtful accommodations, including a sensory room and areas dedicated to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Devantier believes in making church accessible not just through words but through engaging experiences. He uses visual aids, like PowerPoint presentations, to help those with intellectual disabilities connect with the messages more easily.

Currently, he’s leading a Lent sermon series where he intertwines food themes with spiritual lessons. On March 9, he kicked things off by discussing the importance of water. He set the scene with a table full of bottled water, weaving in Biblical stories that included reflections on baptism and the calming of storms. “I made everyone thirsty, then provided water,” he explained, connecting it to community and belonging.

The next sermon focused on bread. Devantier creatively brought in a toaster, filling the church with the smell of freshly made toast. This multisensory approach allowed congregants to not only listen but also touch, smell, and taste elements of the service. He discussed how we are like fruit on a vine, depending on spiritual sustenance for life.

Devantier’s approach aligns well with current trends in faith communities toward inclusivity and engagement. According to a 2023 study by the Pew Research Center, 63% of religious organizations are actively seeking ways to make worship more accessible. This reflects a growing awareness of diverse needs within congregations.

To enhance his service themes, Devantier aims to create what he calls "thin spaces"—moments where people feel closer to God. “These are the moments where the distance between us and God feels almost touchable,” he shared. The series is set to culminate in a Communion Sunday, bringing together the various elements he addressed.

By encouraging diverse methods of connection, Devantier exemplifies how churches can evolve to nurture all individuals, promoting a more inclusive worship experience.

This article is part of a collaboration with FāVS News, dedicated to covering faith and values in the Inland Northwest.

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