For members of First United Methodist Church in Picayune, Lent is a time of introspection and self-examination of their walk with Christ.
With this in mind, the church is hosting a series of Lenten brown bag lunches every Wednesday until Easter.
According to church literature, Lent is a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter. The Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday and ends the Saturday before Easter.
Lent lasts 40 days, however, Sundays are not counted because Sunday is celebrated as Jesus’ victory over sin and death, the literature states.
Pastor Harold Manning said it is customary for people of the Methodist faith to celebrate Lent. There are many other religions that celebrate the tradition, including Episcopalians, Anglicans, Presbyterians and Catholics.
“These luncheons are a time for people to fellowship and hear a message from someone outside the church,” Manning said. “Each week there will be a clerical guest speaker from local churches.”
The first lunch was held Wednesday and the Rev. Megan Becnel of Trinity United Methodist Church spoke to attendees.
The next luncheon will be on March 4 with guest speaker Rev. Larry Pickering of Byrd’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Picayune. The guest speaker on March 11 will be Nick Jorges, youth director at Poplarville’s United Methodist Church. On March 18, Weems Chapel United Methodist Church Rev. Ada Miller will speak. To end the luncheon series, Fr. Jonathon Filkins of Saint Barnabas Anglican Church will provide the day’s message.
The lunches are open to the public so all are invited to attend, Manning said.
First United Methodist Church is located at 323 N. Haugh Ave.
Lunch begins at noon and will end before 1 p.m., Manning said.
Participants are asked to bring a brown bag lunch; drinks and dessert will be provided.
For more information, contact the church office at 601-798-4321.