For local Christians the Lenten season is a time of reflection and sacrifice as churches prepare for Easter - the celebration of Jesus' resurrection.
The First Christian Church and St. Peter Catholic Church, both in Fulton, have made preparations for this time of year.
First Christian Church will host the first in its series of the 2014 Lenten Lunches Friday, March 7. The service titled, "The Jordan River and the Wilderness: Baptism and Temptation," will be led by Rev. Ed Varnum with First Christian Church.
The schedule for the Lenten Lunches is as follows. All are from noon to 1 p.m. at First Christian Church.
•"Capernaum: The Healing Ministry" led by Pastor Jim Cruickshank of Nine Mile Presbyterian Church March 14.
•"The Mountains: Proclaiming the Kingdom" led by Pastor Mark Curtis with First Presbyterian Church March 21.
•"The Sea of Galilee: Calming the Storm" led by Pastor Mike Haldeman with First Assembly of God March 28.
•"Samaria: Sinners, Outcasts and the Poor" led by Pastor Emily Carroll with Court Street United Methodist Church April 4.
•"Jerusalem: The Final Week" led by Pastor Richie Thomas with Victory Fellowship Church April 11.
St. Peter Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus will help satisfy appetites Fridays with a weekly fish fry.
The all-you-can-eat menu includes fried fish, french fries, pasta, baked beans, slaw and dessert. To-go plates are available. Cost is $9 for adults and $5 for children.
The dinners are on March 7, March 21 and April 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
With the theme of improvement, female St. Peter Catholic parishioners are welcome to join an fitness class led by Molly Lowe with the YMCA. Vegetables, dip and diet soda will be provided.
Easter is on April 20.