This year’s seven community Wednesday Lenten Services will begin on Feb. 17 and will be held at Highland Park Baptist Church. The services are sponsored by the greater Mount Airy Ministerial Association, which is headed by the Rev. Bob Josey, president.

The Season of Lent spans 40 weekdays beginning on Ash Wednesday and peaking during Holy Week with Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Good Friday, and concluding the Saturday before Easter.

Josey said Lent is marked by a time of prayer and preparation to celebrate Easter.

“Since Sundays celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the six Sundays that occur during Lent are not counted as part of the 40 days of Lent, and are referred to as the Sundays in Lent,” he said.

“The number 40 is connected with many biblical events, but especially with the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing for His ministry by facing the temptations that could lead him to abandon his mission and calling. Christians today use this period of time for introspection, self-examination, and repentance,” Josey said.

He said the services are multi-denominational and everyone is welcomed to attend.

All services will begin at noon and end at 12:30 p.m. This year’s speakers are:

n Feb 17 Rev. Darrell Tate

n Feb 24 Dr. David Sparks

n March 3 Dr. Victor Lyons

n March 10 Fr. Eric Kowalski

n March 17 Rev. Lonnie Gunter

n March 24 Rev. Richard Loman

n March 31 Rev. Bob Josey

The church will provide lunch at 12:30 p.m. in its fellowship hall for all attending. Donations will be accepted to help pay for the food.