Ash Wednesday services marked the beginning of the Lenten season for many Christian faiths.

During this time followers will observe a period of fasting and repentance while also practicing self-denial and spiritual discipline.

In observance of this time of preparation before the celebration of Easter, both the Church of the Holy Trinity, Episcopal in Vicksburg and St. Alban’s Episcopal in Bovina will offer Lenten series that include a meal and musical programs.

The Lenten programs are longstanding programs at both churches, enjoyed not only by members, but the community as well.

“Our Lenten Fine Art Series kicks off Friday, Feb. 16 with a wine and cheese tasting at 5:30 p.m. in McInnis Parish Hall,” rector at Holy Trinity the Rev. Beth Palmer said, and will feature visual artist Mark Bleakley.

“Mark lives in Monroe and teaches regularly at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center, and works in stained glass,” Palmer said.

Following the evening program, Holy Trinity will continue its fine arts series on Fridays at noon beginning Feb. 23 and running through March 23.

The free programs will be followed by lunch at 12:30 p.m.

“We’ll serve our traditional gumbo on Feb. 23 and then mix up the luncheon menu to highlight recipes from The Trinity Cookbook,” Palmer said.

Tickets for the lunch are $10. Holy Trinity is located at 900 South St. For more information, call 601-636-0542.

The Schedule for Holy Trinity’s Lenten Fine Arts Series is as follows:

Feb. 23 — Brick Street Barbershop Quartet

March 2 — Charles Riles & Gordon Cotton – The Last Hurrah

March 9 — Jackson State University, Musical Scenes from Opera

March 16 — Conservatory Piano Trio – Bach and Forth

March 23 — Alcorn State University Men’s Chorale

“St. Alban’s believes that arts is a ministry,” rector at St. Alban’s the Rev. Billie Abraham said, and this year the church’s Lenten Arts Program will feature local music, plays and art during the five week period.

Events will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday and continue on Wednesdays through March 21.

“The Wednesday evening begins with a Holy Eucharist Healing service,” Abraham said and will be followed by a soup dinner before each program.

The Schedule for St. Alban’s Lenten Arts Program is as follows:

Feb. 21 —Hinds Community College Jubilee Singers, Dr. Bobby Cooper, conductor

Feb. 28 — Patrick Smith Band, blues, soul, jazz and gospel music

March 7 — Vicksburg High School Madrigal Singers, Angela Chapin, conductor

March 14 — Full Circle, Fiddle & More – Nicholas and Julia Blake and Joanne Ryan

March 21 — Mississippi Boychoir, Nancy Robertson, conductor

St. Alban’s is located at 5430 Warriors Trail, exit 11 off I-20. For more information, call 601-594-0066.