Community members are invited to attend Wednesday evening Lenten services that are being presented by the Coventry/Warwick Ministerium.

As part of the program, area churches are taking turns hosting worship with a different preacher every week beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 2. A Good Friday service on April 15 will complete the schedule.

Each service will begin at 7 p.m. and will include Scripture readings, seasonal hymns, responsive prayers and time for reflection. Light refreshments will be served following the service. People may attend one evening, a few services or all of the programs as a way to make Lent more meaningful.

Last year, the services were held virtually. This year, all are welcome to attend in person. Services will also be livestreamed on the ministerium's YouTube channel, which can be found by visiting http://www.youtube.com and searching for "Coventry Warwick Ministerium."

Lent, a Christian observance, is a period of repentance and preparation for Easter. It starts on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days, not including Sundays, representing the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert before His crucifixion. Lent concludes on Easter Sunday, which falls on April 17 this year.

The following services have been scheduled.

The Rev. Rick Knarr will lead the service at Mount Carmel United Methodist Church (UMC), 2203 Harmonyville Road, Elverson, on March 2. On March 9, the Rev. Jim Jannotti will lead the service at Calvary Christian Center (hosted by Grace Covenant Church), 426 Laurelwood Road, Pottstown.

On March 16, the Rev. Stacey Jones-Anderson will lead the service at Nantmeal UMC, 359 Nantmeal Road, Glenmoore. The service on March 23 at Coventryville UMC, 1521 Old Ridge Road, Pottstown, will be led by the Rev. John Kolle.

On March 30, the Rev. Denny Emrick will lead the service at Temple UMC, 1390 Unionville Road, Pottstown. On April 6, the service will be held at Coventry Church of the Brethren, 946 Keen Road, Pottstown, led by the Rev. Keith Price. On April 15, Good Friday, the Rev. Mark Muthler will lead the service at Calvary Pottstown, 288 Moser Road, Pottstown.

The Coventry/Warwick Ministerium promotes Christian fellowship, resources and programs for church leaders to minister to the local townships. Annual events for the community include a Thanksgiving Eve worship service and the Lenten services. Monetary donations collected at these services are used to fund local food banks and to help with mission trips and projects.

Meetings for clergy and church representatives are held at 8 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month from September through June at Mount Carmel UMC. For more information, contact Robin McKinley at Calvary Christian Center at 610-323-0480.