POINT PLEASANT — The season of reconciliation and making time in busy lives to think about a relationship with God has arrived - this time is known to Christians as the season of Lent.

For many years, the Mason County Ministerial Association has sponsored the Lenten Lunch Series. As in year’s past, this year’s series begins on Ash Wednesday which is Feb. 13 at Trinity United Methodist Church. The series starts at 11:45 a.m. with a free meal of soup and sandwiches and is followed up by a time of worship at 12:30 p.m. each Wednesday through March 27.

Local churches alternate preparing and providing the lunches and worship leadership. Again, the lunches are free though donations for the Samaritan Fund will be accepted to further the ministries of the ministerial association. Through the Samaritan Fund, people receive emergency financial assistance in their time of need, according to Pastor John Holland of the Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church.

In more simpler terms, Lent is the season of preparation for Easter. Lent lasts for 40 days, not counting Sundays. Some prepare for Easter by soul-searching and practicing spiritual discipline during this time. Some Christians look at it as a time for “spring cleaning” their lives while giving thanks to God and strengthening their relationship with Him.

Several hundred people from area churches attend the Lenten Lunch Series every year and this year promises to be no different. The series is interdenominational and is open to all who wish to experience fellowship.