NORWAY – Lent, the season of preparation for Easter, is a season of penitence and fasting and renewal of faith. Lent will begin on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 6, with services at Christ Episcopal Church at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. At all 8 and 10 a.m. Sunday services during Lent, Christ Church will use the old words of Rite One, with music to match.

For four Lenten Sundays, Feb. 17 and 24, March 2 and 9, Christ Church, joined by Trinity Lutheran, will offer simple luncheons and informal study sessions after the second morning service, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The study sessions are titled “God’s Unfinished Future: a Message of Hope.” Participants will ask basic questions of faith, especially about discerning God’s purpose for the world in this time of economic struggle, war and global climate change.

Using “The Rapture Exposed” by pastor and theologian Barbara Rossing, the group will explore God’s purpose.

All are invited to attend the services at Christ Church, corner of Green and Paris streets. Call the church office at 743-6782 for a copy of the book and to register for the study sessions.