Lenten art series begins Friday at local churches

Published 7:15 pm Wednesday, February 14, 2018

: Father P.J. Curley places ashes onto the forehead of a student during an Ash Wednesday mass at Vicksburg Catholic School in February 2018. (Courtland Wells | The Vicksburg Post, file photo)

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.

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’

More by Terri Cowart

More Faith