As Lent begins on Wednesday, the next several weeks mean more to people than just the ashes you find on some people’s foreheads. Marked by Ash Wednesday, Lent observes the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and practicing self-control leading to his death and resurrection. For many Christians, Lent is a time of giving up eating in between meals and meat on Fridays. For others, it is a time of self-reflection. Pastor Joel McKenney of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Algoma hopes people use the next several weeks to become closer to God.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is marking Lent with services at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in addition to its usual Saturday and Sunday services. Churches around Door and Kewaunee counties will offer their own activities throughout Lent until Easter Sunday, which this year is on April 9th.

6 p.m. Ash Wednesday service canceled due to weather.