Special to The Advocate

Lent provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection and growth.

As in previous years the Greenville Ministerial Association (GMA) offers several opportunities for the community.

&#8220Praying for our Community” begun two years ago and remains a very popular program for those who wish to participate.

Yard signs are available from First United Methodist Church for $3.

Prayer Booklets which give a meditation and prayer each week, centering on all aspects of our life including our community leaders, poverty, drug abuse, crime, health and many more are addressed.

The booklets can be obtained from First Baptist Church.

They must be pre-ordered by calling First Baptist.

They can also provide you with the ordering information.

One of the most popular Lenten events is the Noonday Prayer and Sermon held every Wednesday during Lent at St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

It lasts a half hour, Except on Ash Wednesday and the Wednesday in Holy Week, a light lunch is provided by the Episcopal Church Women.

A voluntary offering is taken at the lunch to benefit the Transient Ministry of the GMA.

The schedule for the preachers at the noon service is as follows:

Feb. 21 - The Rev. Tim Patton, First Baptist Church

Feb. 28 - The Rev. Drik Williford, First United Methodist Church

March 7 - The Rev. Patrick Driscoll, St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church

March 14 - The Rev. Lois Robinson, Covenant Warriors

March 21 - The Rev Jim Helms, Call to Life Church

March 28 - The Rev. Lane Simmons, First Assembly of God

April 4 - The Rev. Carolyn Griffin, Warrior Ministries

April 6 - (Good Friday) - The Rev. Fred Lindstrom, St. Thomas Episcopal Church