MASSENA -- Lenten luncheons and ecumenical worship services are to be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 139 Main St. Wednesdays, March 16 through April 13 during Lent.

The services are at noon, sponsored by the Greater Massena Ministerial Association, and conducted each week by a different member of the local clergy. Each service consists of hymns, scripture readings, and a brief message. The theme of the messages this year is “Wait.”

Lunch in the church social hall follows, starting at about 12:30. Ladies of several local churches participate in the preparation and serving of the meals. The price of each lunch is $5, with proceeds divided between St. Vincent de Paul and the monthly Free Community Supper at the First Methodist Church.

The menus are a main dish, salad, bread, coffee or tea, and homemade pie.

• March 16 – Ham and Scalloped Potato Casserole with molded Jello salad, prepared by St. John’s Episcopal Church.

• March 23 -- Tater Tot Casserole with salad, prepared by the Catholic Churches.

• March 30 -- Chicken Casserole with cole slaw, prepared by the Grace Methodist Church.

• April 6 – Goulash with tossed salad, prepared by the Congregational Church.

• April 13 – Macaroni and Cheese with tossed salad, prepared by the First Methodist Church.

The Lenten luncheon tradition was established in the early 1960s to allow workers at downtown businesses to attend a brief church service and enjoy lunch all in a one-hour lunch break.

Everyone is welcome.