MIDDLETOWN – Middletown United Methodist Church will start off Lent with several celebrations this month.

The Lenten season will begin on Saturday, Feb. 13, with a presentation by Father Leo Joseph, who will provide discussion on the 40 days Christ spent in the wilderness from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Following at 4 p.m. the Community Life Committee will serve a special dinner honoring Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year and Mardi Gras followed by games and music.

On Sunday at the 9:45 a.m. New Life Service, The Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, which is a major feast day in the life of the church, will be celebrated. This marks the end of the Ordinary Time after Epiphany and makes a transition to the disciplines and worship taken up by the faithful during Lent. Communion will be served in honor of the Transfiguration of Christ.

At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, Ash Wednesday services will be held in the sanctuary.

All events and programs are open to the public as United Methodists practice “Open hearts, open minds, and open doors.”

For more information call 707-295-7174 or visit the Middletown Community United Methodist Church on the corner of Armstrong and Washington streets.