Walnut Creek United Methodist Church began its annual Lenten Lunches yesterday at noon in the church’s family life center.

A large crowd of people enjoyed a meal of soup, cornbread and dessert while receiving spiritual nourishment from guest speaker the Rev. Tony Smitherman, pastor of West End Baptist Church. West End Baptist Church Minister of Music the Rev. Eddie Lightsey uplifted the audience by singing “Hallelujah, Praise the Lamb.”

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church Pastor the Rev. Tony Hughes said the purpose of the Lenten Lunches is to prepare Christians spiritually for Easter Sunday, which is April 19. The lunches will continue for the next five Wednesdays until Easter.