NATCHEZ — Lent is a season of sacrifice but it also is a time of reflection and appreciation for the sacrifice Christ made to save souls.

First Presbyterian Church, 400 State St., Natchez, is taking the opportunity this Lenten season to help people tend their souls with a series of programs titled “Lenten Soul-Tending.”

The series is the brainchild of Leigh Anderson, First Presbyterian Church Elder in charge of congregational life.

“God inspired it,” Anderson said of the program.

Anderson said she titled the weekly program series Soul Tending, “because the soul is the eternal part of us and the part of us that needs taking care of.”

Anderson said the series of meetings at noon each Thursday through April 11 would feature topics to help sooth and educate people’s souls.

Topics include art, music, the body, prayer and scripture.

“All of those are parts of the soul that are also aspects of religious life,” Anderson said.

The series kicked off Thursday with a program titled “Sanctuary: Creating a Space for Grace,” led by Anderson.

The series will continue in the fellowship hall at the church at noon each Thursday with the following topics and presenters:

4March 14: Breath and Connection: A Gentle Yoga Experience. Guide is Danielle Blain

4March 21, noon: Soul Gardening: Everyday Acres Daylilies “New Every Morning…” Guide is Clyde Grammon

4March 28, noon: Celestial Artistry: Talents Provided by the Holy Spirit. Guides is Sarah Freeman and Brenda Hicks

4April 4, noon: Meditative Music. Guides: Darrell Day and Mary Lessley

4April 11, noon: A Walk to Jerusalem. Guide: Rev. Joan Gandy

“All of the programs are part of our lives,” Anderson said, “art, yoga and our relationship with our Lord. It is a special time for reflection.”

The series is free and everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, male or female, is invited to attend, Anderson said.