After a 12-year hiatus the Lenten Concert series will be returning and donating all proceeds to Powell’s three elementary schools. 

The series, which includes a soup lunch, is put on by Union Presbyterian Church and spearheaded by members Linda Learned and Joy Bessler. The church first began hosting the series when the original orchestrators, the Powell Episcopal Church, decided to pursue other mission work.

It became difficult for the congregation to continue the series, Learned said, but they are at a point where they feel they can return. The series typically donates to a local cause and this year they are giving back to the children.

The funds will be given to Powell’s elementary schools to use at their own discretion to help students with things like lunches, warm clothes, field trip costs and any other need that might arise, Learned said.

The Lenten Concert Series will have a variety of different performances every Wednesday beginning Feb. 21 until March 20 with the exception of Holy Week.

The concerts will begin at noon and along with enjoying the music, patrons will be able to partake in homemade breads and soups. There will be three bread and soup options each week  made by volunteers including members of the United Methodist Church. 

The concerts will kick off with harpist Holly Kienlen and be followed by the Sunlight String Quartet on Feb. 28, the Chesarek Handbell Choir on March 6, Pastor Janita Krayniak and Nevin Jacobs, Susan Adams and Marianne Bibbey on March 13 and the Parkside School Kids Choir on March 20. 

The concert and soup lunches are free to attend and a free-will offering can be made at the door.

— By Braden Schiller