Who is Joseph and why did his brothers treat him so badly? What makes a woman eligible for inclusion in the stories of the Hebrew Patriarchs? Was that a whale I saw near Jonah’s boat? And why, oh why, did Job have to suffer so? For those interested in any of these questions, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church’s upcoming Lenten Study can offer some answers.

The public is invited to join parishioners this Lent for a study of the “short stories” of the Old Testament and Apocrypha. Classes will be Sunday evenings from 5 to 6:15 p.m. in the parish hall of the Methodist church on Main Street in Bridgton. Light refreshments will be served. Participants are encouraged to bring a Bible to class.

Professor Margaret Reimer of the University of Southern Maine will be leading the discussion and theological reflections on these infrequently studied pieces of Scripture. Dr. Reimer teaches the Bible as Literature at USM and has led several adult education programs for St. Peter’s. Because each week will focus on a different story, participants can feel free to attend as many (or as few) sessions as will fit into their schedules. Content is appropriate for older adolescents, who are welcome to join the class. For more information, please call the church office, 647-8549.

The Lenten class schedule is as follows:

Feb. 25: The story of Jacob’s sons; Joseph and the worst sibling rivalry ever.

March 4: The story of Ruth the Moabite woman whose descendent became king.

March 11: The story of Jonah, reluctant prophet to Ninevah.

March 18: Esther and Judith, stories from the Apocrypha about women who saved their nation.

March 25: Tobit, a little studied story complete with angels, magic fish, and filial affection.

April 1: The story of Job, a man much afflicted.