They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Dear All Saints and St Mary’s

This Lent we are reflecting on some of the “Holy Habits” that Luke mentions in his description of the early church. Andrew Roberts picked out ten things that the early church did that can help us to walk in the way of Christ during our day to day lives. Each of our Lent group sessions takes a bible passage and looks at how it helps us with one or more of these habits. As we reach the halfway point in Lent, we have looked at reading the bible, serving, sharing resources, and eating together. This week we will be looking at prayer in the light of the Lord’s prayer, which Jesus gives in Luke 11.1–4.

But Holy Habits are not just something for Lent. Regular prayer, bible reading, and worship build our faith all year round. Fellowship and eating together build our community every time we meet. Generosity and service flow out from the love of God whenever we see the needs of the world. Sharing the good news of Christ is rooted in our belief that it is good news for all people. These are things that were part of the early church that Luke described, and which build and support our faith and mission.

This Sunday we have our usual second Sunday services as follows:

8.00 am – All Saints – Holy Communion (said)

10.00 am – St Mary’s – Holy Communion

10.30 am – All Saints – Messy/Muddy Church

Along with our Lent groups, we have our usual midweek services. Next Sunday is Mothering Sunday, with Holy Communion at All Saints and a Service of the Word with Baptism at St Mary’s. This gives us the following for the coming week:

Tuesday 14^th – 7.30 pm – Lent Group

Wednesday 15^th – 9.00 am – All Saints – Celtic morning prayer

2.00 pm – Lent group

Thursday 16^th – 10.00 am – St Mary’s – Holy Communion

Sunday 19^th – 10.00 am – St Mary’s – Service of the Word with Baptism

10.30 am – All Saints – Holy Communion

As we continue our Lenten journey, let us pray for God’s guidance in the words of this Sunday’s collect:

Eternal God, give us insight to discern your will for us, to give up what harms us, and to seek the perfection we are promised in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen

May God bless and keep us all.

Mark