As we hit a half-way point in Lent we are asked to consider some words from St Paul’s letter to the Church in Corinth. Corinth’s emerging Christian Community was a diverse group of people, who with different backgrounds and experiences tried to live together, learn together and pray together. There were times when that was really challenging. Yet Paul reminded them that the way of Jesus was one that was founded on the challenge of the cross. A place of death, of failure, of seeming end. He named it “foolish”. It was not a message that had neat answers, or clever words. It was not a place that relied on success and power. It’s very power was in its willingness to offer a different way of seeing the world. A different way of being. One that required love and sacrifice. One that turned power and status on its head. One that told people that everyone was worthy and equal in the eyes of God who knew the brutal way of the world, and of calvary. I have always found those words the “foolishness of the cross” steady companions at different times in life and especially in Lent. They allow me to be grateful that God was humble, gracious, human and welcomed folly. That the road to resurrection and new life did not hide or flinch from death – but embraced it for the sake of all people. 

In that way we continue our reflections and worship together in Lent in the following ways this weekend.

SUNDAY 3^rd MARCH – LENT 3

10am – Creative Church – St Mary’s – Lent theme

10.30am – Holy Communion with Junior Church and Band – All Saints

6.30pm – Evensong – St Mary’s.

THE WEEK AHEAD 

Tuesday 5^th -10.30am Music for Toddlers – St Mary’s 

Wednesday 6^th  – 9am  Celtic Morning Prayer – All Saints 

2pm Lent Group – St Mary’s Parish Room 

7.30pm Lent Group All Saints – Link Room 

Thursday 7th 10am Eucharist – St Mary’s 

Friday 8^th -12.30pm – Concert 

Saturday 9^th – 12pm -2pm – Saturday Lunches – St Mary’s 

Sunday 10^th – 8am Holy Communion – All Saints 

10am Mothering Sunday All Age Communion Service – St Mary’s 

10.30am – Mothering Sunday Creative Service of the Word- All Saints 

7.15pm Generations  – Aged 11+ Youth Gathering – St Mary’s 

Blessings

Revd Lizzie