Lent 1

As a young man, on two occasions I decided to give up alcohol for Lent. One year, I was successful, not drinking a drop until Easter Day. Yippee! I was so proud of that achievement – which, of course, defeats the whole object of a Lenten discipline. This is not meant to be about our moral strength or determination. Rather, Lent is a season to be more attentive to the presence of God, and our neediness. So, on the other occasion, I managed to avoid alcohol for 36 hours – but, by the Friday evening after Ash Wednesday, I gave up. I can remember sitting in the pub with my pint of beer, thinking “I’ve blown it. What a weakling!”. Until I remembered that wonderful story about two people who go into the Temple (Luke 18). The Pharisee is proud of his achievements; the other one – you or me – says “God, I’ve blown it again. Sorry. How can you help me be better next time? Thank you for not abandoning me”.

Services this weekend for the 9^th March 2025

8:00am Holy Communion – All Saints 

10:00am Holy Communion – St. Mary’s

10:30am Muddy Church – All Saints

4:15pm Generations (Crazy Golf)

The Week Ahead

Mon 10th

10.30am – Tiny Tots – All Saints 

7.30pm – Lent Group 

Tues 11th

10:30am – Music for Toddlers 

Weds 12th

9:00am – Celtic Morning Prayer – All Saints 

1pm – Lent Group – St Marys 

Thursday 13th

10:00am – Holy Communion – St. Mary’s 

Saturday 15th

9.30am Safeguarding Training – All Saints 

12–2:00pm – Saturday Lunches  – St. Mary’s 

Sunday 16th

10:00am – Holy Communion – St. Mary’s 

10:30am – Holy Communion – All Saints 

Revd Bob.