Dear Friends in Christ,

How are you doing with your Lenten observances? The desire to give up things such as chocolate or social media are laudable but also so easy to stray from. Or there’s the temptation to abstain and then binge when Lent is completed (or is that just me!). 

But maybe we can take on new things-ways of behaviour, devoting more time to spiritual practices. Whilst our other period  of preparation at Advent is one of joyous anticipation, Lent is more poignant and sober, but also a time of beauty and depth. But both conclude in times of joy.

The book we are studying for Lent (Searched me Out and Known Me by Charlie Bell) this week reminded us what we base Lent upon-Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness (note not a desert as is often thought). Jesus needed this time alone with God to discern his own identity following his baptism before he began his ministry.

So as we continue in our Lenten journey let us mirror and reflect upon this foundational moment in Jesus’ life.

This Sunday – 16th  March (Lent 2)

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

 10:30am   Holy Communion with Hymns – All Saints
 

The Week Ahead

Monday 17th March

Tiny Tots – 10.30-12.00 All Saints Community Hall

Squirrels – 5.15pm  All Saints Community Hall

Evening Lent Group  7.30pm

Tuesday 18th March

Music for Toddlers – 10.30am St Mary’s Church

Wednesday 19th March

Celtic Morning Prayer – 9.00-9.30am All Saints Church

Afternoon Lent Group – 2.00-3.30pm St. Mary’s Church (note new time)

Thursday 20th March

Holy Communion – 10.00am.  St. Mary’s Church

Cubs – 6.30pm. All Saints Community Hall

Scouts – 8.00pm All Saints Community Hall

Friday 21st March

Living After Loss – 11am St. Mary’s Church

Saturday 22nd March

Saturday Lunches – 12pm St. Mary’s Church

Next Sunday – 23rd March (Lent 3)

8.00am – Holy Communion – All Saints

10:00am – Sung Holy Communion – St Marys

10.30am – Cafe Church – All Saints

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen

 

Blessings

 

Fr Kester de Oliveira