This month sees the beginning of Lent. A traditional time of prayer and fasting where Christians are attentive to their individual discipleship and walk with God. We seek to draw near and deepen our relationship with God through prayer. To co-operate with the Spirit’s transformative work within us through self-discipline and self-giving. To learn more about our faith and how to live well within the kingdom of God. To give sacrificially blessing others. Churches across our diocese will host Bible studies, Lent courses, soup lunches, quiet days and all manner of missional activities. Many church members will read a Lent book, join a study group, give something up, or take on a new challenge through this season. Lent can be a time for great personal growth in our own walk with God. But, is also a time when we recognise we journey with others. During the coming weeks, we can encourage and inspire one another by sharing what we learn and how God is at work in our lives. We can practice the skill and build the habit of sharing our faith with others by. As we journey together through Lent we will see God at work amongst us - in acts of service, in kind deeds, in teaching and learning, in self-giving and self-sacrifice, in community and togetherness. We will have many opportunities to look around us and recognise the kingdom of God in our midst. To encourage and build each other up and to sow seeds of faith amongst our families and friends who haven’t yet found their own faith in God. As we grow in faith through prayer, learning, self-denial and service, let’s encourage, inspire and ‘provoke one another to love and good deeds’ (Hebrews 10:24). Ideas for doing that might be - recommending a book, sharing an insight, telling a story, letting someone know you are praying for them, acts of kindness, words of encouragement, being gracious in difficult situations etc… A challenge for Lent is to encourage a different person in their walk with God every day. We could inspire and encourage 47 different people each, if we are willing to take on the challenge. If we share some of the stories of our Lenten acts through our church newsletters and with our diocesan Comms team then we could encourage even more people in their walk with God this Lent. The Venerable Nicky Fenton Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peaks and Dales
The new Eco church eco tips calendar for 2026can be downloaded <a href="https://arocha.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ARUK-Eco-Tips-Calendar-2026.pdf"><b>here</b></a> and will keep you inspired throughout the year. It has fresh ideas each month and will help to foster a lasting commitment to a greener lifestyle. Sustainability isn’t a one-time effort; it’s a continuous journey. Small actions can lead to significant impact. That’s why our calendar focuses on easy-to-implement tips, so that everyone can contribute, regardless of their lifestyle or schedule.
