Reflection from Nigel PriceMatthew 9:14-1514 Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” 15 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. (NIV)Reflection We are now in the season of Lent, so perhaps appropriate to be thinking about fasting. When the Anglican Benedictine Abbey at Alon was operating, the monks took Wednesday as their fast day and the main meal would be something simple - soup or bread and cheese. But when there were guests, Benedictine hospitality trumped the fast and a proper meal would be laid on. St Benedict was very compassionate with his monks and his Rule contains many exceptions such as this. The Pharisees fasted to commemorate all the disasters that had befallen Israel, but Jesus was teaching his disciples that things had changed -' The Times they are a-changing, as Bob Dylan sang. John's followers and the Pharisees were still waiting for the new day to dawn, but Jesus believed that the sun had already risen. The 'bridegroom' was there and it was time to celebrate, not fast. So where does that leave us today, in the first few days of Lent? St Benedict encourages his monks always to be of Lenten character and particularly so in the time of Lent. It is not a time for abstinence, but a time to draw back from excesses. A time maybe to take on something new that will draw us closer to God. Fast if you will, but do it joyfully!
Lent Wise Course by Paula GooderFive Weeks titled Compass, Nourishment, Light, Shelter and Water.
What’s on in TCMC Dates for your Christmas Diary5th December 5pm-7pm Candles on the Lake Kenwith Castle6th December 10am St Mary’s Coffee Morning-The Royal, Bude Street, Appledore3pm Community Carol Service St Margaret’s10th December to 3rd January Christmas Tree Festival St Margaret’savailable to view when the church is open12th December3pm Ignatian Contemplation Holy Trinity13th December10am Christingle Making St Mary’s2.30pm Christmas Quiz St Margaret’s14th December3pm Christingle Service St Mary’s3pm Christmas Carols with Appledore Band Holy Trinity3.30pm Messy Church Abbotsham Village Hall16th December2.30pm Vintage Christmas St Mary’s Church Hall17th December7pm Recital by Heart and Voice Ensemble St Margaret’s19th December3pm Ignatian Contemplation Holy Trinity21st December9.15am Family Church St Mary’s10am 9 Lessons and Carols St Margaret’s10.30am Morning Worship Holy Trinity10.30pm Morning Worship-9 Lessons and Carols St Helen’s10.30am Holy Communion-9 Lessons and Carols St Mary’s5.30pm Carols@Thirsty St Helen’s22nd December7pm Torchlight Service Appledore St Mary’sDecember 24th – Christmas Eve3pm Carol Service Holy Trinity3pm Crib Service St Mary’s4.30pm Crib Service St Margaret’s9.30pm Bethlehem Communion St Helen’s9.30pm Bethlehem Communion St Margaret’sDecember 25th – Christmas Day10am Christmas Day Service St Margaret’s10.30am Christmas Day Service Holy Trinity10.30am Christmas Day Service St Mary’sDecember 28th10.30am Team Service Holy Trinity
Monday evenings 6:15pm-8:00pm at Holy Trinity Hall Westward Ho! Supper served with tea & coffee Starting 3rd March! For more information call Rev Jules on 07857 946576
