Dear Friends,

As I write this, Epiphany was yesterday (the 6th of January) and we are still, for some traditions, in the season of Christmas-tide (ending on the 2nd of February, Candlemas). Having done my best to avoid being rail-roaded into Christmas by all the commercialism of what should be a quiet time of watching and waiting (Advent), I was rather alarmed/depressed/angry (other adjectives are available) to hear from a friend (complete with photos to prove it) that some shops are already offering... yes, Easter eggs.

There's a certain satisfying, comforting rhythm to the Church's year. Like the monthly, gardening and farming calendars, it encourages us to take each activity and celebration in its proper time. It gives us the opportunity to think about what we're doing and why, whether it's joyful (Christmas, Easter Sunday), sorrowful (Good Friday) or contemplative (Remembrance Sunday).

This year, February brings us Valentine's Day (of course!), but also, a few days later, Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. But there are, in addition to these well-known festivals, men and women remembered who gave their lives to God's service, and the service of the people among whom they lived. At a time of year that is often rather cold and wet, and in a geo-political climate that is very concerning, here are a few reasons to be cheerful: some may be new to you.

Commemorations in February:

• 1st February: St Brigid (died about 525), Ireland – compassion and leadership.
• 3rd February: Anskar (died in 865), France/Sweden/Denmark – care for the poor, patron saint of Denmark.
• 6th February: Martyrs of Japan (1597) – 36 men and women, lay and ordained.
• 17th February: Archbishop Janani Luwum (1977), Uganda – martyr for justice.
• 27th February: George Herbert (born 1593), Salisbury – poet and hymn writer.

The primroses, early rhubarb and bluebell shoots have all been putting in their usual early appearance in my garden: God is the Father Who made and loves us, and we can go forward into Spring trusting His care, whatever the world (and some of its crazy leaders) throws at us.

May God bless us all.

Liz Lampard