Dear All

How are you all?

I feel that as we approach this season of Lent we are on that journey towards Easter and all that means as we once again discover the meaning of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The joy of celebrating Christmas is behind us as we begin our journey to the Cross.

And I wonder, how are you going to journey through Lent this year? Are you a person who gives things up like alcohol or chocolate, or fasts from tv or technology as is your tradition or do you do something positive that benefits others as you journey through Easter.

I have been pondering this and as well as our Bible Study that will take us through Lent, which is:-

The Bible Course – (please sign up if you want the study guide. Join me at the Rectory every Wednesday at 7.30 pm through Lent and beyond – see the Welcome sheet for more details and the sign up list at the back of church). This course will give us an amazing overview of the whole Bible and where everything fits into the story of God.

If you would like a positive impact on our world - I am attaching the Christian Aid – Count your Blessings resource that you can use throughout Lent, ultimately raising money towards world poverty. You can access it here….

count-your-blessings-2024-v1.1.pdf (christianaid.org.uk)

Or perhaps you would like to do something practical that benefits our own local community?

For instance; how about if we commit to giving generously to the Pop Up shop during Lent – here is my suggestion:-

Week 1 we focus on bringing soft drinks for that week.

Moving on as follows:-

Week 2 – cans of food.

Week 3 – dried goods

Week 4 - Cereals or household products.

Week 5 – chocolate (small Easter eggs)

Week 6 – Special Easter food

This will call us to sacrifice some of our wealth but it will benefit others who are struggling.

We are also able to celebrate Pancake Day with the children in our community with our Annual Pancake Party at Gilston and Eastwick Village Hall on Tuesday 13th February from 3.00 – 5.00 pm – we are looking for people to help with this, so please drop me an e-mail if you can help on that day.

As to our services - we begin our Lent journey with our Ash Wednesday service next week on 14th February at St James at 7.30 pm and will continue through to a glorious celebration on Easter Day.

My hope is that during Easter our journey will benefit others and ourselves as we learn more about ourselves, more about the story of God and turn to the light of Jesus Christ carrying it out into our world.

Your Priest

Alison

Romans 15:13 ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit