Lent is a special time in the Christian Year when people get ready for Easter. It lasts for 40 days - not counting Sundays - and begins on Ash Wednesday, the 18th February. This season reminds Christians of the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, praying and preparing for his ministry.
During Lent, many people choose to give up something they enjoy, like sweets or screen time. Perhaps they try to do something kind, such as helping others. Some people read the Bible more, join church activities, or give to charity as a way of showing love and care. This is because Lent is a season of reflection, self‑discipline, and learning to be more like Jesus.
Lent is a time to think about how we can grow to be more like the people God made us to be. Just as spring brings new life to the world, Lent helps Christians prepare for the joy of Easter - the celebration of Jesus rising again and bringing forgiveness and new beginnings to us.
Lent can feel serious, but it is full of hope. Lent reminds us that everyone can make a fresh start, and that acts of kindness and thoughtfulness can make a big difference. By the time Easter arrives, we can be ready to celebrate the new life and love that Jesus brings.

SHARE IN WORSHIP - Jesus said, "Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."
SHARE IN PRAYER - Jesus said, "Remain in me and I will remain in you."
SHARE THE SCRIPTURES - Jesus met his disciples on the road and opened the Scriptures to them.
SHARE IN COMMUNION - Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of me."
SHARE IN SERVICE - Jesus said, "As you do it for the least of these, you do it for me."
SHARE THE GOOD NEWS - Jesus said, "Go and make disciples of all nations."

We had a well attended service at St James the Great, Salt to celebrate World Day of Prayer.
Twenty or so members of the benefice joined with the thousands of women from around the world celebrating with their Nigerian sisters. The stories told resonate with the struggles felt by many around the world today. With faith, hope and love we can be your light in the world.

Electoral Roll 2026
The Parish Electoral Roll is being updated this month from March 10th to 31st. If you are not already on the Roll and you wish to be admitted, please complete an application form, available in church, before the end of the month. Although anyone can attend the AGM on Thursday 16th April, you must be on the Electoral Roll in order to have a vote at that meeting.

OUR NEXT SERVICE IS:
2nd April Service for Maunday Thursday at 8-00pm, St. James' Church, Salt.

OUR OTHER SERVICES:
3rd April Good Friday Workshop, St. Andrew's C of E Primary School, Ferrers Rd, Weston. ST18 0JN
5th April Easter Sunday Holy Communion at 11-15am, led by Rev'd Duncan Leake.
12th April Praise Together Holy Communion and Christening at 10-00am, St. Andrew's Church, Weston, led by Rev'd Vivienne Starkie and Andy Cooper.
19th April Breakfast Service at 9-30am, Hixon Guide Hall, led by Kate Tague.
26th April Holy Communion at 11-15am, led by Rev'd Vivienne Starkie.

For services in other churches please click on "Church Services Across Mid-Trent Team" to see our service rotas.
We try to make our church services as friendly as possible. Please don’t worry about getting things ‘wrong’. Even if they notice, people won’t mind. At Communion services, everyone is equally welcome, whether you feel able to share the bread and wine or prefer just to stay seated for a time of quiet. Finally, we are interested in you, not what you are wearing - but note that in the winter it can be difficult to heat our church so you may need to wrap up warm!