What's on - Lent 2010

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The Vicar Writes:

Lent begins in February on 17th February, Ash Wednesday, and it is the season of penitence and preparation for the joys of Easter. Lent is worth taking seriously, not least because a proper observance of Lent helps us celebrate the joy of resurrection all the more when Easter morning comes. The forty days of Lent are modelled on the forty days which Jesus spent fasting in the desert at the beginning of his public ministry. "Giving something up" is the popular way of observing Lent, and is something much to be encouraged. Jesus, after all, spoke about "when" we fast, rather than "if" we fast. If you are giving something up, you may (or may not!) want to remember that the forty days of Lent don't include the Sundays, as Sundays are never days of fasting.

There are other ways of observing Lent too. Many people will opt for a regular discipline of prayer: even something very small, done regularly throughout Lent, will be a valuable spiritual preparation for Easter. Many people also give something extra to charity during Lent, and look for opportunities to help their neighbours in acts of service. The Lent charity lunches on Wednesdays in our church hall are one way of doing this. For many Christians, Lent is also the time they usually receive the sacrament of reconciliation, also called confession. This is an opportunity to receive a personal absolution, and is open to everyone, whether it's something you have done before or not. Get in touch with the Vicar if you'd like to know more.

A way of observing Lent which has become popular in recent years is that of using the time for studying some aspect of the faith. Our Lent course is provided with this in mind. This year we will be looking at "What is an Anglican?" Anglicanism is very much in the news at the moment, as debates about who should be able to become a bishop, and the Church of England's relations with other church, are the controversies of the day. I thought that some time spent in learning and discussion about our Anglican heritage seemed very appropriate in these circumstances, as each of us seeks to form our own opinion on these questions. Tuesdays evenings from 23rd February, 8 for 8.15 in the Church Hall, all welcome (you don't have to be a regular at St Mary's to come along). If you can't make the Lent course, or would like something to read on your own, I can recommend either of two books by Timothy Radcliffe: "What is the point of being a Christian?" and "Why go to Church?"

Both are accessible paperbacks that will generate plenty of food for thought.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0860123693/ref=s9_simi_gw_s9_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0CKXMBMR6D8BCD0XFY94&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467198433&pf_rd_i=468294
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0826499562/ref=s9_simi_gw_s0_p14_i2?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=1ZN1DJVQ60YA39AAX98D&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467198433&pf_rd_i=468294

May God give you the grace to keep a holy season of Lent!