Dear Friends,
This week we change gear and pace as we move into Lent.
A little word
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Joel 2.12-13 (NIV)
Lent is upon us. It can sometimes be a game of spiritual one-upmanship, as we try to outdo each other with what we have chosen to give up. The real benefit of Lent is an inner transformation, a time for self-reflection and stock-taking. I hope our daily readings and course will help with that process.
Things to pray for
- Give thanks that God is always ready to welcome back those who have drifted away.
- For our Lent course as we learn from God, the wider church, and each other.
- For schools and families on a 1/2 term break.
Sunday services
9.15am Sunday Gathering
10.30am Holy Communion
Sunday before Lent
Readings: 2 Cor 4.3-6 & Mark 9.2-9
No CoGs children’s group this Sunday
Refreshments to follow.
7pm Reflective
this week is a meditation
Lent Course 2024
We mark the start of Lent on Wednesday with a service in trhe Welcome Centre at 7.30pm.
Starting the following week we are running a lent course on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm in The Welcome Centre, or Tuesdays at 1pm at St. Peter’s. The course is called ‘Watch and Pray’. There are daily reflection booklets for everyone, which you need to pick up asap; they will contribute to our discussion times in the week. These are free, however, a suggested donation of £2 would be appreciated from those who can afford it. You can also access the reflections via email sign-up or an app on your phone.
What’s on?
Wednesday 10am – 1/2 term No Stay and Play
Wednesday 7.30pm – Ash Wednesday Service – in the Welcome Centre
Thursday 10am – Holy Communion in the Welcome Centre followed by coffee and Lunch Club.
Friday 1pm – Craft and Chat -in the Welcome Centre (not on 9/2, as usual 16/2)