Celebrations before Lent

STOP PRESS – Lent Lunches begin Friday 14 March (not this Friday 7 March as was announced in Church).

If Lent is a time of year when things become a little bit more reflective, it’s not surprising that people might like to use the last few days before it starts as a time for some fun and celebration. That’s why we’re looking forward to today’s Pancake Party to mark Shrove Tuesday—do come long for the fun!

That’s also why it was so good on Saturday afternoon to have—thanks to the great initiative of Theo Mezger—the evening of Pop and Rock with Nick Ferretti. The medieval church of St Mary’s was certainly transported into the modern world and injected with tons of vibrancy and energy!

Screenshot

That’s also why it was so good to have so many enjoying the sunshine at Café Church on Sunday afternoon and then coming inside to be led by some of our UTX children. Frazer and Finlay, together with George, each shared their favourite Bible verses—all followed by a short but lovely time of worship. Thanks to all who made this such a great occasion—but especially to our young people for giving such a great lead!

The Bible Reading for the Sunday before Lent is often focused on the Transfiguration of Jesus—an opportunity to behold the glory of Jesus before he sets out on his way to the cross. I hope the recording of the sermon on Luke 9 may encourage you—especially if you are feeling you are going through a difficult season and need to hear again of God’s love for you:

Ash Wednesday

Here is a reminder of what is going on tomorrow—on Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday is a quietly important day in the Church’s Year—an opportunity to humble ourselves appropriately before the Lord. For Jesus said, ‘those who humble themselves will be exalted, but those who exalt themselves will be humbled’ (Luke 18:14). So we will be marking it in two different ways.

Daytime: St Swithun’s, Martyr Worthy will be open throughout the day. The church will be laid out with a simple cross on the chancel steps and there will be some prayer cards available—offering people a selection of psalms, prayers or Bible passages that might help them in their silent prayers. I will be there at 12.30pm and those who want to join me in praying through the prayer card would be most welcome to do so.

Evening: In the evening our Holy Communion service will be at 7.00pm in St John’s, Itchen Abbas. This will be a quiet, reflective service, with some recorded music to help in a time of private meditation; there will also be the imposition of ashes for those who wish to receive this ministry.

Revd Peter