Dear friends,
I cannot remember a spell of weather quite like this. The rain has been relentless at times. It almost feels biblical. And yet, the story of our faith reminds us that flood is never the final chapter. The waters do recede. The ground does dry. New life does come. Then we hold on to hope and perhaps say a small prayer that March brings a little warmth with it.
By the time you read this, we will already be well into Lent. Some of you will keep it carefully. Some may observe it lightly. Some may not mark it at all. All are welcome. Lent is not about ticking spiritual boxes. It is an invitation to slow down and pay attention.
Giving something up can be helpful. Taking something on can be helpful. But only if it draws us into a deeper awareness of God in the middle of everyday life. Otherwise, it can become habit for habit’s sake. At its heart, Lent is about making space. Space to reflect. Space to pray. Space to notice where life is growing and where it feels thin. Space to remember that we are loved beyond measure.
As mentioned in January, our Lent course has already begun and you are very welcome to join us as we explore the Lord’s Prayer together. It is a prayer many of us know well, yet when we linger with it, it opens-up fresh insight and challenge.
As we walk through these weeks, I pray that we sense God at work among us. Renewal is not always loud. Often it is quiet and persistent. The Church continues to be a sign of a love that gives itself away, a love we see most clearly in Jesus.
That love carries us toward Easter. Once again, we will join with our friends at Creech Baptist Church for the Walk of Witness on Good Friday and our shared services, including the Hour at the Cross at St. Michael’s at 2pm as usual. There is something deeply moving about standing together in that moment, facing the cross honestly, and waiting for the dawn that follows.
You may have heard that our Breakfast Service now meets at Ruishton School on the 4th Sunday of each month at 10am. It has been a real gift to gather in that space and to see new faces alongside familiar ones. Do come and join us for croissants, crumpets and toast, with a little fruit for those watching our waistlines. And then our ever-popular skittles evening takes place on Monday 2nd March from 7pm. Expect laughter, friendly rivalry, good food and probably a few wild throws. We also have a quiz that sits alongside for those who don’t play. All for £10.00 per head.
As Easter approaches, my prayer is that each of us might find room to draw a little closer to God in whatever way feels real and honest. That we continue to discover meaning, courage and hope in the story of a God whose love reaches further than we imagine.
With every blessing,
Lee