Next month we move into Lent which begins on Ash Wednesday, this year February 17.

Lent is that six-week period leading up to Easter, a time of reflection and prayer, a time when people often ‘give up’ something – chocolate, alcohol, social media etc – as a type of self-discipline and active reflection.

It is a solemn time but also a time of looking forward, moving from the barren darkness of winter to the new life and light of spring. This winter has been particularly dark as we have faced Covid-19 and all that this has meant, but there is hope that we are on a slow journey to light.

With this in mind, our Lent observance will focus on looking forward and looking outwards, seeing how we can grow our ministry to our community.

There will be a sermon series in the three Sunday services at the churches plus the Wednesday service at St Mark’s, and in the online Sunday Morning service. This will start on February 21. The Lent groups will also be following this theme and will meet on Zoom. They will be on Tuesdays 2.30-4pm, Wednesdays 7.30-9pm and Sundays at 1.30-2.30pm, especially for families.

Please contact Alan on 01252 820537 or revd.alan@badshotleaandhale.org to tell him you are interested in coming to Lent Groups.

If you want to follow your own Lenten reflections here are suggestions of devotional reading, courses and books.