Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and is a forty day period of prayer and preparation as we ready ourselves for the joy of Easter. There are lots of different ways to approach this season but beginning well is certainly key and so I encourage you to come to join us for a service on 26 Feb – Ash Wednesday itself.
Then, what comes next is up to you, but we have plenty of things to choose from. The overall theme is entitled ‘God’s Amazing and Fragile Creation’.
Nobody but the most ardent climate change denier needs telling that we face an environmental catastrophe of huge gravity – quite simply the most important theological issue of our time. As we keep Lent in a variety of ways, we take the opportunity through addresses, worship and discussion to consider the beauty and diversity of God’s creation and our place within it.
Each talk or service does not rely on being at others, so come to what you can or whatever appeals most.
SUNDAYS at 6.30 pm: ALL CREATION SINGS YOUR PRAISE
On Sunday evenings we’re going to be worshipping in a reflective way exploring some of the key themes and motifs of the Lenten season by using Ray Simpson’s resource ‘Reflective Services for Lent’
| 1 March
8 March 15 March 22 March 29 March 5 April |
Stewardship
Water Land Biodiversity Dishonouring Creation The Way of the Cross |
God’s Creation and why it matters
God’s Gift of Water God’s Gift of Land God’s Gift of Animal and Plant Diversity God’s Creation is laid to waste God’s Salvation of the World |
TUESDAYS at 9.00 pm: PANCAKE PEOPLE
On Tuesday evenings we will gather in the Church and be led in a fifteen minute reflection on the five main natural ingredients we need when we make a pancake and what each might say to us about Christian faith and hope. Each address will be followed by a time of quiet and then the prayerful service of Compline.
| 3 March
10 March 17 March 24 March 31 March |
Flour
Salt Egg Milk Oil |
WEDNESDAYS at 7.30 pm: PLANTING PARABLES
During Lent we enhance our usual Wednesday Eucharist with a five minute ‘Thought for the Day’ – an inspiring reflection based on a parable about plants and trees that Jesus used in his teaching.
| 4 March
11 March 18 March 25 March 1 April |
Matthew 13. 3-9, 18-23
Mark 4. 26-29 Mark 4. 30-32 Matthew 13. 24-30 Luke 13. 1-9 |
The Parable of the Sower
The Growing Seed The Mustard Seed The Wheat and the Weeds The Barren Fig Tree |
Churches Together in Redbourn present:
THURSDAYS at 8.00 pm: ‘EXPLORING THE PARABLES’
On Thursday evenings – in a fun and interactive way that uses different senses and a variety of approaches – we will engage with and explore together the message and meaning of some of the parables that Jesus taught. In St Mary’s Transept.
- 5 March The Prodigal Son
- 12 March The Good Samaritan
- 19 March The Parable of the Sower
- 26 March Parables about Judgement
- 2 April The Parable of the Talents
FRIDAYS at 12.15pm: ‘LENT CHARITY LUNCHES’ at Redbourn Methodist Church
On Friday lunchtimes, the Redbourn Churches will take it in turn to provide a simple lunch at the Methodist Church as we share together and socialise. Donations equivalent to the cost of your lunch are invited and these will be given away to the charities we’re supporting this Lent.
6, 13, 20 and 27 March and 3 April
And finally, if you want a little something every day to help you to explore our relationship with God’s creation we have copies of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent Challenge: Live Lent – Care for God’s Creation.
They are usually £1.50 each but we have a limited number to give away. There are two versions of the book – one for adults and one for children to follow each day – please help yourselves.
Whatever you decide to take up or to get involved in, I hope you have a really good Lent.
Yours in Christ,
Will
St Mary's Church, Redbourn 