Dear Friends,

I reflected recently on Lent and the fact that it starts much later this year.

Lent started on 14th February 2024. It starts on March 5th this year.

Are we blessed to have more time to prepare for Lent?

Are we open to what God wants for us in Lent, preparing our hearts for Jesus?

The Church of England Lent theme this year is Living Hope, we are called to deepen our hope in God and be a part of what God is doing to bring hope to the world.  As we draw nearer to finding out more and making a choice to join fit for mission, my hope is to make a bigger difference locally, to draw people into God’s kingdom.

Our little section of the world has been rocked to the core recently, after the events of July 2024. We were blessed to see our churches response in bringing love and hope to the residents of Hart Street, by the whole street waking to ‘you are loved balloons’ on Valentine’s day.

I am part of a health journey with 800,000 other women across the country, we are encouraged to have a gratitude journal and record in that journal each day, what we are thankful for.

What a blessing it is to record the simple things in life, thankful for a roof over my head, a meal to put on the table, warm clothes to wear. Most of all thankful for the hope and love I have for the Lord Jesus and placing my faith, hope and love in him.  Are we ready to deepen our hope in God as we start our Lenten journey?  As readers, as we approach Lent, we look forward to welcoming you in Church for our Lent services, March 11th St Cuthbert, 18th St Stephen, 25th St John at 7pm in Church and 1st April St Cuthbert and 8th April St Stephen.

We look forward to welcoming all to our services of Lent.

Yours in Christ