As a young man, on two occasions I decided to give up alcohol for Lent. One year, I was successful, not drinking a drop until Easter Day. Yippee! I was so proud of that achievement – which, of course, defeats the whole object of a Lenten discipline. This is not meant to be about our moral strength or determination. Rather, Lent is a season to be more attentive to the presence of God, and our neediness. So, on the other occasion, I managed to avoid alcohol for 36 hours – but, by the Friday evening after Ash Wednesday, I gave up. I can remember sitting in the pub with my pint of beer, thinking “I’ve blown it. What a weakling!”. Until I remembered that wonderful story about two people who go into the Temple (Luke 18). The Pharisee is proud of his achievements; the other one – you or me – says “God, I’ve blown it again. Sorry. How can you help me be better next time? Thank you for not abandoning me”.
Services this weekend for the 9th March 20258:00am. Holy Communion – All Saints
10:00am Holy Communion – St. Mary’s
10:30am Muddy Church – All Saints
4:15pm Generations (Crazy Golf)
Mon 10th 10.30am - Tiny Tots – All Saints
Mon 10th 7.30pm - Lent Group
Tues 11th 10:30am – Music for Toddlers - St. Marys
Weds 12th 9:00am - Celtic Morning Prayer – All Saints
Weds 12th 1.00pm – Lent Group – St Marys
Thursday 13th 10:00am – Holy Communion - St. Mary’s
Saturday 15th 9.30am - Safeguarding Training – All Saints
Saturday 15th 12noon - 2:00pm - Saturday Lunches - St. Mary’s
10:00am – Holy Communion – St. Mary’s
10:30am – Holy Communion – All Saints