Dear friends,

We have arrived into lent! In this season of preparation for Easter I hope that you are able to find a particular rhythm of prayer, perhaps something very different to your usual or maybe just something in addition. This could involve fasting from something or it might involve taking something up. Our lent began together on Wednesday evening with our ashing service with Bishop Viv. Many of us found her words inspiring and helpful and so she has kindly passed her notes on so we can share them with those that weren’t there or for further reflection. She encouraged us to think about appreciating and participating. Instead of asking what we could give up Bishop Viv suggested we might find ways to more fully appreciate the things we love, whether that is taking slow walks to take in God’s creation or becoming a chocolate connoisseur for a season. In these ways we could discover something new this lent. She also invited anyone who would like to get more involved at St Martin’s to come and speak to me about how you could participate. I would always be happy to have a conversation about your skills and gifts that you might like to offer to our community. She ended with a poignant comment about how lent is short, drawing in the idea that we use the ash to reflect upon – our lives here are very brief in the scheme of things. This leads me to ask how am I making the most of my me here? And in terms of lent, how can I not miss out on this opportunity to reflect on how I live?

There will be three very different styles of service on Sunday, spaces for all types of people to process and reflect on how we will engage with lent. First we have our simple spoken communion at 8:30 which will be taken by Rev’d Tim Godden. Next is our monthly café church which Steve and I will lead together, with me for breakfast (or second breakfast), singing and chat over coffee and tea. Finally, Frank Tucker will take a service of evening prayer at 3pm using the ancient words of the Book Of Common Prayer (BCP). Do have a think about which of these might help you to engage but also, whether you might help others by a ending something a little different.

Looking forward to seeing you soon,

Phil