The Journey of Lent … A Story of the SoulThe wind whispers through the wilderness, forty days and forty nights. A lone figure walks, fasting, praying, tempted, yet unshaken.This is the path of Lent — A road of surrender, a season of preparation. The days stretch onward like the desert sands calling the heart to silence; the soul to search. What must we release? What must we embrace? In hunger, we acknowledge our dependence. In stillness, we hear the whisper of God.The journey presses forward— past the palms waving, the shouts of “Hosanna!” toward an upper room, where bread is broken, where love bends low to wash another’s feet.Then, the night thickens. A garden, a kiss, a betrayal. A cross rises on a barren hill. The world weeps as Love is crucified.But Lent does not end in sorrow. It lingers in waiting, in the hush of Holy Saturday, until dawn breaks, and the stone is rolled away. Until sorrow is swallowed by light. Until death is undone by the Risen One.Lent is the story of us all— wandering, repenting, returning. It is a season of emptying, that we may be filled anew. Come, let us walk this road together, And draw closer through prayer and reflection.
Lenten Reflection Guide A Journey of Renewal and Transformation Introduction to Lent Lent is a sacred season of 40 days, beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Holy Saturday, just before Easter Sunday. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal—a journey of drawing closer to God through prayer, fasting, and acts of mercy. Each week of Lent carries a theme that invites us to deepen our faith and prepare our hearts for the joy of the Resurrection. Week 1: The Wilderness – A Time of Testing Scripture: "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." (Matthew 4:1) The wilderness is a place of testing but also of transformation. Jesus' 40 days in the desert teach us that struggle refines us. In solitude, we confront our distractions and deepen our reliance on God. Reflection Questions: What spiritual distractions keep me from fully embracing God’s presence? How can I embrace the silence of Lent to listen more deeply to God's voice? Action Step: Spend time in quiet reflection each day, whether in prayer, journaling, or simply being still. Week 2: The Call to Repentance – Turning Back to God Scripture: "Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15) Repentance is not just about acknowledging sin; it is about realigning our hearts with God's purpose. Like the prodigal son, we are invited to return home, where grace and mercy await us. Reflection Questions: Where is God calling me to make a change in my life? What burdens or habits do I need to let go of? Action Step: Make an intentional effort to reconcile with someone or seek forgiveness where needed. Week 3: The Call to Mercy – Loving as Christ Loves Scripture: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." (Luke 6:36) True fasting is not only abstaining from food but also embracing love in action. Lent calls us to acts of mercy—feeding the hungry, caring for the lonely, and seeking justice for the oppressed. Reflection Questions: How can I extend kindness and mercy to others this week? Is there someone in my life who needs my forgiveness or compassion? Action Step: Perform one act of kindness each day, whether through words, service, or prayer. Week 4: The Light in the Darkness – Hope in the Journey Scripture: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12) Lent can feel heavy, but even in sacrifice, we find hope. Jesus reminds us that the path to the cross is not one of despair but of transformation. His light is always with us. Reflection Questions: Where do I see God’s light breaking through in my life? How can I be a source of hope and encouragement to others? Action Step: Write down three blessings each day as a reminder of God’s presence. Week 5: The Call to Surrender – Trusting God's Will Scripture: "Not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:42) In Gethsemane, Jesus surrendered fully to God’s plan. Lent invites us to do the same—to let go of our fears and trust in God's greater purpose. Reflection Questions: What am I holding onto that I need to release into God's hands? How can I grow in faith and trust this season? Action Step: Pray a prayer of surrender, offering your worries and desires to God.
Our beautiful historic church building has a meaning and purpose, which has survived for centuries, through all the challenges that each generation has faced. We are delighted to start opening our church every day providing a beacon of hope during the most difficult of economic times.Exciting News!We are planning to open our church daily to visitors! Whether you seek a quiet moment of prayer, a place for reflection, or simply wish to admire the beauty of our sacred space, you are warmly welcome.More details will follow soon, but we look forward to offering a place of peace and community every day.Stay tuned for updates!
ESK PARISHES LENT TALKS 2025 The Lent Talks this year will be given by Rt Rev Peter Ramsden. They will be held in the Esk Lounge, Longtown Memorial Community Centre. From 2 pm to 3.30 pm. Theme: ‘This is the Word of the Lord.’ Wednesday March 12th: What is the Bible? Wednesday March 19th: The Making of the Bible Wednesday March 26th: Use and abuse of the Bible: the beginning and end Wednesday April 2nd: Use and abuse of the Bible: power and politics Wednesday April 9th: ‘A Lantern to my feet and a Light upon my path’ Bishop Peter writes: ‘The Bible is not only one of the most familiar of books but also one of the most enigmatic. It is the world’s best seller and has shaped history. It was written over thousands of years by many different authors, and y et speaks to us personally today. All we know of Jesus comes from the Bible. Come and explore the world of the Bible this Lent!’ Peter Ramsden (BSc., MA) has been a priest in Newcastle Diocese and subsequently for ten years, priest in Aipo Diocese in the Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea. From 2007 until 2014 he was Bishop of Port Moresby, Papua, New Guinea. ALL ARE WELCOME: OPEN TO FRIENDS OF ALL DENOMINATIONS OR OF NONE!
