Lent may orginally have followed Epiphany, just as Jesus' time in the wilderness followed on from his baptism, but it soon became attached to Easter, as a time of preparation for baptism and the reconciliation of those who had been excluded from Church followship. This development explains why Lent has come to be a time for self-examination, penitence, self-denial, study and preparation for Easter.As the candidates for baptism prepared the whole Christian community was invited to join them in study and repentance for the 40 days that reminds us of Jesus time of temptation in the desert. So there are 40 daily opportunities to journey deeper into the personal and eternal significance of Jesus' life and ministry. A focused course of study through the days of Lent allows time alone with God that Jesus found essential to prepare for his earthly ministry. Spending time apart from the world in a time of close communion with God is essential for Christians and Christian communities who earnestly seek to know their purpose and calling in the world today.During Lent 2022 we are offering two opportunities to gather as community to consider our relationship with God and each other. See the attached leaflets for details of both courses. You are welcome to attend either or both or you may prefer to follow a course of study and reflection alone. The following resources might be useful https://www.chpublishing.co.uk/features/lent-resources
