Vicar's Message for February

THE TIME TO SHOW OUR LOVE

Probably, if you ask people, what the most memorable date in February is, the majority will say, “the 14th”, Valentine’s Day. It is a day that focuses our attention on love; romantic love with all of its hearts and flowers. That love is to be celebrated and I feel so sorry for all of those people who find themselves separated, for whatever reasons, from those they love on that special date.

In many Februarys we also celebrate Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent). 4th February is the earliest date that Ash Wednesday can be celebrated, and the latest day is March 10th. This year we mark it on 18th February, four days after Valentine’s Day.

Lent is a reminder of real love too. During Lent we think about a particularly sacrificial love as we look towards the time when Jesus gave up his life for us all. Jesus himself said, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13). He did that for us, but I am also very conscious of the many ways in which members of our community, out of their love, give sacrificially for others. This might be caring for frail loved ones, visiting neighbours in need, working in the community supporting people in their own homes and residential care, through Foodbanks, in clubs and societies and in so many other environments.

The level of sacrificial giving from members of our communities that I see is both significant and memorable and I would like to add my thanks to those of so many others for all of the care that is given by so many.

This February I invite you to give thanks for love:

The love of partners, family and friends;

The love of all those who care for us;

The love of God through his sacrificial giving of his Son Jesus Christ for us all.

With grace, peace and every blessing

Paul

Revd Canon K Paul Arthur