Dear Friends,
I imagined, like all of you, that I wouldn’t be writing the editorial for this month’s edition of the Messenger! Unfortunately a new incumbent wasn’t appointed in November, but the good news is that the advert is now live again on the Pathways website (link below):
https://www.cofepathways.org/members/modules/job/detail.php? record=9821
Meanwhile, we continue to thrive as a parish, thanks mainly to our volunteers and office holders, and of course, to you our wonderful parishioners, for supporting them and remaining steadfast in your faith and attendance. I am sure the reason is.prayer.
Prayer is at the heart of every church and Christian person, and by the time you read this magazine, we will be in the second week of Lent, which is the most intense period of prayer in the calendar. It is a time of reflection, to take stock of our lives, to examine ourselves in the light of the sacrifice that Jesus made on the Cross for our sins.
In Lent, we are called to do several things. Prayer; alongside prayer is the need for Repentance, not simply to say or feel sorry, but to actively turn away from sin and toward the light of Christ. Then Fasting, or as most people say, giving something up for Lent.
However, the intention should be ‘Spiritual Focus’ not using Lent as an excuse to give up smoking or sweets! (I’m guilty of that one.) Fasting is not just about giving up food either; it is a spiritual discipline aimed at drawing closer to God. To summarise; we are encouraged to use this time of Lent for:
• Prayer: Increased prayer and meditation on Scripture.
• Repentance: be genuine in being sorry and seek forgiveness
• Fasting: to abstain from things that make us weak or selfish
Charity: Engaging in acts of kindness and charity, reflecting the teachings of Jesus.
• Community: Participating in church services and community activities to strengthen faith and fellowship.
Lent is a time for all the above; but not forgetting preparation for the celebration of Easter. The discipline of Lent emphasizes the importance of turning away from distractions to focus on one's relationship with God.
All that remains is for me to pray that your Lent will be personally refreshing and meaningful; and that we all pray unceasingly that God will send the right person to be our vicar. Thank you and God Bless all of you.
Rev Peter, Priest in Vacancy