Marking Lent

KEEPING A GOOD LENT......at St. Laurence. St. Giles and St. John

The season of Lent is drawing very close. It begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22. It approaches just as winter seems to have taken a belated grip. But Lent is also a sign that winter does not have the last word. The name ‘Lent' derives from an Old English word which means literally ‘Spring'. Lent is meant as springtime for the soul - a time when we can embark on new beginnings - blossom and grow in our Christian pilgrimage, in our seeking after God.

This year, to help with this, there is an extensive range of possibilities for all who belong to the three Ludlow town Anglican churches. Too often, we leave it to others to take Lent seriously. This year there is something to suit all tastes and all stages - so we invite everyone to select one or more of the following possibilities and to take advantage of what is on offer.

Here is a prayer to help us as we move into Lent:-

Thanks be to you, our Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which you have given us, for all the pains and insult which you have borne for us

Most merciful Redeemer, friend and Brother, may we know you more clearly, love you more dearly and follow you more nearly, day by day.
St Richard of Chichester

CTAL Lent Course

This year's CTAL Lent Course makes use of this year's York Course -‘Rich Inheritance - Jesus Legacy of Love'. Using the course, small mixed groups will reflect on the basics of the Christian faith, asking what is ‘Jesus' legacy of love' for his followers today. Discussions will take place in small, ecumenical house groups. Look out for the opportunity to sign up for one of them and to take part in them during Lent. See www.yorkcourses.co.uk for more details

Soul Spark

‘Soul Spark'; is the name of this year's Hereford Diocesan Lent Course. Sessions will be led by members of St. Laurence's and St. Giles' congregations, and will run on Wednesday mornings from 10-12 at St. Giles throughout Lent, beginning on Wednesday, February 29. The course invites participants to explore the meaning and power of Christian prayer. ‘My relationship with God has been enriched, giving me a renewed sense of my purpose in life' wrote one previous participant in this course.

The course is aimed at broadening approaches to prayer by introducing participants to various ways of praying.

Those who wish to take part do not need to sign up in advance - simply turn up on Wednesday mornings. See www.soulspark.org.uk for more information on the course

Night Prayer at St. Giles

Night Prayer will take place at St. Giles each Monday evening during Lent at 6.00 pm, starting on Monday, February 27. Liturgy, music (including plainchant and Taize) will help us focus on what Lent is about and allow some space to reflect on the Lenten journey

Compline and Address at St. John's

Compline and Address will take place at St. John's at 7.30 pm on Wednesday evenings during Lent from February 29. The Addresses will be on the theme ‘The Miracles of Christ'

Sunday Parish Eucharists

Preachers and themes during Lent