MARCH MESSAGE

LENT

The season of Lent in our churches begins on Ash Wednesday (Wed 5 MAR) and continues until Easter (Sun 20 APR)  so this is 40 days. This reminds us of the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness and preparing for his ministry. In the past many Christians decided to give something up for Lent, (like chocolate or wine),  and some people still do this. These days however the emphasis might be on other ways that we can draw closer to God.

This Lent we are encouraged to put down deep roots of hope

by connecting with God who is with us at all times.

The Church of England’s Lent theme for 2025 is Living Hope.

In Lent we journey with Jesus on the difficult and thorny road that leads all the way to the cross on Good Friday – and beyond, to the transformation of Easter Day.

God invites us to bring to him our own journey through everyday life. In the disappointment of daily setbacks and the pain of deeper hurts, we discover that God is present with us. And God promises a future where all things are healed and made new.

Living Hope offers us the opportunity to deepen our hope in God

and be part of what God is doing to bring hope in the world.

There are 40 daily reflections in a book called “Living Hope” and we hope to have a few copies of this book available in our churches. But it is also possible to sign up to receive these daily reflections free of charge by e-mail each day during Lent and there is even an App you can download.

I will put some more information about all this on our benefice website at https://www.kmkmm.org

Brian Turner … Churchwarden St Mary’s Knockin.