Just two days into our sojourn through March we’ll find ourselves in that great penitential season – Lent. A time to pause, a time to reflect, a time to lay things down, a time to consider the way we live, a time to prepare for the long road to Easter and the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This year across the churches in Betley and Madeley we’ll be exploring some contemplative practices at some “Be Still events” – flyers available from both churches! Our churches will also be partaking in some Guerrilla Examen on Sundays in Lent, do come along one Sunday to find out more! And also in Lent we’re encouraging people to read the late Desmond Tutu’s book, “In God’s Hands” and at some point in early April I’m hoping we’ll have the opportunity to get together with the book and a glass of wine and have a conversation about it.
As well as the long pilgrimage going on through our worship in church this Lent I’m so very conscious that for many in our communities the long walk from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday might actually be the long walk of worry and anticipation ahead of huge price hikes for energy bills. We can expect that many more families in our communities might find themselves thrown mercilessly into fuel poverty – with that in mind, please do continue to bring donations for the Foodbank throughout Lent. Be mindful of each other in this season, some people will be carrying crosses that no one else can see.
Blessings, Rev Tim
Children, Youth and Families Minister – Update
Since the report last month we are delighted to report that we have now reached the 22 pledges we were seeking, with 21 of these already paid into the fund for the first time. It is wonderful too that Betley now wishes also to fund additional hours for the post. We are looking to advertise by Easter, as soon as the details of what Betley is looking for have been added to the job description.
Reaching our target does not mean that we would not still very much welcome further contributions, but these could be for any amount you feel able to pledge, and would no longer need to be for the full £20 – £5, or any other figure, would be most helpful.
