Hertingfordbury Parish News: March 2002
Clergy Letter
Dear Friends, As I write this letter, we are approaching the Season of Lent. Tomorrow in fact is Shrove Tuesday and like many others 1 will be cooking pancakes and attempting to toss them!! On Wednesday there will be a Celebration of Holy Communion with the imposition of Ashes (that is the sign of the Cross made on the forehead with the ashes of a last years Palm Cross). it is sad but true that the former will be more readily followed than the latter. I say sad advisedly; for Ash Wednesday is the First Day of Lent; it is the beginning of that Season of Penitence and Preparation for Palm Sunday, Holy Week (which takes In Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and of course Easter Day). During Lent we are encouraged to give up something, usually something that we enjoy, and this frequently means food of some description. is it though really a hardship when we know that in a short space of time we will resume the 'pleasure'? Of course it is not. HOW then to prepare for the sacrifice that God made for us by having HIS Son put to death on a cross? First, I suggest, we give ourselves some time and space to contemplate our way of life, how much time do we give to God compared to that which we give to ourselves. How much time do we spend in prayer, in reading our Bible, in thinking about our neighbour and their needs. on the first three evenings of Holy Week I am offering an opportunity for Meditation, guided into this with recorded words and music; this will be followed by Compline, there will be a few minutes between in order that anyone who wishes to leave may do so. if you come and feel in any way moved to explore further, then I will be happy to talk to you. Perhaps this could be the year when you feel ready for Confirmation, or if already confirmed to offer yourself to lead the Intercessions at the Communion Service. There are lots of ways forward, Bible Study, Laying on of hands and Prayer for Healing, sharing in visiting and welcoming the newly Baptised. Perhaps like me you will see that Lent is not a time purely for giving up the pleasures of life, but for accepting the challenges life offers and there is no greater challenge than the one God gives us through HIS Son who said, 'Follow Me'. You will not walk alone for His promise is to be with us always. with love and blessings, Rev'd RosemaryPlease note: Although the Hertingfordbury Parish News is produced by St. Mary's PCC, the opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the PCC.