The Rector Writes – March 2009
Dear Friends
The season of Lent began this year with Ash Wednesday on 25th February. Its forty days, excluding Sundays, reflect the length of time which Jesus spent in the desert immediately after his baptism, being tempted by Satan. Just as those who want to remind themselves of a loved one far away who is facing difficulties will sometimes forgo some luxury or make the effort to write to them, so there is a tradition of either denying oneself some small treat or of servig God or his people in a different way as we think of Jesus there.
The name Lent means Spring, when we become aware of the quiet growth which has taken place underground during the seemingly lifeless months of winter. Many Christians feel challenged to resource their lives throughout the year by investing in some form of devotion or study during the six weeks of Lent. This might involve reading, trying a different form of prayer from their usual, or attending a series of talks or meetings for discussion. I particularly commend the Lent Course, details of which are printed in the Parish magazine. This is now the third time this type of material has been used in the parish. (We meet at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall during Mondays in March and always start off with a drink and a biscuit).
I have been reluctant to offer a general invitation for confirmation preparation. It is far more effective for me to encourage those who have expressed some interest in deepening their commitment to the Church and who have demonstrated more than a passing interest by regular attendance. The principal reason why someone should consider confirmation is their desire to receive the bread and wine of Holy Communion which Jesus left as a memorial of his death for us and as a reminder that we would one day return. The deanery of Hawarden, the group of parishes to which we belong, has organised a series of talks on Communion to be held in Bistre, Buckley, on Tuesday afternoons and evenings during March. It would be suitable as part of the preparation for the confirmation of adults. Ask me for details.
Yours sincerely
Martin Snellgrove