Church News Volume 1, Issue 7

Dear friends,

There are turning points in every life; and that of Jesus was no exception. At the age of twelve He came to realize that God was His Father in a unique way. At His Baptism in the River Jordan, Jesus heard a voice from Heaven, the voice of His Father. At the beginning of Lent we think of the story of Jesus' temptations in the wilderness, when He confronted His Adversary. All these were important turning points in His life. What are the turning points in our lives?

Do we ever pause for a while and look back, and consider the decisions and events which have made us what we are and have brought us to where we are? The beginning of Lent is no bad time to take this reflective look.

Regrets there may be - the opportunities we did not take, decisions that turned out to be wrong ones, events that seemed to go wrong. We all have something of this sort in our histories. But with mistakes and errors there will also be those decisions we are glad we took, events that did turn out well, the unexpected happinesses that came upon us.

Lent is a time for being sorry for our mistakes and reflecting upon how we can make sure we don't repeat them again. It is also a time for thanking God for the good things that have come our way and the way in which we can see His hand guiding us along life's way.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday ( 8th March) and there are two Holy Communion services for that day; 8.00am and 7.30pm, both at Wickhambrook Church. As is the tradition and custom of the Church at this time, during the services, those who wish can be "ashed" as a sign of their penitence. The sign of the cross is made on the forhead with ashes reminding us that we are all dust and to dust we shall all return.

Wednesdays during Lent will be celebrated with Holy Communion at 7.30pm in Wickhambrook Church followed by a discussion group at the Vicarage.

Do come to Church in Lent and say sorry for the sins of the past, give thanks for the blessings you have been given, and resolve to lead a better life in the future.

Your friend and Vicar,

Revd Ian M. Finn

News Letter Archive.