Lent is traditionally a time of prayer, fasting and giving in order to prepare us for the story of Easter. We are invited to a simpler lifestyle, a more prayerful day and to consider how we can give to help others because of all that Jesus did for us.
Prayer
This year there are opportunities to pray for the environment, to learn about different types of prayer and to consider the contemplative side of prayer.
Bag for Lent-you are invited to pick up a small bag of objects and each week pray for a different aspect of the natural world.
Prayer Course-This year we are running a course on prayer during Lent. Each session focuses on a different type of prayer and will be followed by Holy Communion. It will take place on a Wednesday from 10.00-11.30am If you would like to join please email her-sarahtierney336@gmail.com. Venues to follow.
Daily reflections-using this link you can sign up for the Church of England Daily Lent Reflection. It can come straight into your email account. There are Bible readings, short reflections and a practical challenge, as well as prayers linked to weekly themes.
Small groups will have a special focus for Lent and there will be Lent lunches in Barrowby, every other week (details to follow), in Harlaxton Church on the 7th March between 12.00-1.30pm, St Sebastian's Great Gonerby on the 11th March between 12-1pm and St Andrew's Denton on the 21st March between 12-1pm. Our Lent lunches are a simple meal of bread and soup and this year we are trying where possible to use ingredients that are Local, Organic, Animal friendly or Fair trade. All donations will be for a local or national charity that transforms the lives of others.
Fasting-The Lenten 40-day period before Easter gives us the opportunity to reflect on the practice of fasting and commit to giving up something that brings a real benefit to nature and helps address climate change. Take time to pray, reflect and consider these options – pick one or two or however many you’d like (you never know the changes might just stick!)https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/go-green-er-for-lent/ Or Rev'd Sarah has emailed out a list of other possibilities!
Walk to Church Challenge-this Lent why not take up the challenge to walk to Church each Sunday? Or if that is impossible, could you car share?
Earth Hour-On Saturday 23rd March between 8.30and 9.30pm millions of people around the world will turn off their lights for Earth Hour. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Europe to Asia to the Americas have stood in darkness during previous Earth Hours. Some people enjoy Earth Hour with a candle-lit dinner or a candle-lit bath, while others host large events or parties, either in darkness or with candles. For more information go to-https://www.wwf.org.uk/earth-hour