As January draws to a close and February begins, many people find life quite difficult. The January blues seem to linger on and, if the weather does not improve, some people can become quite depressed. While we have had a mild winter, the scenes of flooding and its accompanying devastation cause shock, horror and concern to us all.
It is good then that the church holds the season of Lent at this time. Lent is a time of penitence and self denial. It is a chance to reflect, consider and make changes. It is also a time to help others when those who are in need, who are depressed, or facing difficulties, should be the focus of our prayers.
We can also use Lent to look back to Christmas and forward to Easter. As I look back to Christmas I have a deep sense of gratitude in my heart. Many people came to church for the first time in the Christmas period; all our services had greater attendances than the previous year. In excess of 2,500 people came through our doors. Money was raised to buy a tent for refugees in Calais (£500), three hundred and twenty five shoeboxes were sent to needy children, and dozens of shopping bags were filled brimful with groceries and given to the food-bank. There was a real sense of God’s presence all around us.
January began with a wonderful baptism service at which many people came forward to renew their baptismal vows and to set their face to follow Christ as effective disciples. There was a very positive and good spirit in the church which is reaching out across the whole community.
As we look forward to Easter with Lent as our guide, we remember that Jesus took up His cross, set His face towards Jerusalem and lived sacrificially so others could benefit and find the hope and consolation they needed in their darkest hours. At Christ Church we will be copying that as we seek to be better disciples.
Good discipleship and a good use of Lent will mean seeking out those people who are alone, who can easily be overlooked or forgotten and who might just need a cheerful phone call or the offer of a cup of coffee. For those with particular needs there is always the gift of prayer and practical support. The most important thing is not to be alone and, as hard as it may be, to seek out consolation in the company of others.
Of course, we are still grieving for the loss of Jackie Smith, Head of Abbots Green School, whose funeral was taken a few days before Christmas and the whole community misses somebody who has given so much. But the good news of Jesus Christ is that there is a life beyond the grave, in heaven with Him; something that Jackie knew very well indeed. That is why we can look forward to Easter and its special message with such hope and confidence in these dark and difficult times.
Here at Christ Church, Moreton Hall, we will continue to pray for the entire estate, as we do on a daily basis. We will continue to be a place of hope and reassurance which is open to all as we give ourselves in service to Him by serving you. Please be assured of our care and support as we travel through January and February into the glorious hope of springtime and Easter in March.
With every good wish,
Yours sincerely,
Revd. Canon Jonathan Ford.
Minister Christ Church Moreton Hall
FEBRUARY SERVICES:
SUNDAY 7th FEBRUARY
8.30am Holy Communion
10.30am All Age Worship
6.30pm New Wine DVD
WEDNESDAY 10th FEBRUARY
7.30pm Holy Communion for Ash Wednesday
SUNDAY 14th FEBRUARY
10.30am Morning Worship
6.30pm Healing Communion
SUNDAY 21st FEBRUARY
10.30am Holy Communion
6.30pm Prayer Evening
SUNDAY 28th FEBRUARY
10.30am Morning Worship
6.30pm A Time of Refreshing
