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Shellrock Ramblings - 21st February
My Dear Friends
Although I have been thinking about the start of the Lenten season for a number of weeks, I discovered on Shrove Tuesday when I was preparing to make pancakes that I only had one egg, and that one I was saving for Robin’s breakfast. So this year, for the first time since I could remember I had no pancakes! That was a shame because I have always enjoyed Shrove Tuesday and the whole ritual of pancakes, the tossing and the races. And now of course Lent is upon us.
During the past few editions of Ramblings and also in my Sunday reflections, I’ve been suggesting that we use the time of Lent for considering our journeys as Christians and indeed our life’s journey and some of its key events and moments. How did we reach this point in time? What do we want in the future when we have more opportunity for mixing and going out and are not constantly thinking about avoiding contact with others? One of the reasons why I’ve been suggesting this is that it is almost inevitable that there will be changes in churches and the patterns of our worship. All denominations and faiths have been affected financially and in the months ahead there will be some deep thinking and probably some difficult decisions. It is important that as far as we are able to, we all of us declare what we want, how we want to develop as a Christian community in the future, and to be active participants in this process of decision making.
I have asked the wardens and some parish leaders to ask members of PCCs about what they would like to happen in the future. This is in preparation for a meeting that Sue and I will be having with Bishop Alan and with Archdeacon Steven on March 4th. But this poll of opinion is certainly not restricted to PCC members, and if you would like to express them, your views will be very welcome.
In addition to this, each Wednesday, starting from Ash Wednesday, Colin will be sending out a copy of the compline liturgy. When we have been able to have Wednesday meetings in the past we have often ended with this, a quiet thoughtful and prayerful end for a busy day. Also on a Wednesday we will be sending out mid week reflections and other materials for you to have available. These and the well publicised services on social media, and radio and television throughout Lent will go at least some way to giving us opportunities for thought and prayer during the next weeks.
My love to you all
Christina
Sunday Service
The Shellrock Sunday Service and reflection are here
Sunday 21st February, First Sunday of Lent
Readings: Genesis 9 v 8-17, Psalm 25 v 1-9, 1 Peter 3 v 18-end, Mark 1 v 9-15
Collect: Almighty Father, whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness and was tempted as we are, yet without sin: give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit; and, as you know our weaknesses, so may we know your power to save, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
10.30am to 11.30am St James Great Ellingham - Private Prayer
Sunday 28th February, Second Sunday of Lent
Readings: Genesis 17 v 1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22 v 23-end, Romans 4 v 13-end, Mark 8 v 31-end
10.30am to 11.30am St James Great Ellingham - Private Prayer
Broadcasted religious programs this Sunday
8.10am Radio 4 - Sunday Worship with Fr Dermot Preston
10.00am BBC1 - The Big Questions, discusses issues ethical, moral and religious
11.00am BBC1 - Lent Worship, Revd Mark Bradford leads a service in St Cuthbert’s Church, Preston
1.15pm BBC1 - Songs of Praise with Katherine Jenkins exploring faith in L’Abri fellowship, Hampshire
3.00pm Radio 3 - Choral Evensong, a service for Ash Wednesday in the chapel of St John’s College, Cambridge (2019)
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