Lent

Be with us Father in our journey through Lent, learning from the scriptures and prayers.  We thank you for your example of the 40 days in the wilderness, and hope to follow you with courage as we face the temptations of our world, and learn the strength to turn our backs on it.

Father, be with those who would normally meet in church today to receive the Ashes, and help them in their spiritual communion with you through fellowship with others in different and new ways that will keep your congregations together as one in your love.

Amen.

 

Pancake day.

What are your memories of pancake day.  I remember as a child the flurry of excitement when my mother got out the flour and eggs and milk and started making the batter for the pancakes.   It was a huge job for her to make sure there was enough for everyone to have at least two, and maybe more because our house was filled with people, parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews, and cousins who came by and sometimes stayed.  That was our family.  We were a mix and match bunch, but everyone knew that there was a place for them at a family table, whichever one that might be.

The pancakes didn't look fancy like the photograph, and the toppings were probably very unhealthy, including sugar, lemon, Golden Syrup, and whatever Mum could throw together from the pantry.  Marmalade sauce was one of my favourites because it wasn't too sweet, and consisted of half a jar of marmalade, a knob of butter and some juice or water.  It was then heated up to make a wonderful syrup which dripped over the edge of the pancake onto fingers and clothes, a sticky wonderful tasty beginning to Lent.

As a child, it was so exciting.   The implications of lent and the crucifixion was a very difficult concept, so children had the 'milk of the gospel' through homes and Sunday School, whilst our parents did the difficult bit.

When I became a mother, my daughter loved pancake day, and the plate became a little less sugary and a bit more healthy with banana or berries, or even savoury things inside.  What lovely memories, and now in lockdown I remember how we laughed and enjoy that treat together.   My daughter will be doing the same thing today for her children, (I wonder what she will put inside). and carrying on the tradition that has been part of our lives for generations.  

This lent we will still have pancakes, but more importantly, there are other things that we need to do to understand and learn about our saviour and our part in learning and teaching others about the momentous event to come at Easter.

Our church has put together 3 lent courses online.  One will be looking at some well known Lent and Easter hymns, and thinking about how the words and music can help our relationship with God.  We are told that we do not have to sing if we find that uncomfortable, but I am Welsh, I will be there in full voice.

Our other courses are called Growing in God's Garden, a family practical and reflective project, building an Easter Garden.

Finally, the York Course, Living in Hope, by Catherine Fox, a lecturer and novelist (and vicar's wife) will explore a theme that is relevant for all.

Well done to our team at the Churn Benefice.   You are doing a wonderful job and are much appreciated.

Prayer with me.

Father, as we look forward with anticipation to Lent and the opportunities for deeper prayer and study.  May we take these opportunities to learn, to grow and to develop our faith and commitment.

MU Prayer for Shrove Tuesday.

What do you do if you can't sleep?

Once again I am finding it difficult to sleep through the night, and face the prospect of either lying awake and worrying about things that might not even happen, or, getting up and making a huge pot of tea, and sitting at the window looking at the sunrise.

Yes, I chose the tea and sunrise and was surprised to see out in the darkness an array of movement and activity.  Opposite the house, there is a bank of oak trees, and the wind was whipping the branches with such force that I became worried about the squirrel dray that is situated right at the top of the highest tree.  The leaves were falling in great flurries, hitting the ground and forming whirlpools of activity.

I looked for the friendly fox that usually comes to have a sniff around the green area to see what he can find.  I don't often see him 'in the flesh' but having a husband who loves technology, there are cameras that catch his comings and goings.  We really enjoy watching his antics as he sniffs around the front garden hoping for something to eat.  We also have regular calls from the hedgehogs that snuffle about looking for worms or other tasty treats.

The sun comes up, and the trees are tinged with the first rays that shine behind them and make them look regal and imposing.  The colours change, and a red hue fills the sky.  

How does this make me feel?

I feel the joy that our Father God has made this wonderful world with its changing seasons, constant activity of wildlife that manage to mingle with our own lives which are so different.  God is good.  He has given us this wonderful world, and it makes me feel that we should be protecting it, looking after the little creatures and their habitats and fulfilling the legacy of guardianship he has placed upon us.

Pray with me:

Heavenly Father, be with us as we look in wonder at Your creations and help us to protect and guard this world against the mess made by humankind.   May we work together to keep this world a place for all creatures, all humans, all things living and know that by doing this we are doing Your will.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, your only Son, Our Lord.

Amen.

 

 

Life Goes On

Isn't it amazing, how the world is in turmoil, fear and worry are in our minds because we don't know what is happening, families and friends are out of reach and those who are shielding have spent nearly a whole year behind their closed doors.   This depressing situation, if we dwell upon it, will increase our fears and anxiety and blind us to what is happening despite this pandemic.

I feel so encouraged when I join my church group 'online' for services.  We have all had to 'step up' and learn how to embrace new technologies so that we can still have fellowship and time together.

Our church notes and magazine come by email, and are printed off so that we can browse just as we used to, and find out what is happening in our parishes.   I see that the 'pram service' is continuing through the 'go-to meetings' app, and this week they are making pancakes.  well done to all those who are determined that our church life will go on, and children will continue to learn about Jesus Christ and become his people.

We also have a 'Fellowship Group' again hosted by a member of the congregation which is available for all to join in and socialise.  Our tea party on a Thursday invites people to come along and talk about things that happen in their locality; whilst eating biscuits and drinking tea.  There are private prayer and 'Compline' groups hosted regularly throughout the week.    Most heartening was a leaflet for online Lent Courses, three to choose from plus a reading list for those who cannot attend.  Well done to our team for ensuring that this is available, just as it used to be, albeit in a different format.

Father in heaven, your children have been on a steep learning curve (especially the older ones like me) but we are determined that our church life will go on, and we will support one another through prayer and fellowship despite the obstacles that we find in our way.

Pray with me:

Father,

We thank you for new technology and for the courage to embrace it fully so that we can be together in your presence as a group.  We pray that many more opportunities to meet will present themselves until we can in fact meet again face to face.  Bless and keep our church members in safety and health, and give us the courage to come through this supporting each other and the wider community.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Amen.

 

Father in Heaven,

We thank you for your care and love so freely given.

May we be to others, the face of our saviour,

the hands of our saviour,

and the voice of our saviour,

whispering words of love and hope and confidence in what

we can become, despite the difficulties in the world

around us.

Give us the resiliance Lord Jesus Christ to remain

strong in the face of the pandemic and the restrictions that

are in place to keep us safe.

Bless and keep the nurses, doctors and all members of the

National Health Service, working so hard for us whilst

putting themselves in danger to do so.

These things we ask in the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

 

Food, Fellowship and Friends.

As we work our way through Lent, familiar landmarks along the way cheers us and reminds us why we are Christians and why we are blessed to be part of the Christian family of Christ.

At the church of St. Andrew's in Hagbourne the ladies (and gentlemen) of our social committee have been hosting Lent Lunches on a Saturday, giving people the time and space to be quiet or to talk or just enjoy a delicious lunch of soup, bread and cheese and the obligatory pot of tea to share.

The venue is our beautiful church of St. Andrew's.  The feeling is one of fellowship, kindness and Christian love and the knowledge that generations of worshipers have been here before praising God and enjoying the feeling of belonging to something remarkable and special.

We are a family, and this reminds me of the work of the Mothers' Union, encouraging and nurturing families and family life, not just in our own back yard, but across the world.

The Mothers' Union Prayer.

Loving Lord
We thank you for your love so freely given to us all.
We pray for families around the world.
Bless the work of the Mothers' Union
as we seek to share your love through
the encouragement, strengthening and support
of marriage and family life.
Empowered by your spirit
may we be united in prayer and worship,
and in love and service reach out as your hands
across the world.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.