Lent

This time of year is often bleak; the sky grey, the wind cold, the trees bare. But every now and then we hear the first signs of birdsong; almost as if the birds are prophesying the coming of spring.

These dark, cold and bleak days start in the autumn. During the autumn trees drop their leaves by going through a process called abscission. Abscission is important because it allows plants to shed organs like leaves, flowers, and fruits when they are no longer needed, which helps conserve energy and nutrients, protect the plant from stress, and facilitate seed dispersal, thus contributing to the plant’s overall survival; essentially, it’s a controlled process to “discard” unwanted parts of the plant at specific times during its life cycle.

For us to flourish as humans it’s important for us also to go through a time of abscission. To reflect on those parts of our lives that aren’t healthy (physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually) and to try to break free of them. We do so so that we may actually find renewal; so that we might live a physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually healthier life.
We don’t tend to call this process abscission, but lent. Lent is a time in the year where we reflect on those things that hold us back and we seek, with the help of God, to cut them out. Not so that way may be pious, or that God may love us more (He already loves us completely) but that we may live in greater freedom.

And much like autumn and winter turn to spring, Lent turns to Easter. A time which starts with death, but ends with abundant new life. Lent may remind us of the things that we need to cut out, but Easter reminds us of resurrection power. Easter reminds us that it is only through the power of Christ we can have true change, real resurrection and eternal renewal.

So this Lent, we invite you to join us to consider the changes we may need to make in our lives, to recognise the love and power of God to help us make those changes, and to seek to be renewed. You are invited to also join us over Easter as we reflect on the death of Christ – an ending to our sin and also the resurrection of Christ – an ending to our death.

Ash Wednesday: a service that focuses on our need for forgiveness and change. Wednesday 6th March – 7:30pm

Early morning communion: an opportunity to reflect on Christ’s death and receive communion – Monday 14th April, Tuesday 15th April, Wednesday 16th April, Thursday 17th April – all at 7:00am

Hot Cross Buns in the square: a chance to show love to our community this Good Friday – Friday 18th – 10am-12pm

Good Friday meditation: an opportunity to spend time reflecting on the events leading up to and including Jesus’ crucifixion. Good Friday – Friday 18th – 2-4pm

Sonrise service: an opportunity to gather at the break of dawn to give thanks for Christ’s resurrection and all it means for us. Knowle Park Hill – Sunday 20th April – 7am

Easter Sunday 9:30am Service: A service with communion to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, defeating of death and offering of eternal life. Sunday 20th April – 9:30am

Easter Sunday 11am Service: A family oriented service to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, defeating of death and offering of eternal life. Sunday 20th April – 11am

Contact us: 02380 695786 / office@sttoms.co.uk / Facebook: St Thomas Church