Here we are, nearly in March and a busy month for the church. The first date to note is Shrove Tuesday on the 4th and all are welcome to join up with other members of the benefice at a pancake supper at St Britius starting at 6 p.m. These pancakes are served with either sweet or savoury fillings and a hot drink but more importantly it gives us a chance to make new friends and join in a very good topical event. If you feel like giving it a go let me know so that I can reserve a ticket for you.
The next day is Ash Wednesday and this year Rev Barry will be holding a special service in St Mary’s at 5.30p.m. This eucharist service, called the ‘Imposition of Ashes’ is a biblical symbol of repentance when Rev Barry will mark the sign of the cross with ashes on each forehead when the bread and wine is taken at the altar rail. This ritual has a long history in the Jewish and Christian religions, inviting the faithful to live the season of lent by acknowledging our sins and doing all we can to give of ourselves to others. Do try and come as this will be a fitting start to our Lenten season. The normal holy communion service will take place on the following Sunday at the usual time 11a.m.
During Lent, Jeremy will take Compline on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. For those who have not enjoyed this before, it is about half an hour of quiet prayer and reflection and enables us to gather our thoughts at the end of the day. Prayer sheets are provided or you can just sit and absorb the atmosphere. During Holy Week we will have compline every evening but more of that in next month’s newsletter when we will have all the news of Easter services.
Finally, if you are interested in hearing what goes on during the year and what the PCC have been up to, you are invited to join us in the church on Tuesday 1st April at 7p.m. for our Annual Parochial Church Meeting. And if anyone can spare some time to help we would be delighted to hear from you, whether it be joining the PCC or helping out with flowers, cleaning, or any of the other jobs that crop up from time to time. We are a friendly bunch and would love to welcome you on board!