Saying Yes to Life ...?
Dear Friends,
While the process of Brexit continues to loom large, the future of planet earth is surely a far greater issue. Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, and their impact is devastating. Think, for example, of the destruction being caused by the current Australian bushfire crisis. Such events remind us - if we need reminding - that all is not well. Climate change is affecting both the natural world and our human environment. In the face of this growing crisis, what can you and I do if we are to be part of the solution, and not the problem?
This Lent (which begins on Ash Wednesday, 26th February), the Church of England's Lent Campaign #LiveLent: Care for God’s Creation encourages us to reflect on how we care for creation. Archbishops Justin Welby and John Sentamu commend it as "an opportunity for us to rebuild our relationship with our planet, and in turn with the God who is Lord of everything. During this time, we hope you might engage in prayer, learn more about the remarkable world we have been given and build habits that last beyond the season to protect and honour the earth."
Here in the Ironstone villages, how about joining me in using this resource? LiveLent: Care for God's Creation (ISBN: 9781781401675) offers 40 short daily reflections and suggested actions to help us live in greater harmony with God, neighbour, and nature. As well as the booklet, we can receive the daily reflection, either by email or from the #LiveLent app. Do sign up!
LiveLent has been inspired and informed by the Archbishop of Canterbury's 2020 Lent Book, Saying Yes to Life by Ruth Valerio (ISBN: 9780281083770). If you decide to read this book, then I'd like to invite you to join me for coffee and conversation at the Vicarage (23 Melton Road, Waltham) on the six Saturday mornings of Lent from 10.30 - 11.45 am (29 February, 7, 14, 21 and 28 March, and 4 April) as we share reflections on what we've read that week, and look at some of the questions for discussion. If you'd like to take part, it would be helpful if you would let me know.
As you will see advertised elsewhere in the yellow pages, the next Greening Framland event also connects with this theme. Recycle Right will be taking place on Friday 28th February at 10.00 am in Thorpe Arnold Village Hall, and all are most welcome.
May you and I be encouraged to appreciate and cherish this planet earth, and to play our own part in saying 'yes' to life.
With all good wishes,
John Barr, Rector
Dear Friends,
While the process of Brexit continues to loom large, the future of planet earth is surely a far greater issue. Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, and their impact is devastating. Think, for example, of the destruction being caused by the current Australian bushfire crisis. Such events remind us - if we need reminding - that all is not well. Climate change is affecting both the natural world and our human environment. In the face of this growing crisis, what can you and I do if we are to be part of the solution, and not the problem?
This Lent (which begins on Ash Wednesday, 26th February), the Church of England's Lent Campaign #LiveLent: Care for God’s Creation encourages us to reflect on how we care for creation. Archbishops Justin Welby and John Sentamu commend it as "an opportunity for us to rebuild our relationship with our planet, and in turn with the God who is Lord of everything. During this time, we hope you might engage in prayer, learn more about the remarkable world we have been given and build habits that last beyond the season to protect and honour the earth."
Here in the Ironstone villages, how about joining me in using this resource? LiveLent: Care for God's Creation (ISBN: 9781781401675) offers 40 short daily reflections and suggested actions to help us live in greater harmony with God, neighbour, and nature. As well as the booklet, we can receive the daily reflection, either by email or from the #LiveLent app. Do sign up!
LiveLent has been inspired and informed by the Archbishop of Canterbury's 2020 Lent Book, Saying Yes to Life by Ruth Valerio (ISBN: 9780281083770). If you decide to read this book, then I'd like to invite you to join me for coffee and conversation at the Vicarage (23 Melton Road, Waltham) on the six Saturday mornings of Lent from 10.30 - 11.45 am (29 February, 7, 14, 21 and 28 March, and 4 April) as we share reflections on what we've read that week, and look at some of the questions for discussion. If you'd like to take part, it would be helpful if you would let me know.
As you will see advertised elsewhere in the yellow pages, the next Greening Framland event also connects with this theme. Recycle Right will be taking place on Friday 28th February at 10.00 am in Thorpe Arnold Village Hall, and all are most welcome.
May you and I be encouraged to appreciate and cherish this planet earth, and to play our own part in saying 'yes' to life.
With all good wishes,
John Barr, Rector