THE IRONSTONE BENEFICE OF CHURCHES
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Let us pray …
 
Dear Friends,
 
Prayer is something many people do, even if they do not consider themselves to be religious. There is a sense that prayer connects us with a ‘higher power’, and that it makes a difference. I well remember a conversation about prayer I had several years ago with a Christian priest from India. He told me how he was convinced that ‘prayer changes things.’  It reminds me of those words of the poet Tennyson who once remarked that 'more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.’
 
Later this month, we begin the season of Lent. On Ash Wednesday (22nd), many churches hold services which include the opportunity to receive ashing – the sign of the cross marked on our foreheads with ash made from burnt palm crosses. This richly symbolic act reminds us of our mortality, and also of our baptismal calling: ‘Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ.’  If you would like to take part in one of these Ash Wednesday services, there will be one in Waltham Church at 9.00 am, and in Scalford Church at 7.00 pm on Wednesday 22nd February.
 
Prayer is vital, if we are to follow Jesus Christ. The Gospels tell us that Jesus Himself made times of prayer spent with God a priority, and also taught His followers how to pray – including giving them the words of what we now know as The Lord’s Prayer. If prayer was so important for Jesus, then how important it should also be for Christians everywhere. Prayer changes things - including those who pray – as prayer deepens our relationship with God, aligns us more with the loving will and purpose of our heavenly Father, and empowers us to shine with the light of Christ.
 
This Lent, the Bishop of Leicester is making a Pilgrimage across the Diocese, in which prayer will be a central feature. This will include two days spent visiting different areas of the Framland Deanery (Saturday 4th/Sunday 5th March), and we are hoping that Bishop Martyn might be able to join us for the 10.30am service in St Egelwin’s Scalford on Sunday 5th March. Prayer around our parishes will also be a focus over the coming weeks. During every Thursday of Lent at 12 noon, there will be a short service of prayer held in one of the six Ironstone parishes – details are included in the service schedule for this month and next, and all are welcome.  
 
With my love and prayers,
John Barr, Rector

  • Home
  • February Services
  • John's monthly reflection
  • Lent 2023
  • Ukraine
  • Chadwell Church Reports
  • Village News
    • Village News Archive
  • Life Events
  • Churches
    • Chadwell
    • Eastwell
    • Eaton
    • Goadby Marwood
    • Scalford
    • Stonesby
    • Waltham
  • Churchwardens
  • Ministry Team
  • Links
  • Bell ringing