Hello everyone,
This coming Sunday is the last before Lent. I haven’t worked out what symbolism can be found in Ash Wednesday (beginning of Lent) falling on St Valentine’s Day – or Easter Day on April Fool’s Day this year. It’s crossed my mind both Valentine’s and April Fool’s are better known in our society than Ash Wednesday and any first-century happenings on Easter Day!
Lent’s a six week period when I can develop a habit (it takes, they say, six weeks to ingrain a habit into your practice.) Our Ash Wednesday ritual celebrates stardust and reminds us of the importance of the earth and how vital it is to guard and nurture it. Our St Andrew’s community garden is fruiting at the moment. Have you walked up the car park to view it? Frequently I’ve begun new ministry positions this time of year, greeted by numerous tomatoes from church members’ garden – it’s too summery yet to think ourselves quite in the “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” but it’s round the corner.
A Lenten calendar with a butterfly for each day
Some years ago I was asked to write a poem reflecting autumn Easters compared to traditional northern hemisphere springtime Easters. Vivien has set that poem to music and the St Andrew’s Signers will prepare it for this Easter. Perhaps Lent is just enough time for you to embark on a creative project!
Almost at the last minute, Jim Cunningham is stepping in for me this Sunday. Thank you, Jim. I may be there for the congregational conversation. If not, see you on Ash Wednesday, February 14 at 6.15pm to celebrate the beginning of the mysterious season of Lent with our stardust ritual.
Get ready for the journey!
Susan
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