Lent is a time of preparation as we look towards Easter. The lent period is a little over 6 weeks which is symbolic of the 40 day period Jesus spent in the desert at the beginning of his ministry, where he was tempted but remained without sin. During this time Jesus fasted and, still today, many people continue this Lenten of tradition by giving up a luxury food or drink.

The word ‘Lent’ is derived from the word lengthen. In the UK Lent comes at a time when the hours of daytime are lengthening and so it is a time when we seek to lengthen or grow Spiritually.  All are welcome to join our services.

Ash Wednesday Service 6th March 10.00am (first day of Lent)

 The name comes from the tradition of putting a small cross of ash on people’s forehead at church services as a sign of mourning and repentance.

Sunday Services during Lent Weekly 10.30am

There is a tradition  of the Christmas tree being stripped of it’s needles and repurposed to form a wooden cross. known as the Lenten Cross. Each Sunday during Lent symbols relating to Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem and his Passion are added to the cross.

Mothering Sunday (31st March) is the midpoint of the Lent period and we distribute  daffodil to acknowledge the part that our mothers have played in our lives.

Monday Bible Study during Lent Weekly 2.30pm from the 11th March

The Lent course will be led by our minister, Audrey, and will be using a course produced by York Courses.

 

Holy Week Services Commemorate the last week of the earthly life of Jesus

Palm Sunday 14th April 10.30am

This service celebrates Jesus’  arrival in Jerusalem for the Jewish festival of Passover. Jesus was greeted by crowds who cut branches from Palm trees, laid them across Jesus’ path and waved them in the air. We follow the tradition of distributing Palm crosses to members of the congregation to aid out devotions during Holy Week.

Maundy Thursday 18th April 7.00pm

The service of Holy Communion commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus and the Apostles.  Maundy Thursday is the night on which Jesus was betrayed.

Good Friday 19th April Stratford upon Avon Town Walk

Easter Sunday 21st April 11.00am

Worshippers are invited to bring a few flowers with them to church which, at the beginning of the service are added to the cross transforming it from a desolate image of crucifixion to a colour covered image of vibrant new life as we  celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after he was crucified.