Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar beginning on Ash Wednesday which this year falls on 22nd February.  Lent is a season of reflection, prayer and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ's sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.

Traditionally Lent is marked by fasting, both from food and festivities, but nowadays only a small number of people today fast for the whole of Lent. Some maintain the practice on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday but it is more common these days for Christians to surrender a particular vice such as favourite foods, alcohol or smoking, or even internet, television and emails! Whatever the sacrifice, it is a reflection of Jesus' deprivation in the wilderness and a test of self-discipline.

We are hoping that, like last year, we will be organising a home study group to meet weekly through Lent. Details will be available in church later in the month and will also be published on the website - so don’t give up technology just yet!