The Approach of Lent

No sooner are Christmas and Chinese New Year over than we are preparing for Lent.  Each year in common with other churches everywhere we have a series of weekly studies at Christ Church. Normally it is very hard here to get people out for regular meetings during the week. This is perfectly understandable: people work long hours and have precious little time with their families as it is. As churches we need perhaps to be more understanding of the demands that are made on our members not least in the present financial climate.  However, Lent is one time when we do have a go at getting people to come together for regular Study - with mixed results, I have to say.

This year, I am planning a series on the parables of Jesus.  I have not done a series on the parables before so I am rather looking forward to it.  This is the notice going in our Newsletter this week.

Anyone reading this blog who would like to come is more than welcome!

Lent 2009  

February 25 is Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent.  We will be having our Ash Wednesday service at 7.00pm.  This is a traditional service in which those present are invited to receive the imposition of ashes as a sign of repentance. 

During Lent we will also be having a series of Bible Studies. 

St Mark writes: ‘With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.  (St Mark 4:33-34) 

This year we will be looking together at five of Jesus parables and thinking of how Jesus would have explained his parables to us if we had been one of his disciples at the time.  The studies will be held on TUESDAYS in the Lady Chapel beginning on Tuesday, March 3: 

1. The Parable of the Sower (St Luke 8:5-15) 

Why did Jesus use parables?  

2. The Parable of the Two Sons (St Luke 15:11-32)

How should we respond to the love of God? 

3. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (St Luke 10:25-37)

Who is our neighbour?  

4. The Parable of the Steward (St Luke 16:1-13) 

How should we use money and material things?

5. The Parable of the Talents (St Luke 9:11-27) 

What does God expect of us? 

As in previous years, they will be preceded by a service of Holy Communion at 7.00pm.  People are welcome to come for just the Communion Service or just the Bible Study or, of course, for both!  

Please see Ross for further details.