By now, the church season of Lent is in full swing.
Its nature and even its length has changed dramatically over the centuries. Nowadays it’s a time of reflection and prayer, more so than what we might normally do. Some people engage in study or take up a spiritual practice or two that hopefully deepens their relationship with God and with others.
People still give up “things”, but these are more likely habits or practices that are distractions and command too much of our attention or maybe just not good for you.
Over the years, I’ve blown hot and cold about giving things up (I blow hotter these days). There’s a wisdom that says you must break your fast straight away less it becomes a source of vanity. I’ve never had problems heeding that advice.
Coming up in church, over the next few weeks, there’ll be a Mothering Sunday service at Camber on March 15th. It will be a communion service but with Mothering Sunday/Mother’s Day themed readings and prayers and the handing out of posies to take home. It’s at the regular time of 10.30am.
Palm Sunday service on March 29th (start of Holy Week) is at Camber Church, with the reading of the passion and the distribution of Palm Crosses.
On Maundy Thursday, there won’t be a parish service, but we encourage people to join with the service at Rye Church and possibly Playden or Iden if they have one.
There will be a 6pm service, “An Hour by the Cross”, at Camber Church on Good Friday.
On the Saturday, we are (re-)introducing the ancient service of the Easter Vigil with Renewal of Baptism Vows, the lighting of the Easter Fire and the lighting and blessing of the Paschal Candles of the churches in the teams. It’s on Saturday, April 4th at 7.30 ish pm (sunset), at East Guldeford Church. Our theologian in residence, Tina Beattie, will give a reflection. Martin Bruce and the Fourscore choir will provide music.
On Easter morning, weather permitting and permissions forthcoming, we hope to hold a sunrise service on Camber beach, 6am-ish. This will be followed by breakfast. Details to follow. We will also have our normal Easter morning service at Camber at 10.30am.
For the moment, we’ve closed the Thomas Longley Hall pending work required by Fire Safety Regulations.
And I’ve heard rumours that those nice Canadians have cheated at sports – what is the world coming to.
