Fareham United Reformed Church

Dear Friends,
Did you have pancakes on Shrove Tuesday? In years gone by, making pancakes on this day was a way of using up eggs and other ingredients before the fast of Lent. In 2010 many still keep the tradition, but that, for most, is all it is. We know that the next day is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, but, for most, this is not a time of fasting. Having said that, there are still many who decide to give something up, like sweets, cigarettes or cakes, during Lent. My question is, “Who does this benefit?” We may lose a little weight or give our lungs a short respite but, if, as soon as Lent ends, we go back to the old ways, what good has it been giving up for just a short time?

Surely we need to make this season a time which has some positive outcome. Lent is the time when we remember the time when Jesus was getting closer to Jerusalem and his crucifixion on a cross outside the walls of the city, the time when he took our sins on his shoulders and died to pay the price of our salvation. How will you travel through Lent 2010?

I wonder if each one of us can try to find a positive way to show how grateful we are to our Lord. If you have decided to give something up, why not give the money you save to a good cause of your choice? Or you might use what Christian Aid has published, a leaflet which is entitled ‘Count your blessings 2010’, which some of you will have received in your latest edition of Reform. In the leaflet is a calendar of the days of Lent, each with a reminder of people around the world who are less fortunate then we are, or with a challenge; for example, when you next go to the supermarket, buy as many items on your shopping list as possible from the Fairtrade range of goods. If we can follow this calendar or find some other way to show our gratitude for all the gifts we have from God, then Lent 2010 will be a positive time and others will benefit.

Can I suggest that giving more time regularly to prayer would also be a positive way to use this season of Lent? As was mentioned at Church Meeting, there is a booklet to help with the development of our prayer lives. Please pick one up, take it home and take a look at it; I’m sure you will find something there that will help you. At our next Church Meeting we shall be having a discussion about how we can develop the Church’s prayer life; please come and share - Tuesday 13th April at 7.30 pm. I believe that prayer changes things and there is so much that needs to change if our world is to be as our Creator God wants it to be. I hope that we can pick up the challenge and, as Paul told the Philippians, we can ‘Rejoice in the Lord always, do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.’
Shalom
Brenda Russell