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‘Maureen’s Musings’
The Vicar’s monthly letter for the Parish News
March 2017
The beginning of March this year coincides with the beginning of Lent. Time to simplify our lives perhaps?
The nights are drawing out now (hurrah!) and even in February we are getting one or two days that feel positively spring-like – although lest we get too complacent the next day sees a cold East or North wind strike again, just to remind us that Winter has not quite done with us yet!
Many people like to use the season of Lent to instill a bit of self-discipline; to give up something: alcohol; chocolate (groan!); meat? Or alternatively to take something up . I always feel this is a more positive and productive way of preparing ourselves for the joy of Easter – not that a bit of self-restraint is always a bad thing! Here in Pattingham we have the custom of the Lent lunch – with a collection being made for the Bishop’s Lent appeal. This manages to combine both elements of Lenten discipline; restricting ourselves for one lunch in the week to a bowl of soup and some bread and cheese (hardly a hardship – especially with the great cooks of Pattingham let loose!) – but also putting our money to good use for causes both overseas and at home.
This year the Bishop (the first appeal for Bishop Michael) focuses on the plight of refugees; especially those stranded in the camps in Greece, being cared for physically and emotionally by USPG and their partners Medical Intervention. We are reminded of those powerful words from Matthew 25: 31- 46,” I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Here in the Diocese of Lichfield, support will go to the Wolverhampton City of Sanctuary drop-in and other local projects supported by church members, working with asylum seekers and refugees. Do not believe all that you will read in some of our newspapers about ‘spongers’ and benefit tourism…. few if any individuals will uproot themselves from home and endure the dreadful hardships of travelling the refugee routes from the Middle East and Africa unless they are truly fleeing death, famine and destruction in their native countries.
We will also devote ourselves to study during Lent – taking Archbishop Justin Welby’s book, “Dethroning Mammon” as our book to read and ponder together on Monday evenings during Lent – I am sure Ken has written elsewhere in this magazine about that.
But however you choose to mark the season of Lent, do think about it and take it as an opportunity to get your mind and body into shape – if not for the beach (!) then for the contemplation of all that Easter means to us – even if we do have to wait for Easter before we can tuck into the Easter Eggs!
Lenten Blessings
Maureen.
Messy Church – Good Friday – 14th April.
We hope to repeat the very successful Messy Church on Good Friday morning from 10 – 12noon in church for parents and children together … but we do need extra helpers! Can you lend a hand? Lots of opportunities to be involved, from helping to prepare some baked potatoes and fillings or hot cross buns, to running a craft activity (we can help with ideas of what to do and provide the materials). And we need someone to build our Easter Garden this year…. any budding Alan Titchmarshes out there!?
Anyone prepared to lend a hand, please contact Maureen in the first instance – on 700257.