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‘Maureen’s Musings’
The Vicar’s monthly letter for the Parish News
March 2018
I am writing as Lent has just begun, and it will continue right through the month of March – or at least until the start of Holy Week on Monday 26th March. Our Lent course began today and will also continue through much of March as we seek to explore how we can be better disciples – Following Christ in the footsteps of St Chad. And that involves getting to know our own home-grown Midlands Saint a bit better, through exploring his life and times, and also visiting his shrine (or what remains of it!) in our Cathedral in Lichfield. If you are interested in joining in our trip to the heart of the Diocese, the see city (the place where our ‘big’ Bishop has his See or seat) then keep an eye on the notices on the table at the back of church…. I am sure there will be something there by the time you read this and you can sign up to join our pilgrimage to the Cathedral if you would like to.
Traditionally Lent is also a time when we remember the time Jesus spent at the very start of his public ministry, when the Holy Spirit (having just confirmed his authority and status as God’s beloved son) drove him out into the wilderness. There in the quiet of the empty wastes (empty that is apart from the wild beasts which were probably seeking to eat him!) he faced up to the task that lay before him and dealt with the various distractions (temptations) that might have diverted him from the path that God intended. Today many Christians and others have realised the value in taking time every now and again to step back from the hurly-burly of daily life; the pressures, the conflicting demands, the never-ending grind, and – by spending some time in reflection, to study the bigger picture; put things into perspective.
I am certainly hoping to spend – if not all 40 days, then at least one day during March at our Diocesan Retreat House at Shallowford (near Stone), when I can do this. I know how much I will value this opportunity to draw breath, step back from the minutiae of trying to juggle all the different responsibilities I have, and get some perspective of my own walk with God as we progress with Lent.
If you happen to visit church during Lent, you will notice some differences – and I don’t just mean our lovely new heating system! The main Altar is dressed in purple – reflecting the penitential nature of the season, and the church is stripped of floral decoration. Our services, too change slightly. Although there is always joy when we come together to worship God, our language is more restrained in Lent. So we do not sing the ‘song of the Angels’ – Gloria in excelsis. And there are no Alleluias – not until Easter Day, which this year falls on 1st April!
And I can promise you there will be no practical jokes on Easter morning – Jesus really did die on the cross, but after three days, he really did rise from the dead! And that will be worth celebrating with music, flowers, joy and delight. Oh, and lots and lots of Alleluias!
We’ll be anticipating that slightly with our young people on Good Friday morning – why not come along and join in the fun for Messy Good Friday? You might even find a Hot Cross Bun or two…..
Have a blessed and restful Lent, following Christ in the footsteps of St Chad,
Maureen