Throughout February our focus is on Evangelism.

The Countdown to Lent Has Begun

This month we've been thinking about evangelism. We’ve been asking big questions like:

• what is the Gospel,

• who is the Gospel for, and

• how do we share the Gospel?

As we approach Lent (Ash Wednesday is the 5th of March), it’s all too easy to think of Christianity as Bad News. Lent often comes with rules, or giving up chocolate, and all that goes with it. But, understanding Lent can actuallly help us better understand the Gospel, as through the observance of a good and holy Lent, we can enter in more fully to the saving joy of Easter.

But how can we do that?

In older Prayer Books, Sunday-just-gone was eloquently known as Septuagesima Sunday - a name that comes from the Latin for 70 - because it is roughly (very roughly) 70 days until Easter. There used to be various customs, some fasting and some feasting, all the way up until the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. All of these were meant to help the Christian faithful prepare to keep a good and holy Lent.  

For us, although we don't tend to keep the 'gesima' Sundays anymore, it is a good opportunity to make sure that we have begun to think about what lenten observances we will keep this year. Three ancient practices which still have a place in the Church are: Fasting, Praying, and Almsgiving. These are not a law, and we are not bound to them - but we recognise how they have benefitted christians throughout the ages. All of these practices can help someone grow closer to Christ, through letting go of material things, and leaning into spiritual things. .

Fasting, Prayer, & Almsgiving

Fasting is often divided between fasting proper, which means to eat less, and abstinence which means to go without particular foods. It has been customary for Christians to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays during Lent by limiting their food to only one large simple meal, and two small meals, with no snacking throughout the day. An example of abstinence would be to refrain from eating meat, which has been customary on Fridays.

Prayer is speaking with God, and this Lent we are ensuring there are plenty of opporunities for us to gather to pray - whether it is at the new 6.30pm Evening Prayer at St Teilo's, or 7.14 Prayer early on Wednesday mornings, there is something for everyone. Many of us will also be gathering for our next Central Prayer, at 7.30pm on Shrove Tuesday, for Prayer & Pancakes.

Almsgiving means giving to charity. As Christians, we are called to give regularly to support the work of Christian Ministry through our own community of faith. We do this though our regular tithe. But, we are also called to develop practices of generosity for our own sake, as generosity creates joy. Lent is a great time to find new ways to be generous with those who are most in need. 

Lent Devotionals

Finally, many of us will be taking on new practices such as reading a Lenten Devotional - which will give 40 days of spiritual nourishment. Here are three examples to pique your interest. 

This year, I will be reading The Radical Reconciler: Lent in all the Scriptures, by Chris Wright & John Stott. I haven't read it yet, but it is described in this way: “With Bible verses, prayers and 40 meditations by Chris Wright and treasured, timeless nuggets from John Stott, prepare to be inspired as you contemplate the deep, life-transforming truths of the gospel: 'love so amazing, so divine demands my soul, my life, my all'."

Last year, I wrote the IVP's Lent Book, Journeying With God in the Wilderness, and it was described by Dr Paula Gooder in this way: "During Lent we talk often about the wilderness but rarely take time to reflect on the story of God's people in the wilderness that is laid out in Numbers. This brilliant book of reflections takes us step by step through the book of Numbers and opens our eyes to the many riches that wilderness experiences can offer. I highly recommend it!"

And, I can also recommend the challenging 40 Women - Unseen Women of the Bible, From Eden to Easter, by Dr Ros Clarke. This book opened my eyes to the stories of some of the Bibles overlooked, or misunderstood women. Not always an easy read, as it deals with some strong themes, but always a rewarding one. 

Praying you have a happy and holy Lent!