The Parish Church of St. Matthew, Highfield, Wigan

Lent - a chance for a ‘tune up’
 
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Dear friends,

On the 25th of this month is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, a period of 40 days of preparation for Easter. Traditionally this has been used by the Church as a period of deep reflection and honest soul searching before God. Many people make a spiritual retreat of some kind during this period, but not all of us are fortunate enough to be able to afford or give the time to do this.

Our local Churches Together group, comprised of members of all the Christian denominations in this part of Wigan, is offering an opportunity to all Christians to take part in a Prayer Retreat with trained Prayer Guides. I have set out below some basic information about what is on offer.

What is it?

  1. Seeing how God is at work in our lives
  2. Finding peace and encouragement.
  3. Sharing hopes and fears.

What it is not.

  1. Not a counselling course.
  2. Not saying a lot of prayers.
  3. Not just for those who go to church.
  4. Not learning about the bible.

What does it involve?

  1. Attending an open meeting on Sunday 14th March at 3.30pm at St Judes RC Church.
  2. Praying on your own every day for a period agreed with your Guide.
  3. Meeting with your Guide two days per week for three weeks, at a time convenient to both.
  4. Attending a closing meeting on Saturday 3rd April at 12.30pm at St Judes.

Is there a cost involved?

  • The retreat is free, but voluntary and anonymous contribution is invited to cover the expenses of the Guides. If you would like more information please contact Revd Kelvin Bolton (Vicar of Goose Green) at 01942 242984. If you would like to take part please fill in a form at the back of church and hand it to me by 29th February.

I would encourage as many as possible to take part. I helped to organize and take part in an identical retreat at my previous parish and found it to be an extremely helpful way to prepare for Easter.

I also invite you to take part in our own Lenten services at St Matthew’s. These begin on Ash Wednesday with a service of Holy Communion at 7.30pm. There will also be a service of Compline with a short devotional address or meditation at 8pm on each Tuesday in Lent.

May God help us all to prepare ourselves well for Easter.

Bob

Page last modified: 27 January 2004