Daily Retreat: Friday 19th February 2021


Welcome to today's edition of Daily Retreat. (This week's editor: David Gent)	View in browser

Daily Retreat

The world is in crisis; Creation is groaning. We hear the cry of the Earth in species extinction, in the climate crisis, in systematic racial injustice, in material poverty, in conflict, in the global Covid-19 pandemic (Covid-19). In such a time as this, what have Christians got to offer?

People and the Earth have been crying out for many years. But for too long, many people - particularly those in the global North - have chosen not to listen, instead remaining complicit in destruction and continuing to increase inequalities.

Our doctrine of Creation suggests that it was never meant to be like this, but that human nature is tarnished, fallen some call it. However, our biblical narrative of salvation provides a remedy and challenges us to play our part in the process of redemption and re-Creation. Some are describing the Covid-19 pandemic as a great awakening; a planetary ‘kairos moment’ for us to stop, reflect and change direction.

Using material from USPG, the Lent course will be an opportunity to explore such ideas. Unable to meet in homes, the course will take place at 7.00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings by Zoom - starting this Wednesday (24th February). Simply click https://zoom.us/j/7521073898 No need to book. The course is open to all!

Click here for the Lent course booklet

Reflection

David Gent shares his difficulties starting Lent this year.

I don’t know about you but I’m finding it really difficult to get into Lent this year. Maybe it’s because many of the obvious landmarks simply aren’t there: the service in church, the imposition of ashes, singing Forty days and forty nights. Even giving anything up seems a little strange. We’ve given up so much over the last twelve months. So how do we make Lent real over the next six weeks?

Like everyone else I get hundreds of charity appeals through my letterbox every year. Most of them end up in the recycling unread. But the one I received yesterday really hit home. It was from Age UK highlighting loneliness during the pandemic, particularly through the winter months. It featured Beryl, an 81 year old widow who was quoted as saying: “I sit all day on my own, I can’t go out. It’s an awful feeling. It’s really lonely. Coronavirus has been so bad for older people and loneliness. It’s just so sad.”

Naturally Age UK are fighting this battle. But so are we! Throughout Lent we’re encouraging everyone to contact friends and neighbours by phone, particularly those who are on their own, and simply have a conversation.

It was Saint Benedictus who instructed his monks: laborare et orare – to work and to pray. Indeed so often our work is our prayer – particularly when we’re doing something intentionally as a service to God. And if, like me, you’re struggling to give up something this Lent, then pick up something instead: the phone. And make that your Lenten service!

Heavenly Father,

In these days of Lent,

Help us to draw closer to you

Through our prayer and acts of service.

Help us especially

to be aware of each other’s needs

and willing to be each other’s servant

in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn for today: Jesus Christ is waiting

In Our Prayers This Week

Please pray for:

Unwell/Recovering within the Benefice: Helen Ayres, John Bennett, Robin Brooks, Jane Hosegood, Bob May, Jean Pitt, Valerie Tincknell, Mike Wool, Joseph (14)

Outside the Benefice: Harry Banks, Sheila Campbell, Danny Carroll, Sheila Doleman, Phoebe Dowling, Tom Ekin, Tracey Gray, Hannah Montagu, David Parkes, Howard Petherick, Henry Schofield, Janet Richards, Maggie Waker, Ann, Niki Sara, Sarah

Those who have recently died: Barbara Coates, Gregory Lambert, Eileen Schroeder, Jen Seymour, Dennis Sleigh, John Tyler, Fern Urquhart

Years’ Mind: Louisa Board, Jack Matthews, Eva Vowles, David Woodhead, Margaret Gibbs, Elizabeth Vowles, Connie Pinsent, Lewis Franks, Anthony Davey, Charles Hosegood, Peter Draper, Raymond Walker, Frank Hodgkinson, Brian Read, Bernard Leigh, Frederick Weeks, Guy Chamberlin, Jean Smith, Ray Warburton.

for families during this half-term week
for peace within Myanmar and a de-escalation in tensions between India and China
our NHS - particularly for those staff exhausted by the demands of the last twelve months
our new relationship with Europe as businesses work out new procedures
those who are working on the rollout of the coronavirus vaccination programme
Those who are sick or ill as a result of the coronavirus and those who have been bereaved
Bishop Peter as he continues to recuperate after his latest operation

Click here to discover the Church of England prayers for use during the coronavirus outbreak

Useful Contacts

Wrington benefice

David Gent: 01934 862348 or 07773 537626 david@rectory.org.uk

Andrew Hemming: 07584 124198 andrewmhemming@btinternet.com

Sue Hoskins: 07771 579543 sue@rectory.org.uk

The Church Office is currently closed Please continue to contact Sarah by e-mail: rector@rectory.org.uk

https://wrington.net/allsaints/dailyretreat/

Benefice office, The Triangle, Wrington
United Kingdom

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