Monthly message (updated 6/3/10) 

They are to do good, be rich in good works, be generous and ready to share 1 Timothy 6:18

Dear friends, Lent has not always been the most popular of the church’s seasons. It doesn’t have the carols of Christmas or the chocolate of Easter for a start! And many people are rather allergic to what they see as the ‘thou shalt not’ aspects of religion linked with Lent. But it doesn’t have to be like that. This year, rather than giving up what is bad for us how about taking up what is good ? 

Love Life Live Lent - is a campaign sponsored by the Church of England. You can read more on their web-site www.livelent.com or you can pick up a booklet at Christ Church.

Love Life Live Lent is a new way of marking Lent. Instead of giving up chocolate, or going on a detox, it encourages people to undertake a simple act of generosity each day. The actions are small and fun to do, but make a real difference in homes, families and communities.

Love Life Live Lent began in Birmingham in 2006 and since then over 250,000 people nationwide have participated. The campaign was featured in an article in The Independent in February 2007:

“In recent years, in different corners of the globe, several movements have sprung up inviting followers to combat the selfishness of modern life by doing nice things to random strangers. If you put your mind to it, carrying out acts of kindness can start as soon as you wake up. You can be kind to people in different parts of the country, or on the other side of the world, or even be kind to the planet itself, without leaving your home.”

So this year celebrate Lent with imagination and kindness and may God bless you as you bless others.

Rev Chris Goldsmith