Saying Yes To Life

Yes, we’re doing a plug for more Lent resources.

‘Saying Yes to Life’ is the title of a book by Ruth Valerio and it’s the Archbishop
of Canterbury’s Lent book for 2020. Ruth Valerio is Global Advocacy and
Influencing Director at Tearfund, described as an environmentalist, theologian
and social activist.

It’s a book that you can read by yourself or is equally suitable for groups to
mull over together and be challenged by the issues it raises. It encourages us
all to lift our focus from natural, everyday concerns to issues that have an
impact on millions of lives around the world. It draws on some strong biblical
themes to help us all consider matters of environmental, ethical and social
concern.

In short, the golden thread is what it means to be human and a follower of

Jesus. Not a bad thing to contemplate during Lent.

Lent Dilemma

 Dan writes:

At this time of year, I have a dilemma. Not being raised in a church tradition that “did Lent” the thought of giving something up still seems… odd; and I struggle to participate.

I see the biblical merits and good intentions. Sacrificing something of value to try and identify with Jesus in the desert. However, Luke 4 says “Jesus returned… in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.”

My dilemma lies in our method, not the intention. Often, we go for a minor-substitution approach. A pseudo New Year’s resolution.  Sugar for sweetener. Chocolate for fruit. Caffeine for decaff. TV for books. Smoking for vaping. Swearing for “Dag-nam-it!”

All great ideas, but do these types of substitution help draw us closer to God? Do we finish 40 days full of the Spirit? Does news about Jesus spread as a consequence?

This year, as we pursue God together, consider making a swap that answers with a resounding “Yes. Amen and Hallelujah!”.

Vocations Explorations

Southwark Diocese are increasingly inviting people to explore different expressions of ‘lay ministry’. In March, there are a couple of opportunities to consider this in more detail:

i)   Vocations Fair – 19 March, 6:30-8:30pm at St Mary’s Church, Lewisham High Street, SE13 6NX; and

ii)   Vocations to Lay Ministry: Residential Conference – Friday 6 March – Sunday 8 March, Wychcroft Retreat Centre, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 4NE.

You can register for both of these at southwarkvocations.eventbrite.com

There are also details about ‘Lay Pioneer Ministry’ in the leaflet on the Welcomers’ Table, or via the Southwark Diocese Website.