Christ Church Moreton Hall

Thank you to everyone who responded to my January letter. It was nice to know that it helped and inspired some of you so much.
This month I would like to draw your attention to two dates in February. The first is 17th February which, as many of you know, is Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and is preceded by that wonderful occasion, Shrove Tuesday. I loved pancakes as a boy, and I still enjoy them today.

At Christ Church on Ash Wednesday at 7:30pm in the evening, we will be having a special Communion Service during which people will come forward to be "Ashed". "Ashing" is an ancient tradition in which people accept the mark of the cross on their foreheads in ash, made from burnt Palm Crosses. It is a sign not only of their faith but their commitment to take up their cross and follow Christ.

Many of you will have seen in the press that in some areas of employment, the wearing of crosses is now prohibited and many Christian organisations are being marginalised and put out of business. It is, therefore, becoming a brave step to be prepared to be known as a Christian and live our faith as we have always done. However, I am sad to report that on almost every continent on the planet Christians suffer persecution daily. By taking this mark, we are reminded that they are our brothers and sisters and their suffering is ours.

Lent is, of course, a time not just for giving things up or even to struggle over personal temptation, but to draw close to God. This leads me to my second date, which is Thursday 25th February. On this day, at seven o’clock in the evening, we will start our Alpha Course. This course, which will last up to and beyond Easter, is a chance for people to take one evening out of a busy schedule and have a nice meal together. You will hear an inspiring message about Jesus and what he really taught, and then discuss it in a small group. I have said many times that hundreds of people on the Moreton Hall estate have found this spiritual process deeply refreshing. It has opened up new vistas of understanding in their spiritual lives. Best of all, many of them have found Jesus for themselves for the first time and it has really changed their lives forever.

My suggestion is simple. Instead of seeing Lent as just a time to give something up, or a time to get through until we get to our Easter school holiday, why not give yourself a break and spend one evening a week getting to know the truth about Jesus which you get so clearly on Alpha. Unlike Ash Wednesday, we won’t mark you with a cross, but you will learn what the cross really means, and the hope it brings. If you respond to the cross you will be transformed into the person God wants you to be and perhaps the person you have wanted to be all along.
With every blessing,

Yours sincerely,

Revd. Canon Jonathan Ford.