During the six weeks of Lent services at South Creake assume a more serious character in preparation for Holy Week and Easter. The statues of the saints, which adorn the church are covered. On Ash Wednesday, we remember our mortality by having ashes smeared on our foreheads.· Now, following Jesus’ forty days of temptation in the desert, the Sunday service draws our attention the importance of the commandments of God and of our need for penitence. Apart from the hymns the service is said, not sung. There is no singing of the Gloria at the beginning of the service. The Stations of the Cross are said each Friday evening.  Only on Mothering Sunday, 18 March, do we relax when, at the midpoint of Lent we give flowers to the children (for them to give to their mothers) as a symbol of our gratitude for our nurture both as children and as Christians.

Passiontide, which begins on 25 March. intensifies our keeping of the season of Lent. We turn to the theme of death and resurrection. The gospel for that day is the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus’ friend Lazarus, in preparation for Palm Sunday, the following week, 1 April. On that day we receive palm crosses blessed in preparation for the reading of the whole the the Passion story (Service at 9.30 am).

Lenten Devotion

Traditionally, Lent is a time of preparation for Easter. There are various ways of keeping Lent both in church and at home. We are asked to give up some luxury, or cut down on our food as a sign of our good intentions.  We can calculate what we save in terms of money and give away what you save. The church supports the work of several missionary societies.  We are asked to set aside some time each day to read the Bible, using a commentary or notes to guide you in your reading.

One very useful discipline in Lent is to learn more about our faith as Christians.  There are two study groups this year in the Benefice, both in Syderstone.

Monday afternoons 2.00 pm - 3.30 pm

with the benefice Bible Study Group at 23 Broadlands, Syderstone

Reaching out to our Neighbourhood Community

Details from Ivy Gardiner 01485 578188

Wednesday evenings 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm

at 2 Beechwood Court, Syderstone

Surprised by Hope -  a course based on video presentations by Tom Wright, formerly Bishop of Durham

Details from Brian Poulson 01485 578796