Dear Friends,

The signs at the side of the roads into Olney are a good reminder that Lent is almost upon us. This year, the Olney Pancake Race is on March 4^th, Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. It is unlikely in our day that we shall use our last bit of fat in the making of pancakes before the great Lenten fast begins, but it is encouraging that here at least the true meaning of Shrove Tuesday is kept in the Shriving Service that takes place in the Parish Church after the race. In the service, the congregation has opportunity to confess their sins and to be granted absolution, forgiveness, for all those things which have separated them from God. Our opportunity to start afresh, here in the village, is on Ash Wednesday at the Holy Communion Service, which will take place in Church at 7.30pm.

Lent lasts for forty days. It is intended as a time set aside to prepare for the glorious Feast of Easter. It is a time when we try to draw closer to Our Lord through an examination of how we have fallen short of His will for us. It is a time to say sorry for the things we regret in our lives and a time when we try to deepen our knowledge and understanding of our Christian faith. In times gone by, the Church laid down strict rules of how Lent should be observed. This generally meant fasting, often only eating one meal a day, and abstaining from any luxuries people might usually have enjoyed. These days there are no hard and fast rules, but it is good to try to make Lent different, to do something that reminds us of God’s great sacrifice of himself for us on the cross on Good Friday.

This might be by forgoing something we enjoy, chocolate, alcohol, or as one of my young friends last year, fizzy drinks! It might be by trying to eat more simply and sending the portion of the housekeeping money saved to a charity which supports the hungry. It might be by undertaking a stricter regime of prayer, or by reading and considering a ‘Lent Book’. It might be by joining one of the Lent Study Groups, which we are to share with Turvey Abbey – or by doing all these things!

Of course, this discipline is not so that we can feel self-righteous! It is intended that in our own self-denial we shall draw closer to Christ, that we shall forget ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Him.

I wish you all a good, thoughtful and prayerful Lent

Jo Spray

Please pray for…

Peace in the world, remembering the situations in Iraq, in Zimbabwe and between Israel and Palestine

Our new Archbishop, Rowan Williams and our new Bishop of Bedford, Richard Inwood.

Those suffering with HIV and AIDS, particularly the people of Africa, and those who care for them.

Thank You…

To you all for your kindness during my time away from Church. Your prayers and all the cards, flowers and messages have been a great source of strength. I am feeling much better as I write this and I hope to be back with you again by the middle of the month.

Jo Spray.

Lent Course.

We are again sharing a Lent Course with the community and congregation at the Abbey. It is based round the great events in the life of Jesus and their relevance for today. If you have not already done so, please pick up a leaflet from the back of the Church and sign up on the list. There will be an afternoon group meeting on Wednesdays, starting on 12^th March, and an evening group meeting on Thursdays from the 13^th March.

Reading.

If you would like to read something different as part of your observation of Lent and are unsure what to read, please telephone me and I will see if I can help.

Jo Spray (01234 881312)

Advance Notice.

Our Church AGM is on Tuesday 29^th April in Church at 7.30pm. This is an important meeting when we elect members to the Parochial Church Council, which is responsible for the ‘government’ of the church. In order to vote, you need to be on the electoral role. If you are not sure whether you are on the role, please look at the list in Church or telephone the electoral role officer, Cindy Woods on 01234 888849. After the business part of the meeting, the Church architect, Mr Bruce Deacon, will explain what work need to be done to the Church roof and how much it is likely to cost. Do, please, put this date in your diary and try to come!

Coffee Mornings.

This month's coffee morning will be at The Grange on Saturday, 8th. March at 10.15a.m. There will be a raffle and bring and buy stall, for which contributions especially of cakes, preserves, produce etc. will be most welcome. Please do come and support us.

Thank you to everyone who helped with and supported February's coffee morning at Old Barn Cottage. Another success which raised £262 towards Church Funds.

Easter Lilies

If you would like to donate a lily or other flowers at Easter in memory of a loved one, please let me know in good time. The lilies have to ordered well ahead.

Anne Claypole White

Mothers' Union. (All meetings at 2 pm in the Manor Room unless shown otherwise).

20^th March - Holy Communion in Church followed by AGM in Manor Room.

17^th April - Readings and Thoughts for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

15^th May - Talk by Mr. Rob Spray.

Little Lights

Forthcoming dates for Little Lights are: 3^rd March, Saturday 12^th April (Easter workshop in Manor Room), 12^th May, 2^nd June and 7^th July.