In the Christian calendar, we have entered the season of Lent. This began today – Ash Wednesday – with a very special service in the church led by Deacon David. The children learned about the meaning of the word ‘Lent’ and what the time signifies.
Today, many people who do not have a Christian faith still use the period of Lent to give up something. They may give up eating chocolate, watching television, drinking coffee or something else altogether. The idea is that they might use the extra time or money gained to give for something good. Christians might spend the extra time thinking about God. People might also use the time to help others or support a charity.
The children had an opportunity, if they wished to do so, to receive the sign of the cross on their foreheads. The ashes, made from the remains of last year’s Palm Sunday crosses, are a representation of saying sorry for things we may have done wrong.
As a school within the Southwark Diocese, each year the Bishop’s Lent Call Appeal is something we actively participate in to help raise funds for local community projects in the Diocese and Link Dioceses in Zimbabwe and Jerusalem. We are grateful to you all for your response to the Lent Call Appeal in previous years and we recognise that these are difficult times for everyone; your giving is appreciated.
This year, the need is no less pressing as we are living in troubling times with war, devastation and people fleeing for safety. The cost of living is increasing, causing anxiety for many as they consider whether they can be warm or can feed their family. In these hard and challenging times, people’s mental health and well-being is suffering. It is for this reason that the Bishop of Southwark’s theme for this years Lent Call appeal is, “How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” taken from Psalm 137:4
Money raised will support projects that help with access to medical care both here and in the Link Diocese of Jerusalem. Access to food is a common theme too as worry about being able to feed the family leads to enormous stress, so funds raised will provide support for food banks here and nutritional gardens in the Link Dioceses in Zimbabwe. The Lent Call Appeal will also support projects to facilitate well-being by developing strategies to cope with the stress and mental illness caused by our modern world – many need support to deal with the pressures of life.
What are we doing at St Michael’s?
St Michael’s are answering the call with:
- Purple wristbands on sale from tomorrow, Thursday 23rd February
- A purple cookie sale – further details to follow
- Wear something purple day (and bring a donation) 28th April
As well as this, our Faith committee will be joining the Bishop’s Lent Call Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday 3rd May at Southwark Cathedral.
We will keep you updated in all we do and thank you once again for your support.