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MARCH 2024 Letter
Yesterday I saw
snowdrops and a few cowslips as we move from winter into spring. The birds were singing and the sun was warm
on my face and I felt my heart lift at the thought of longer days and not
having to walk Bean in the dark in a dayglo jacket so I can find her when she
is off the lead!!
We are journeying towards
Easter, to all those joyful times of longer days, warmer evenings, not perhaps
as much rain and mud, being able to get out in the garden, the allotment or
play in the park, long dog walks, time off school, time off work, spending
special time with our families and friends, all on our horizon. We have so much to be thankful for. We have
already had our Pancake Party
Thank you to all
the helpers – children that attended – and the winner.
and our Ash Wednesday
service to mark the beginning of Lent, and……
We now have the Quiz Night to look forward to at Gilston
and Eastwick Village Hall on Saturday 24th February at 7.30 pm,
where you can bring your own drink, although we will serve tea and coffee and I
believe there may be cake! (see flyer for full details).
Our next dog walk leaving from St James Church, High Wych
will be Sunday 3rd March at 2.30 pm However, as we journey towards Easter with all our services
to look forward to we are experiencing Lent, that journey that is of personal
self-reflection as we journey with Jesus as he walks towards the Cross, asking
ourselves - where do we fall short? what can we do that is better? Who can we
help?, etc
This year I am asking you all to think carefully about
taking on the Lent Challenge as our way of giving thanks for all that we have
and for serving others who are struggling at this time. There are many ways we can do this, here are
3 different ways we can do this (see below):-
2024 The Lent Challenge During the 40 days of Lent we may give things up – to fast –
from sugary or fatty foods, while others choose a well-loved treat, social
media, alcohol, or TV the idea being that we remember Jesus’ time in the
wilderness when he went without and we are called to give more attention to
God, in prayer and reading the Bible.
We are also called during Lent to remember those worse off
than ourselves and there are so many ways we can do this. We can give our money to charity, maybe
sending help to children in Gaza who are struggling without food and basic
necessities:- Children
in Gaza crisis appeal - UNICEF UK – (follow this link to financially give).
Or you may consider using the Count your Blessings project
that helps you work through Lent thoughtfully, giving to the poorer countries
around the world who are dealing with the onslaughts of climate change and
poverty:- count-your-blessings-2024-v1.1.pdf
(christianaid.org.uk) – (follow link to download the 40 days challenge –
printed out at back of church (St Mary’s) for you to look at)
Or you may want to look closer to home and take up the Lent
Challenge for our own area. We are
committing to give generously to the Pop-Up shop during Lent, focussing on a
particular area of food/household products each week as follows:-
Week 1 - we focus on bringing soft drinks for
that week.
Week 2 – cans of food.
Week 3 – dried goods
Week 4 - Cereals or household products.
Week 5 – chocolate (small Easter eggs)
Week 6 – Special Easter food
This will call us to sacrifice some of our wealth but it
will benefit others who are struggling.
The church (St James, High Wych) or (St Mary’s, Gilston) is open every
day from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm for you to bring food and place in the box
provided, and we will make sure this food gets to the Pop-Up Shop. Or if this is difficult for you, you can give
the Pop Up Shop money directly at:-
Barclays Bank – Account Number 60797029 – Sort Code 20 36
98Account Name:
Sawbridgeworth Congregational Church
My hope for each one of us over this Easter period is that
we will say this prayer:-
Father, help me to live each day to the full,
Being true to You, in every way.
Jesus, help me to give myself away to others,
Being kind to everyone I meet.
Sprit, help me to love the lost,
Proclaiming Christ in all I say and do. Amen.
I leave you with our Bible verse for the year to encourage
us to find the joy in each day that we are given.
Your Priest
Alison
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as
you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy
Spirit.
The following websites gives details of grants that they may be able to apply for if the increasing
cost of living is causing problems.
You simply put in your postcode and it lists available
grants in that area. https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/
Are you on a low income do check to see if you might be eligible for Council Tax support. https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/benefits-and-financial-support/council-tax-support
..and a reminder if anybody living in a property in bands
A-D has yet to apply for their £150.00 energy rebate from the Council then now
is the time to get that done too. https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/governments-ps150-payment-towards-energy-bills