Lent - Praying a Blessing 2021
A Daily Prayer booklet for Lent 'Praying a blessing' can be downloaded here:
Lent - The Pilgrim Course: Turning To Christ
We will run the first part of the Pilgrim Course as our Lent Course, using Zoom, on Tuesday Evenings at 7pm during Lent. Whether the course will run online throughout, or if we will look to host the sessions in a physical venue will depend on the ongoing situation with Covid-19. Anyone is welcome to come, and we would especially recommend it if you are interested in exploring baptism or confirmation. It is a course just as suitable for those who have been Christians a long time, as for those just starting out, or considering it. The sessions are described below. Please contact Fr David if you would like to attend either by phone or emailing curate@thelongnorbenefice.org.
If you can't attend using Zoom it's also possible to follow the course materials offline. Please let Fr David know if you would like a copy of the course book for your own use. These are ordinarily £5.99 but it may be possible to obtain larger numbers at a discount. We will link to the reflection videos from the various speakers via our website so they can be viewed in your own time. We are also planning to make free booklets for Lent worship at home available via our website and on request.
What do Christians believe? This first section of the Follow Stage, Turning to Christ, explores the heart of Christian belief through the six questions candidates are asked at baptism.
Session One: Do you turn to Christ?
23 February 7pm
With a Reflection by Stephen Cottrell (Archbishop of York)
Explores the attraction of Jesus Christ. What happened when people met him? What would happen if you did?
Session Two: Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
2 March 7pm
With a Reflection by Paula Gooder (Theologian)
What do Christians believe about God? This session uses the Old Testament to look at how God is like a Father.
Session Three: Do you believe in his Son Jesus Christ?
9 March 7pm
With a Reflection by Stephen Conway (Bishop of Ely)
Looking in more detail at who Christians believe Jesus is, this session looks at what Jesus' baptism reveals about his identity.
Session Four: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
16 March 7pm
With a Reflection by Stephen Cottrell
Uses the story of Pentecost to show how Christians believe the Holy Spirit makes Jesus present today.
Session Five: Do you repent of your sins?
23 March 7pm
With a Reflection by Stephen Cottrell
Looks at what Christians call sin: that inbuilt tendency to get things wrong and God’s great desire to put things right.
Session Six: Do you renounce evil?
30 March 7pm
With a Reflection by Nick Baines (Bishop of Leeds)
Explores the reality of evil, and how the Christian faith invites us to set the moral compass of our lives.