St. Augustine's Anglican Church

Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7

Psalm 32

Romans 5:12-19

Matthew 4:1-11

Lent, in the Christian church, is a period of penitential preparation for Easter. In Western churches it begins on Ash Wednesday, six and a half weeks before Easter, and provides a 40-day period for fasting and abstinence (Sundays are excluded), in imitation of Jesus Christ’s fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.

A period of preparation and fasting likely has been observed before the Easter festival since apostolic times, though the practice was not formalized until the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE. It was a time of preparation of candidates for baptism and a time of penance for grievous sinners who were excluded from Communion and were preparing for their restoration. As a sign of their penitence, they wore sackcloth and were sprinkled with ashes. This form of public penance began to die out in the 9th century, and it became customary for all the faithful to be reminded of the need for penitence by receiving an imposition of ashes on their foreheads on the first day of Lent—hence the name Ash Wednesday.

In the early centuries, fasting rules were strict, as they still are in Eastern churches. One meal a day was allowed in the evening, and meat, fish, eggs, and butter were forbidden. The Eastern church also restricts the use of wine, oil, and dairy products. In the West these fasting rules have gradually been relaxed. The strict law of fasting among Roman Catholics was dispences with during Wp+ord War II, and only Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are now kept as Lenten fast days. However, the emphasis on penitential practice and almsgiving remains, and many Catholics also observe a meatless fast on Fridays during Lent. In addition, many Christians often choose to give up specific pleasures, such as sweets, alcohol, or social media, during Lent as a way to foster simplicity and self control; many use their cravings or desires for these items as a reminder to pray and to refocus on spiritual matters.

In the Anglican churches The Book of Common Prayer prescribes that Lent be observed with fasting.

It is a new year.

We have much to celebrate.

We have much to look towards.

This year's AGM was well attended both in person and via zoom and gave much to look forward to. After an introductory prayer by Rev Jonathan many items were discussed and voted upon. It was most welcome that many people had given their input on the questionnaire recently provided; this included what was being celebrated at St A's, what has been personally helpful to you at St A's this past year and how God has been at work at St A's. Those present reviewed these comments and added more to expand these catagories.

A lively discussion and contemplation of our church and community in the year ahead took place. There was much enthusiasm over fundraising that was proposed by Megan. This seems to be an area that many people are willing to participate in and any ideas would be welcome. After so long it will be nice to be able to have community interaction within our parish. There is also a much anticipated re introduction of the simple supper, provided by a younger generation overseen by those of an older generation with a wealth of experience .. how nice to see the coming together of our church community.

Rewilding will be a constant throughout the coming months. The congregation voted unanimously on a reworking of the car parking area to provide both parking for those with mobility issues and a start to re work the surrounding area with vegetation and trees!! Keep your eyes out for what will be going on and how you can contribute.

Jonathan brought up a novel idea of those of an older generation 'adopting' a member of the congregation of the younger generation. What a lovely way of blending our church community and making people, both old and young, feel like they belong in a more intimate way.

A new vision group was elected to look forward for our community, what we need to focus on and where we are going.

Minutes of the meeting will be available soon.

Please visit the link in the next post to hear/read Rev Jonathan's report .. it is indeed inspiring.

On a final but very important note, the luncheon provided by the vision group was most appreciated!!! There were so many compliments on the lovely sandwiches that had been ordered and the homemade baking. It was nice, also, to have our younger members assisting and providing enthusiasm with regard our drinks and sweets on offer.

A special thank you, as well, to John, Charlotte, Aaron, Shaun and Christa who helped to set up and provided popcorn and a movie for our younger congregants so that their parents could be part of the meeting 'upstairs' (If anyone's name has been spelt wrong or if anyone has been left out, I do apologise)