Ash Wednesday, Lent Courses

Tonight, at 8pm, there's a special service for Ash Wednesday with the Imposition of Ashes.

It's a time to reflect on our own place within the world: "You are made from ashes and to ashes you shall return." Serious words for a serious reminder.

Ash Wednesday kicks off Lent, a big time for spiritual reconfiguration and recommitment. I know of hardly any other church which takes Lent courses so seriously.

That's partly because they are good - I guarantee that you'll be interested and energised by them - but also because people here take their faith seriously.

31 people have signed up already. Please consider adding your name too. it's also a great way of getting to know other people in the congregation.

Tuesday 12 noon

Tuesday 7.45pm

Friday 12.30

Friday 7.45pm

Each session lasts a total of two hours, but that includes sharing a simple meal together first.

Sign up on the noticeboard at the lobby or email or telephone Father Robert.

This year's theme is "Making the Difference", as we look at ourselves, our lives, our friendships (our enemies?), our understanding of death and the hereafter... and then see what difference the new perspective makes. I guess it's trying to see our lives more closely from God's perspective than we do normally.

Also worth noting, a Service of Healing and Wholeness, at 4pm this Sunday.

Father Robert

Pantomime, Chapel developments, Lent soon

This week, do come to the sensational Pantomime at the parish church, Vancouver Road The Land of Green Ginger. We run for four performances only, Thursday 19th Feb, 7.30pm, Friday 20th Feb, 7.30pm, Saturday 21st Feb, 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

The costumes are extraordinary, the set is going up right now, and the acting is ludicrous.

Meanwhile, we're pushing ahead with the more mundane things about the Chapel: getting the address registered with the post office, sorting out refuse collection... It's not glamorous but it's part of what we need to do to get the project going and make ready for all the properly spirit-filled things that will take place there. if you want to book the office space, then call us on 0208613 0295. We aren't always able to respond directly, but we will get back to you.

Finally, of course, Lent is coming up. We take Lent seriously here and Lent groups are always well attended. We're preparing the material right now.

Father Robert

Pantomime, The Land of Green Ginger

Oh yes it is. Oh, no it isn't...

If you walk past the church on any evening this week, you're quite likely to find some of these lines being given with gusto. It's last minute rehearsal time for "The Land of Green Ginger." The costume fitting is on Sunday when we're also building the set. Dress rehearsal is next Wednesday and the curtain goes up on Thursday. 8 days' time.

The entire cast is from the congregation and we're bringing out some unlikely talents. But the leading lady has got tonsilitis, the chief comic lead has been felled by a chest infection, and the pantomime dame has lost his hearing aid and so can't hear his cues...

Can we pull it off despite the challenges?
Will Abu Ali win Silverbud's hands despite the Evil princes?

You'll just have to come to find out.
Thursday 19th Feb, 7.30pm
Friday 20th Feb, 7.30pm
Saturday 21st Feb, 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets for £5. Concessions for £3.
It's going to be great.

Father Robert

Snow can't stop the parish pantomime

For those who aren't around, this is what the Church and the Chapel on the Hill are like right now.

Of course, it's fabulously beautiful, and the snow has created a wonderful community spirit, but it also makes life harder for quite a few of us who find it hard to get about with ice around.

In terms of upcoming notices, we've two more weddings on Saturday, Granz and Tracian and Gareth and Kerry-ann.

And the big parish pantomime. The Land of Green Ginger is coming up on 19th to 21st February. It's a sequel to Aladdin.

Father John is Tictac Ping Foo, the evil prince trying to stop the heroic Abu Ali (yours truly, though I say it myself) from winning the hand of the beautiful Silverbud (Naomi).

You may also see Father Alan as Widow Twanky, Paul as the Genie of the lamp, Graham as Sulkpot Ben Nag Nag, Silverbud's irate father, Trudi as a button nosed tortoise and Reverend Michael, as Rubdub Ben Thud, Tictac's ally cum foe. Angelina Jolie stars as the evil princess.

What will happen, will it end happily ever after? You'll have to come and see.

Of course, all the cast all know their lines. (Oh, no, they don't. Oh yes, they do...)

Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st. Doors open 7.30pm each night. Tickets on sale from this Sunday.

Fr Robert

PS I was lying about Angelina Jolie.