March & Lent at the URC

United Reformed Church March 2020 Services. Services at 10:30 am unless stated otherwise.

Sun 1st Mrs Alison Reed Richards

Sun 8th Rev. Tim Richards

Sun 15th Rev. Evelyn Ridout

Sun 22nd Mothering Sun Rev. Rowena Francis

Sun 29th Mrs Jo Morling We are an inclusive, outward looking group of people and we welcome all, wherever they are on their spiritual/life journey, without regard to age, denominational background, sexual orientation, ability or race. We respect the traditions of our past, engage with the present and look forward to the future, believing that Christian truth is not contained in static prepositional statements but is ever changing and constantly evolving. Tea/coffee is served after every service providing the opportunity to meet and chat with each other and the preacher. Minister: Rev. Tim Richards 01458 252799.

LENT at the URC: Giving something to (rather than giving something up)
You are invited to Lunch: Easter Saturday 11th April 12th noon

You've heard the familiar phrase "giving something up for Lent" – it originates with the solemn Christian observance of fasting and the giving up of luxuries in order to replicate, remind ourselves by entering into the spirit of, Jesus's time spent in the desert at the beginning of his public ministry. The Gospels record this period in the desert as 40 days – hence Lent (and any giving up we might do) lasts for 40 days (weekends don't count!). This year the beginning of Lent (Ash Wednesday) falls on 26th February ending approximately six weeks later, Holy Saturday (11th April), the day before Easter Sunday.
Lent is a season of preparation: preparation for Christ's death and resurrection – preparation through prayer; repentance (or sorrow for) of sins (unhelpful acts or inaction); penance (putting right or making amends for a wrong); almsgiving (charitable giving to those in need); the denial of ego (self-denial; usually denying oneself the pleasures of life but also a recognition of others needs as more important than our own).
Our giving up at the URC during Lent this year involves giving to and we invite you to join with us.
Throughout the period of Lent, we encourage you to join us by putting something aside (in-date, non-perishable foodstuffs, toiletries, household items, sanitary products, baby supplies or money) either on a daily, weekly or as you can basis to give to our local foodbank.
-This might be as an act of penance, putting right a wrong, or addressing an injustice:
-It might be as part of your alms or charitable giving:
-It could be part of your self-denial, putting others needs before your own or going without in order that someone else might have:
-It might simply be your act of kindness or compassion.

It doesn't need to be much: five loaves and two fishes fed a multitude – 10p every day for 40 days = £4 will make a difference. Langport Foodbank is for individuals and families experiencing a crisis which is making feeding themselves or a family difficult. Open every Wednesday between 2:30 – 4pm at the Ridgway Hall, Stacey's Court, Langport it is run as a satellite of the Taunton Trussell Trust foodbank. If you want to know more or discover specific item requests visit http://taunton.foodbank.org.uk To say THANK YOU we will be hosting a FREE Soup & Bread plus Cake lunch at the end of Lent on Saturday 11th April, 12 noon – 2pm: just bring your items/money for the foodbank with you to the URC hall. Stay for lunch: we will gather, pack & transport foodbank items/money for you.