The Plan and Lectionary

Dear Friends,

As we approach Lent, I have been looking at the Methodist Church resources Soul Food, centred on the lectionary readings and focussing on what nourishes and sustains us. I’ve already signed up to the Methodist Church emails for 40 daily deliveries of spiritual nourishment through Lent: https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/soul-food/

We know that Jesus was talking about more than food when he said we cannot live by bread alone, but if I had to, I’d quite happily just eat bread, providing there was some good cheese to go with it! Whilst bread (and cheese) is great, at this time of year having something warming to eat is a must. I wonder what your favourite comfort food is. Perhaps it’s a dish that you associate with childhood, family members or a special occasion. Is it something you cook yourself or best when cooked for you?

There is something special about taking the time to eat together, we see this throughout the Gospels and the development of the early Church. Being intentional about spending time together and getting to know each other better is such an important part of the fellowship of the Church and made so easy by eating together. It’s also a relaxed way to invite friends and family members to come along and join in.

Lent is a reflective time of preparation, often focusing on fasting, prayer and service or charity. For some people abstinence is an important part of Lent, giving up life’s temptations helps to focus on our dependence on God but if self-denial is too much at the moment, perhaps a more proactive approach to Lent of giving and growth might be beneficial. Putting God and others before yourself is a helpful way to journey towards Easter.

Perhaps during Lent you might like to focus on the nourishment and sustenance received from both the word of God and by eating together. At Acocks Green Methodist Church we will be combining our Lent Lunches with a Lent Bible study.

Giving to others helps us to focus on the blessings and provision of God and there are lots of different ways that we can so that. We can all bring some warmth this Lent; in our welcomes, in our friendships, simply by spending time with people and in our correspondence – catching up on letter writing or reaching out by phone. An invitation to spend time together, share in a cuppa or a meal or even a meal made and dropped off for someone is nourishing and sustaining. Perhaps making the time in Lent to start a new routine of connecting with others over food, will allow you to sustain the habit beyond Easter. We all need to eat, after all!

As we journey through Lent, let’s do so in fellowship with one another, nourished and sustained by both food and the word of God.

Every blessing

Rev’d Julie Clark