Bolingbroke Deanery Team Parishes Faithful, Confident, Joyful 14th February 2021 The Sunday before Lent (Green)

9.00am Sunday next before Lent 14/02/2021 Rev Helen Shannon leads a service to mark the Sunday next before Lent. This online church service comes from Church@Five. https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/church-online

10.00am Prayer in our own homes See below

Under latest Lockdown Public worship in church, churchyard or other premises where church services are routinely held Permitted as ‘communal worship’ provided that any person attending is: alone or is part of a group all from the same household or from two linked households and must not join any other group or mingle with any person from another group. A statutory risk assessment must be carried out and all reasonable measures taken to limit risk of transmission of coronavirus Travel to church Permitted. But people are advised to avoid travelling outside of their village, town or the part of a city where they live.

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The Sunday before Lent Services in the Spilsby Cluster 9.30am Spilsby Eucharist (PC) Services in the Marden Hill Cluster 9.30am East Keal Holy Communion (+DR) 11.15am Hagworthingham (PC) 3.00pm East Kirkby Eucharist (PC) 3.00pm Old Bolingbroke Afternoon Worship (FJ) Services in the Stickney Cluster 11.15am Stickford Morning Worship (FJ) Services in the Partney Cluster 9.30am Candlesby Morning Prayer (PMcL) Services in the South Ormsby Cluster 9.30am Tetford Morning Prayer (TMcL) Services in the Spilsby Cluster

Bolingbroke Churches on line: We will continue to publish a short video on YouTube and link it to our website. Our Web Site http://lincoln.ourchurchweb.org.uk/spilsby/index.php Bolingbroke Team Churches YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqTDWzvL2jxeB6ESF- aP9Nw?view_as=subscriber Monday Sigfrid - Bishop, Apostle of Sweden, 1045 Thomas Bray - Priest, Founder of the SPCK and the SPG, 1730 11.00am A/C Janette Cott’s Funeral 1.30pm B/C Roy Mathers Funeral Shrove Tuesday Ash Wednesday 10.30am St James Spilsby Eucharist to Begin Lent 11.00am St Luke, Stickney Service to Begin Lent 11.15am St Nicholas, Partney Eucharist to Begin Lent 3.30pm Team Meeting 4.00pm Churches Together Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88232885546?pwd=b0VqZDdUS0E5WHBjbis1cjR2ZmRzUT09 7.00pm St Helen, East Keal Eucharist to Begin Lent 8.30pm Compline (Night Prayer) for Lent Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82319347192?pwd=S0pERDJXZ29HRVFSelFrTkhRQmowUT09 or ring 0131 460 1196 UK Meeting ID: 1934 7192 Passcode: 204772 Thursday Janani Luwum 17 February Archbishop of Uganda, Martyr, 1977 Friday 2

6.00pm Stations of the Cross for Lent Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82394876104?pwd=VmV5c2lUSytWaXVSek1WR3JKUjRIZz09 or ring 0131 460 1196 UK Meeting ID: 823 9487 6104 Passcode: 761756 Saturday

First Sunday of Lent Services in the Spilsby Cluster 9.30am Spilsby Eucharist (PC) 11.15am Hundleby Eucharist (PC) 3.00pm Firsby Evening Prayer (PC) Services in the Marden Hill Cluster 9.30am East Keal Holy Communion (+DR) Services in the Stickney Cluster 11.15am Stickney Morning Worship (FJ) Services in the Partney Cluster 9.30am Aswardby Morning Prayer (PMcL) 11.15am Partney Family Service (TMcL) Services in the South Ormsby Cluster 9.30am Tetford Holy Communion (TMcL) Services in the Spilsby Cluster

Private Prayer in the Following Churches: St James Spilsby Daily 08.00 to 14.00 St Helen East Keal Sun to Thursday 10.00 to 15.00 St Nicholas Partney Thursdays 11.30 to 12.30 St Mary Tetford Thursdays 14.00 to 15.00 St Luke Stickney Thursday 10.00 to 11.00 St Helen Stickford Thursdays 10.00 to 11.30 St Mary Hundleby Daily 10.00 to 14.00

Daily 8am Morning Prayer & at Noon God of love, turn our hearts to Your ways and give us peace. Amen

The sick at home or in hospital, Leo Seebacher-Hobson, Nigel Worth, Kathleen, Molly, Veronica, Dorothy, Maggie J. Betty Brawn, Tristan, Michael P, Joan T. Mark, Jossie Lee, June, Hilary, Michael, Harriet, Rose L., Abby, Sheila Janes, Fleur, Mary, Jeff Mason, Rosie, Bob, (Baby) Chloe Lear, Lawrence, , Ann Howman, John and Audrey Prince, Sylvia Bonsey, Anthea B, Jo & John, Rick Watson. Bessie Reddin. 3

The Departed: David Scrimshaw, Rita Lenton, Dorothy Harrison, Betty Strong, Geoff Ness, Michael Johnson, ‘Tony’ Wilkinson, Trish Noble, Norrie Jones, Janette Cott, Janet Clark, Jane Sinclair(p), Madeline Blakey, Margaret Longley, Joyce Iwaszkiw, Maurice Bird, Roy Mathers, Dorothy Hewitt, Joe Hezel.

Anniversary: David Roberts, Vera Stevens, Jim Kemp, Joan Holmes, James Sessions, Sue Julian, Mary Wilson, Winifred Foster, Phyllis Wilson, June Norris, Jenny Shaw, Nancy Badley, Jack Vorley, Linden Philips, Harry Ely, Barry Brough, Gerald Pinner, Phyllis Woolford, Kath Curwen, Marcia James, John Herdman, Robin Adair, Edna Mowbray, Edna Hall, Fred Caldwell, Kath Gollogly, Geoffrey Clark, Robert Thorold, Joyce Yates, Bob Richie, John Perkins, Mary Borrell, Rodney Goodhand George Cook, Edna Hough, Edith Burns, Nancy Clayton, Marie Breeze. Gordon Roberts, Harry Marsh, Margaret Gilbert, Ellen Burman. Julie Dale, Ted Brackenbury, Thomas Kendrick, Brian Griffin, Rodney White, Maureen Fraser, Winifred Gooderham, James Epton, Vera Boyall, Julia Baxter, David Carr, Ken Wroe, Pam Ford, Joan Tong, Jean Sanderson, Ruth Toulson. Jean Thompson, Catherine Lingham, Patricia Smith, Graham Britchford, Harold Scott, Joan Patterson, Elsie Parr, Barry Dale.

Sunday 14th – The Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came Sunday next before Lent a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!’ Mark 9: 7

The Anglican Church of Canada Monday 15th The PA to the Archdeacons – Mr Tom Wilson Sigfrid, Bishop, Apostle Pray for the work of administration across the Diocese of Sweden, 1045 Thomas Bray, Priest, The Diocese of South Ankole – The Church of the Province of Founder of SPCK 1730 Uganda Tuesday 16th The Deanery of Graffoe: Rural Dean - Revd Lorna Brabin- Smith, Lay Chair – Richard Bayes Give thanks for the variety of traditions across the deanery and pray for the ALM course and workshops we’re planning for the spring and summer.

The Diocese of West Ankole – The Church of the Province of Uganda Wednesday 17th Church Schools in Graffoe Deanery: Branston. Coleby, Ash Wednesday Dunston St Peter`s, Navenby, North Hykeham All Saints, Potterhanworth, Skellingthorpe St Lawrence, Swinderby All Saints, Thorpe on the Hill.

The Diocese of Antananarivo - The Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean 4

Thursday 18th Branston w Nocton and Potterhanworth - Revd Lorna Brabin- Smith. Give thanks for the ways, old and new, we’ve kept in touch and worshipped together. Pray for our plans for Lent, Holy Week and Easter.

The Diocese of Antsiranana - The Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean Friday 19th The Graffoe Group - Revd Michelle Godbold With our Churches closed we pray that all stay safe and healthy and that it won’t be long before we can once again be together.

The Diocese of Araucania – Iglesia Anglicana de Chile Saturday 20th Hykeham - Revd Peter Collins Pray for those keeping up contact with neighbours during the current lockdown. The Diocese of The Arctic – The Anglican Church of Canada Sunday 21st After John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the First Sunday of Lent good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news. Mark 1: 14 – 15

The Church of the Province of Central Africa

Bolingbroke Team Ministry Sunday before Lent

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People of God, let us raise our expectations of what it means to encounter God in this place. Let us be open to God revealing something of his divine nature to us, and changing the way we see the world.

Almighty God, we ask you to show us something more of who you are and how awesome your presence is. Overcome our fear of the unknown and lead us into a new experience of you. May our worship today be as on a mountain-top, a transforming encounter that empowers our discipleship. Amen.

Hymn Christ, whose glory fills the skies, Christ, the true, the only light, Sun of righteousness, arise, triumph o'er the shades of night; Dayspring from on high, be near; Daystar, in my heart appear.

Dark and cheerless is the morn unaccompanied by thee: joyless is the day's return, till thy mercy's beams I see, till they inward light impart, cheer my eyes, and warm my heart.

Visit then this soul of mine; pierce the gloom of sin and grief; fill me, radiancy divine; scatter all my unbelief; more and more thyself display, shining to the perfect day. (Words: Charles Wesley)

Prayers of Penitence Human sin disfigures the whole creation, which groans with eager longing for God’s redemption. We confess our sin in penitence and faith.

God our Father, long-suffering, full of grace and truth, you create us from nothing and give us life. You give your faithful people new life in the water of baptism. You do not turn your face from us, nor cast us aside. We confess that we have sinned against you and our neighbour. We have wounded your love and marred your image in us. Restore us for the sake of your Son, and bring us to heavenly joy, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Absolution Almighty God, who in Jesus Christ has given us a kingdom that cannot be destroyed, forgive us our sins, open our eyes to God’s truth, strengthen us to do God’s will and give us the joy of his kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 6

The Collect of the Day Holy God, you know the disorder of our sinful lives: set straight our crooked hearts, and bend our wills to love your goodness and your glory in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Old Testament Reading - 2 Kings 2: 1 – 12 Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.’ But Elisha said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, ‘Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?’ And he said, ‘Yes, I know; keep silent.’ Elijah said to him, ‘Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.’ But he said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, ‘Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?’ And he answered, ‘Yes, I know; be silent.’ Then Elijah said to him, ‘Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.’ But he said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.’ Elisha said, ‘Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.’ He responded, ‘You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.’ As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, ‘Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!’ But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. This is the word of the Lord: Thanks be to God

Hymn 'Tis good, Lord, to be here, thy glory fills the night; thy face and garments, like the sun, shine with unborrowed light. 7

'Tis good, Lord, to be here, thy beauty to behold where Moses and Elijah stand, thy messengers of old.

Fulfiller of the past! Promise of things to be, we hail thy body glorified and our redemption see.

Before we taste of death, we see thy kingdom come; we fain would hold the vision bright and make this hill our home.

'Tis good, Lord, to be here, yet we may not remain; but since thou bid’st us leave the mount, come with us to the plain. (Words: J Armitage Robinson) Gospel Reading - Mark 9: 2 - 9 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!’ Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. This is the word of the Lord: Thanks be to God

Homily from the Diocesan Website ‘Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain’

A carpenter and three fishermen, going up a mountain in a desert. It’s almost the start of a joke, isn’t it! But this was no joke, and it was no Sunday afternoon stroll along the beach. Imagine the effort it must have cost them all to get up there. How many times do you think Peter stopped and asked “Why am I doing this?” Because every step they took was a step further away from what he knew, and what he was comfortable with. But Peter, James and John had made the decision to follow Jesus, and they stuck with it, no matter where he led them. 8

When they got to the top, of course, they were rewarded with a wonderful view and, shortly after, a wonderful vision. We can’t really understand it, or possibly even picture it in our thoughts, but we can make links with Jesus’ public ministry which has gone before, and links with the crucifixion still to come, so that the transfiguration is a pivotal point in the gospel story.

Think back to the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, when he takes the first step out of the anonymity of his home life and comes to John for baptism. At the moment of baptism, Mark tells us, the Spirit of God descended like a dove and alighted on him, and a voice from heaven said “You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11) Words repeated during the transfiguration as if God is affirming, for both Jesus and for the disciples, what Jesus is going to do in Jerusalem.

Then think forward in the gospel story to the crucifixion. At the transfiguration we see Jesus in shining light on the mountain top, flanked by Moses and Elijah. At the crucifixion we see Jesus in utter darkness on the cross, flanked by two thieves. And the voice that we hear is not the voice of God the Father, but the voice of Jesus crying out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34)

Now, with hindsight, we can make those links between Jesus’ Baptism and transfiguration, and between his transfiguration and his crucifixion. We can make those links in the knowledge that the crucifixion was not the end, and that the darkness was shattered by the brightness of the resurrection. But Peter, James and John, standing on the mountain, could not make those links. They did not know what was going to happen.

It is not certain that any of them were present at his baptism, although they may have heard stories about what happened. Nor is it certain that they were present at the crucifixion. Peter, for example, ran away from Jesus in the hours before the crucifixion.

So what did Peter, James and John understand from the transfiguration that they witnessed? Probably not much at all. Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He recognised something was happening and being Peter, he wanted to be in on the action – even if he got it hopelessly wrong.

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Why would Peter want to build three dwellings for Jesus, Elijah & Moses? Possibly because this was a way of preserving or capturing the experience. Peter didn’t really understand what was going on – but he recognised that it was something special, something holy. And he didn’t want it to end.

Most Christians can identify moments in life when God has felt particularly close and treasure those moments. Maybe some even try to replicate those moments – arrange their lives around them so that they can experience again and again the closeness of God. Perhaps they revisit the place, or play the same music hoping that God will once more draw them close.

And yet, what Peter discovered was that these moments of closeness to God, are simply moments on a journey – and not always a pleasurable journey.

Jesus led Peter, James and John back down the mountain and turned his face to Jerusalem. The experience stayed with those disciples, but they left the mountain behind. And in doing so, they discovered, as we must also discover, that closeness to God is not a once in a lifetime opportunity, like the transfiguration. It is available for all time, if only we would choose to experience it.

Conversation Questions 1. How have moments of closeness to God helped you on your journey of faith? 2. Have you felt close to God at any time during the difficult pandemic lockdowns? How might you share that experience with someone who has struggled through. 3. Is there anything else from the passage not already discussed that speaks to you? What is it? 4. What will you do this week in your Monday-to-Saturday ministry in response to what you have heard today? #everydayfaith

Statement of Faith I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,

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he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen

Hymn There is a redeemer, Jesus, God's own son Precious lamb of God, Messiah, Holy one Thank you oh my father for giving us your son And leaving your spirit 'til the work on earth is done.

Jesus my redeemer, Name above all names Precious lamb of God, Messiah, Oh, for sinners slain. Chorus

When I stand in glory I will see his face And there I'll serve my king forever in that holy place. Chorus (Words: Melody Green (1903-2000)) Prayers Lord of Transfiguration. We pray for our divided nation. Every day we become mor aware of the ever-widening gap between those who have everything they want and those deprived of the basic things they need. Come, Lord, and move in all our hearts and minds that once more we may become a people whose concern for justice, truth and love finds its source in a renewal of faith in Jesus. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Lord of the cloud of glory, we pray for the life of our community, for those who find no reason to give thanks for their blessings and for those who offer praise to anyone but their Maker; for those who once walked in faith and trust and for those who have long since ceased to be disciples. As those three disciples discovered the presence of God in their midst so may your people be the visible sign of your still being among them. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Lord of the bright shining light, we pray for those whose lives are in darkness; for those in the darkness of fear and for those who are haunted by the darkness of their memories that still have the power to continue to trouble them today; for those imprisoned by the walls of their home and for those whose lives are cripples and damaged by the darkness of bitterness and despair that still binds them. Come, Lord, and shine the light of your

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healing and may the light of the empty tomb set many free. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Lord of the mountaintop, we pray for those whose eyes have been opened and even now are longing to know more of your glory; for those who were found by you in a moment of joy and for those who found they had been walking with you at the table of communion and in ordinary everyday places. By your Holy Spirit, enable us to be channels of your grace and give us the courage to tell the story of our walk with you: may our words, lives and our service enable the lost to find their way to the mountain of the Lord. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Lord of the valley, we pray for those alone in the depths of their pain and for those whose whole world has been turned upside down; for those for whom the future appears empty, bleak and futile and for those needing to come to terms with their valley of change; for those weighed down by the baggage they have carried for years and for those who are victims of life-sapping stress; for those who offer the hand of friendship and compassion and for those who hold the shaking hand and promise to walk through the valley with the broken. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Lord of the disciples’ questions, we pray for those who are still looking for answers and for those who will search anywhere but in the grace of God; for those longing for a solution to the things that trouble them deeply, and for those content to blame God for the sins of human beings; for those who no longer ask any questions of faith, hope and love and for those whose hearts are alive to the Lord who loves them as they use their minds that they might know him more; for those who through art, drama, writing, teaching and preaching seek to open hearts and minds to the glory of Christ. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Lord of the dangerous places of life, we pray for those whose lives are transformed by grace; for those you call to step out of their comfort zone and for those who now risk serving in the places of danger; for those who put their lives in jeopardy for love of their neighbour and for those who offer their skills of healing, rescue and rebuilding to those whose lives have been wrecked by sickness, earthquake and flood. We pray that you will give us courage to step out of our comfort zone and being hope to someone as we share with them the love of our Lord. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

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We bring our prayers in the name of our crucified, risen and ascended Lord, whose presence changes everything. Amen

Hymn Alleluia! sing to Jesus! His the sceptre, his the throne. Alleluia! His the triumph, his the victory alone. Hark! the songs of peaceful Zion thunder like a mighty flood. Jesus out of every nation hath redeemed us by his blood.

Alleluia! not as orphans are we left in sorrow now; Alleluia! He is near us, faith believes, nor questions how; Though the cloud from sight received him when the forty days were o'er shall our hearts forget his promise, 'I am with you evermore'?

Alleluia! Bread of heaven, thou on earth our food and stay! Alleluia! Here the sinful flee to thee from day to day. Intercessor, friend of sinners, earth's Redeemer, plead for me. Where the songs of all the sinless sweep across the crystal sea.

Alleluia! King eternal, thee the Lord of lords we own; Alleluia! Born of Mary, earth thy footstool, heaven thy throne. Thou within the veil hast entered, robed in flesh, our great High Priest. Thou on earth both Priest and Victim in the Eucharistic Feast. (Text: William C Dix) Closing Prayer Eternal God, giver of love and power, your Son Jesus Christ has sent us into all the world to preach the gospel of his kingdom: confirm us in this mission and help us to live the good news we proclaim; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

An act of Spiritual Communion You may wish to find a space for prayer in front of a cross, a candle, or a special place. You might choose to make your Spiritual Communion at a particular time of day, or after viewing a live streamed service.

Reflect on the day and on your relationships. - What good things have come from God today? - Where have I fallen short? - What might I do tomorrow?

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You may wish to say or pray Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Read the following words from Scripture. If you have access to today’s readings for Holy Communion, you may wish to read and reflect on them. Jesus said, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’ John 6.35

Pray for the needs of the world, for your local community, and for those close to you. End with the Lord’s Prayer. Our Father...

Give thanks for the saving death and resurrection of Jesus and ask him to be with you now. Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits you have given me, for all the pains and insults you have borne for me. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart.

O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother, may I know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen. after the Prayer of St Richard of Chichester

Conclude with the following: The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil, and keep us in eternal life. Amen.

A prayer for all those affected by coronavirus

Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy. Sustain and support the anxious, be with those who care for the sick, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may find comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

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Clergy Team The Rev’d. Mrs Joan Thornett The Rev’d. Canon Peter Coates email: [email protected] The Vicarage, Church Street, Spilsby, Tel: 01790 754151 PE23 5EF email: [email protected] The Rev’d Mrs Jean Coates Tel: 01790 752526 Contact via Spilsby Vicarage – As above email: [email protected]

The Rev’d. Ms. Fran Jeffries Rev’d. Mrs Teresa McLaughlin & The Rectory, Horbling Lane, Stickney Mr Paul McLaughlin – Community PE22 8DQ Chaplain email: [email protected] The Rectory, Scremby Road Partney PE23 4PG [email protected] 01790 752344

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Saints on Earth February Cyril and Methodius 14 February Missionaries to the Slavs, 869 and 885 Cyril and Methodius were brothers. They were born in Thessalonica (in 826 and 815 respectively) to a wealthy family. Methodius, the elder brother, was initially governor in a Slav province of the Roman Empire, until he became a monk on Mount Olympus in Asia Minor. Cyril, whose pre-monastic name was Constantine, studied in Constantinople and became a lecturer in philosophy and a librarian. In 863 the Moravian ruler Rostislav requested some Christian teachers who could conduct services and teach in the Slavonic tongue for Moravia. Emperor Michael III sent Constantine and Methodius. The Slavonic language had not yet been written down or recorded, and to help the Slavs teach and worship in their own language Constantine created an alphabet, which he called Glagothic and which eventually became the Cyrillic alphabet. The brothers used this written language to teach in Slavonic and they also translated much of the Liturgy and the Gospels to this form. Through their teaching the Slavonic language was widely spread and Constantine in particular became known as the 'Father of Slavonic Literature'. Slavonic eventually became the language of the Liturgy in the Russian Church. During the brothers' time in Moravia missionaries from the German Church treated them with disdain and quickly grew to dislike the use of the new written Slavonic language in church services. They believed that the official languages of the Church should only be Hebrew, Latin and Greek. Constantine and Methodius were recalled to Rome to explain their actions and after examination by Adrian II were pronounced legitimate and orthodox, and consecrated as bishops. Constantine took monastic vows and the name of Cyril. Shortly after his consecration as bishop in 869, Cyril died and was buried in the Church of San Clemente in Rome. Methodius returned to Moravia as Archbishop of the newly formed Archdiocese of Rastislav and Svatropluk. He was opposed by bishops from the German Church and due to their influence was imprisoned for two years. After his liberation Methodius continued to conduct church services in Slavonic. He was hounded by those who wanted to use only Latin in the Church and he was the subject of many false rumours and plots.

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Both Cyril and Methodius are honoured and remembered as men who pioneered the use of the vernacular language in church services, and whose work had a great influence upon the emerging Church in ninth- century Russia. Valentine 14 February Martyr at Rome, c.269 The commemoration and celebration of Valentine has nothing to do with lovers, doves or Roman courting rituals. However, it has much to do with two separate people both called Valentine, two separate basilicas and a single road – the Flaminian Way. Valentine of Terni was a bishop in the third century who was taken to Rome and martyred in 273. His remains were taken back to Terni for his burial. An eighth-century basilica named after him is found on the Flaminian Way, a road linking Rome and Terni. Valentine of Rome was a priest who was also martyred in the middle of the third century but under the authority of Claudius II. His death occurred on the Flaminian Way. A basilica bearing his name is also found on this road. This basilica was completed by Pope Theodosius between 642 and 649. The two stories have understandably become confused over time, and whereas some have even suggested that the two Valentines are in fact one person, one source even suggests that three individuals may have been conflated. There has been much speculation and misunderstanding surrounding these martyrs. Indeed, Common Worship's choice of 'c.269' as the date of death is at best highly speculative since the Valentine commemorated today is most probably Valentine of Terni. The two events have become in effect one commemoration amidst confusion caused by the paucity of historical information. Although few facts can be gleaned for either Valentine, it can be said that truth exists in both stories. Both Valentines serve as a reminder of the difficulty of living as a Christian in an era of persecution. The present-day 'retail custom' of sending cards and flowers declaring love only clouds the commemoration and may owe its existence to John Donne (see 31 March). Donne wrote a marriage song for Princess Elizabeth, the daughter of James I who married Frederick V, Elector Palatine on St Valentine's Day in 1632. His marriage song merged the religious commemoration of Valentine with fertility symbolism. The spring mating

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rituals of birds and possibly the pagan Lupercalia festival also add flavour to the reasons behind the current celebration of the day.

Sigfrid 15 February Bishop, Apostle of Sweden, 1045 Sigfrid was an Englishman who became known as the Apostle of Sweden. Along with three of his nephews, Unaman, Sunaman and Vinaman, Sigfrid was sent to King Olaf of Norway by the English King Ethelred in 995. Olaf had converted to Christianity whilst living in England during a period of exile from Sweden and on his return had requested the help of the English king in his attempt to bring Christianity to his household and country. It was the intention of Ethelred that Sigfrid would not only work for the conversion of Norway, but of Sweden too. On arriving in Sweden Sigfrid built a church at Vaxjo. He consecrated his nephews as bishops, and left to evangelize Sweden. Whilst he was away, his nephews were murdered, and the church burnt to the ground. Those responsible for their deaths were caught, but when Sigfrid returned to Vaxjo he pleaded with the king that they should not be killed as punishment. King Olaf agreed to his request, and instead ordered that a large fine be paid. Sigfrid refused to accept any of this money, preferring to rebuild the church without it. Sigfrid died in 1045 in Vaxjo after a ministry in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Tradition has ascribed many stories of miracles to Sigfrid, some apparently used dubiously to frighten pagan tribes into accepting Christianity. The history of the spread of the gospel throughout Sweden, Norway and Denmark is difficult to ascertain with any degree of accuracy or impartiality. However, what is not in doubt is the efforts of Sigfrid to bring Christianity to a region in which governments and royalty were constantly changing and battles for supremacy were the norm. Thomas Bray 15 February Priest, Founder of the SPCK and the SPG, 1730

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Born 1656 at Marton in Shropshire,Thomas Bray went from Oswestry Grammar School to All Souls College, Oxford, probably as a clerk or chorister – a recognized route for those from poor homes to gain a degree. He was ordained in 1681, quickly coming to the notice of influential patrons, and in 1690 was presented to the living of Sheldon, in Warwickshire. By now a widower with two small children, he busied himself with a detailed teaching syllabus for the children and youth of his parish and in 1696 wrote and published a four-volume work on the Catechism. This filled a real need in the Church and brought Bray to the attention of Henry Compton, Bishop of London, who commissioned him to report on the condition of the Church in the colony of Maryland. It was in investigating the needs of the colonial Church that Bray became aware of the chronic difficulty in accessing books which was restricting Christian teaching and making clergy reluctant to offer to serve in the colony. Consequently he hit upon the idea of providing both books and whole libraries for the benefit of the colonial clergy. This led to the foundation of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge in 1698, though SPCK quickly developed a dual focus both overseas and in Britain, as it sought 'to dispense, both at home and abroad, Bibles and tracts of religion; and in general to advance the honour of God and the good of mankind by promoting Christian knowledge'. The SPCK began commissioning tracts and pamphlets, something it has continued ever since, making it the third oldest publishing house still operating in England today. The Society's work in providing Welsh-language literature was a major contributory factor in kick-starting the evangelical revival of the eighteenth century. In order to further the work overseas Bray and his associates also founded, in 1701, the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (SPG).This was the Church of England's first overseas missionary society and had the twin objects of providing for the spiritual needs of Britons overseas and evangelizing those non-Christian races in territories subject to the Crown. In 1708 Bray became Vicar of St Botolph, Aldgate, in the City of London, and until his death in 1730 continued to promote his vision of advancing Christianity through the power of the printed word. Janani Luwum 17 February Archbishop of Uganda, Martyr, 1977 19

Born into a poor Christian family at Acholi in 1922, Luwum spent his youth as a goatherd, but gave this up when the opportunity arose to train as a teacher at Boroboro. Undergoing a conversion experience in 1948, he left teaching to study for the ministry at the new Buwalasi Theological College. He was ordained in 1955 and served as a parish priest for three years. He studied further in England at the London College of Divinity, and returned to Buwalasi as Principal for two years. In 1969 he was consecrated Bishop of northern Uganda. Five years later he became Archbishop of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Bogo-Zaire. But primatial authority was to bring him into open confrontation with an anti-Christian state bent on destroying the Church. In 1971, three years before Luwum became archbishop, the government of Milton Obote had been overthrown by the Ugandan army under General Idi Amin. Amin initiated a policy of repression which soon escalated into a reign of terror. In an example of what would become known in the 1990s as 'ethnic cleansing', over 50,000 Asians were expelled from Uganda and troops from tribes hostile to Amin's own were summarily shot. Amin, a Muslim, sought to convert to Islam by force and terror a population with one of the largest percentages of Christians (about 70 per cent) in Africa. Early in 1977, a small revolt in the army was put down with few fatalities. But the increasingly paranoid Amin determined to stamp out all traces of dissent. His men killed thousands, including the entire population of former President Obote's home village. One bishop, Festo Kivengere, addressing a congregation including many government officials, accused the government of abusing the authority that God had entrusted to it. Amin responded by ordering a night-time raid on the archbishop's home, on the pretext of searching for hidden weapons. Showing considerable bravery, Luwum visited Amin to deliver personally a note of protest from the bishops at the arbitrary killings and the disappearances of many, particularly Christians. He never returned from the presidential palace and was later found dead, together with two Christian cabinet ministers, the three having ostensibly died in a car crash. Few in Uganda or abroad doubted that he had been murdered on the dictator's orders.

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We remember before God those who have died and we pray that God's love will surround all who mourn them, now and always Gracious God, as we remember before you the thousands who have died, surround us and all who mourn with your strong compassion. Be gentle with us in our grief, protect us from despair, and give us grace to persevere and face the future with hope in Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

Prayer/Walk A hidden path that starts at a dead end, Old ways, renewed by walking with a friend, And crossing places taken hand in hand, The passages where nothing need be said, With bruised and scented sweetness underfoot And unexpected birdsong overhead, The sleeping life beneath a dark-mouthed burrow, The rooted secrets rustling in a hedgerow, The land’s long memory in ridge and furrow, A track once beaten and now overgrown With complex textures, every kind of green, Land- and cloud-scape melting into one, The rich meandering of streams at play, A setting out to find oneself astray, And coming home at dusk a different way. Malcolm Guite, from Sounding the Seasons (Canterbury Press).

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Spring-clean yourself for Lent

Author: Lawrence Wilton

There are always plenty of suggestions around for how to spend Lent: improving books and discussion groups are popular; knocking biscuits, cake and alcohol off the menu are common (if not popular); even fasting is being looked at again more seriously (see page 8). What to choose?

Well, how about everything? After all, Lent runs for six-and-a-half weeks, so it’s not as if you’re short of time. The Church has a habit of focusing on souls, but in Lent the spotlight is on your bodies, minds, and bank accounts, too.

The reasoning behind such a radical approach is simple. It makes no sense to read a holy book, give up sweets, or pray more, if, for example, you’re still beating your children, or stealing stuff from work.

Think of it as spring cleaning. We all push the vacuum round, and dust the surfaces within reach. (All right, so my son doesn’t.) But there comes a time, if only once a year, when it’s important to get at what’s underneath the sofa, wipe the skirting boards, clean to the very back of the kitchen cupboards, take down the curtains, and so on.

So with the rest of your life. For most people, hopefully, it’s not a matter of refraining from committing any crimes; but once you start moving the furniture, all sorts of things come to light.

Just a few examples, starting with an easy one: are you eating properly? If you’re comfort eating or drinking, can you not find comfort elsewhere? But more than that, where does your food come from? It’s easy to grumble about the extra cost of fairly traded goods, but the difference to us is tiny compared with the difference to the workers in the developing world. And the more people switch, the greater the pressure on the big companies to treat their suppliers fairly.

What about your spending? There are too many commercial interests whose business it is to make us spend to our limit and

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beyond. Providing for our families is such a basic drive, but it can be so easily perverted by advertising, so that there’s nothing left to give away. I would argue that the only way we can feel happy about the vast difference in living standards between us and the millions who struggle to survive is by shutting our eyes to their plight. Lent is the time to open them. There is so much more: relationships, ambitions, how we spend our time, the way we treat our bodies, our carbon footprint. . . The point is that everybody is different, with different temptations and capabilities, so this really is a DIY exercise, though encouraging each other is immensely helpful, too. So, how ethical can you be by the time Easter comes round? Wordsearch: Books of the Old Testament

DEUTERONOMY EZRA GENESIS HOSEA JUDGES PROVERBS RUTH SAMUEL ZACHARIAH

Can you find the words listed in the grid? They may be written in any direction

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While the current restrictions on daily life, necessitated by the pandemic, present significant challenges, the suffering and isolation many continue to face make the need for us to share God’s love with our communities greater than ever. Rather than just being a Lenten discipline, this year’s #LiveLent is a joyful invitation to make witness a normal part of the Christian life, the natural overflow of a life lived in devotion to Christ.

We witness to God’s story and the impact this has made to our story so that others might also find their story taking on new meaning in the light of God’s love.

From Ash Wednesday (17 February) to Easter Sunday (4 April), there will be six reflections for each week. Each reflection will include a short passage from the Bible, a brief exploration of the reading, and a prayer. Additionally, each week will have a unifying theme and an action to be taken during the week.

We have ordered a number of copies of the booklet which will be made available to those who express an interest. The resources will also be available through the Church of England website, where you can sign up for daily emails or podcasts. If there is sufficient interest, we can also run weekly discussion groups by Zoom to think through the material.

We do hope you will be able to join in.

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