St Michael & All Angels

Lent is a time of spiritual preparation for the great celebration of the Resurrection of Christ at . The season lasts 40 days reflecting Christ’s time in the wilderness, and concludes with the dramatic events of . During this time, all Christians are called to a profound reflection and a deep examination of their spiritual lives. This year our Lenten theme is to explore the scriptural, theological and historical origins of our distinctive ‘Anglo-Catholic’ or ‘High-Church’ tradition, which is so important to St Michael’s, and why people worship with us. Why does it appeal? Where does it come from? What does it mean? In this, and other ways, we will further our discipleship as Christians, understanding better who we are as individuals and as a Church community. There is something for everyone to engage with in what is offered in our Lent programme. From sermons and discussions, to books and quiet mornings, worship, prayer and cultural outings. May you find something to help you walk with Christ on the Way of the Cross, so that when Easter comes you may rise with Him in joy. Father Stephen Lent Worship and Prayer During Lent, as well as our Sunday services, there are some special services and events that pick up on the spirituality of the season. Ash Wednesday - 1st March This solemn day marks the beginning of Lent and is an important day for all Christians to come to church and begin their spiritual journey towards Easter. 12.00 noon: Mass with Imposition of Ashes 8.00pm: Sung Mass with Imposition of Ashes Preacher: The Vicar Stations of the Cross: Fridays, 6.00pm Meditations on the 14 stages of Christ’s journey to the Cross using scripture, poetry, images and reflections. Lasts c.45 mins. Daily Prayer Lent is a time to refocus our prayer life. Why not join in with the Church’s regular cycle of prayer, whether Morning Prayer or a Midweek Mass? Morning Prayer: Every day, 9.00am (except Friday) A short service (lasting c.20 mins) and a wonderful way to begin the day in peace and contemplation. Wednesday Mass: 12 noon Followed by lunch and an opportunity to discuss our Lent book. Saturday Mass: 9.30am Followed by coffee, and another chance to discuss our Lent Book. Lent Quiet Morning with Bread making Saturday 1st April, 9.30am-12.30pm Beginning with Mass at 9.30am (optional Morning Prayer at 9.00am), we will then have coffee, followed by a Bible study, and bread making, concluding with lunch together. Please sign up or email the office to book a place. The morning will only take place if enough expression of interest is received. Feast of the Annunciation, Saturday 25th March, Mass: 9.30am Commemorating the visit of the Angel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary announcing she was to be the Mother of Christ. Followed by freshly brewed coffee and home-made cake at the Vicarage! Lent Lectures and Courses

‘Adult Sunday School’ What does it mean to be Anglo-Catholic? Sundays after Mass (30-40 minutes) Fr Stephen leads four ‘Adult Sunday School’ sessions exploring the origins of the Anglo-Catholic movement in the Church of England.. Grab a coffee after Mass and come to the Music Room in the Community Centre. Please sign up on the form in church or email the office to express interest. The talks will only take place if there is sufficient expression of interest. 5th March: Political Origins of the Oxford Movement. 12th March: Social Gospel in the slums and parishes. 19th March: A Catholic revolution in Anglican worship. 2nd April: Is there a future for Anglo-Catholicism?

Lent Talks ‘Kingdom Matters’ Thursdays at 7.30pm Churches Together in Barnes once again hosts its popular series of Lent talks. Refreshments served at 7.30pm, talk begins at 8.00pm, lasting 30 minutes, and followed by questions. This year the talks focus on current social issues affecting our society and world. Note the different venues each week. 9th March: Refugees - Elizabeth Byrne-Hill (Refugees Welcome in Richmond). Venue: St Michael & All Angels 16th March: Poverty - Kathy Childress (Christian Aid). Venue: Holy Trinity 23rd March: Persecution - Ben Rogers (Christian Solidarity Worldwide) Venue: St Mary’s 30th March: Homelessness - Michael Sawyer (Glass Door) Venue: Barnes Methodist Church 6th April: Prisoners - Andy Keen Downs (PACT) Venue: St Osmund’s Roman Catholic Church Lent Excursions A duo of outings to places of cultural interest, local and slightly further afield, as we seek to broaden our horizons and discover more about God’s world. Some visits are free, others might require a small contribution. We will normally travel together via public transport and have some refreshments at the venue. Please note that some outings might have limited places available so early booking is advisable.

The Poppy Factory, Richmond Thursday 9th or 16th March, leaving 9.45am from church As we continue to commemorate the centenary of the First World War, we visit the Poppy Factory in Richmond which describes the history and growth of the tradition of wearing poppies and laying poppy wreathes. The Factory provides employment for disabled armed services personnel. Leaving from church, we will arrive for 10.30am tea and introduction to the factory, followed by a guided tour. Free, other than travel costs, donations to the Poppy Factory welcome.

Victoria & Albert Museum Tuesday 28th March, 10am from church A tour of highlights of the Medieval and Renaissance, led by Jane Gardiner, specialist and lecturer in ceramics and glass., and a member of St Michael’s. We leave St Michael’s at 10am, arriving at the gallery for 11am tour, lasting about an hour. Free, other than travel costs. Places limited to 15 people.

To book a place on either of the excursions please contact the Parish Office by email or phone, or sign up on the sheets in church. Lent Sermons ‘The ritual reason why …’ Many people are attracted to our worship at St Michael’s but often ask questions about why we do particular things. Each week on Sunday morning a preacher will focus on a ritual aspect of our worship and explore its scriptural, theological and historical origins so that we can worship together with greater depth of prayer and understanding. Lent 1 (5th March): Why do we make the sign of the Cross? Father Pip Bevan Lent 2 (12th March): Why do we bow, kneel and genuflect? Mother Mae Mouk, Curate, St Christopher's, Walworth Lent 3 (19th March): Why do we use incense? Mother Ellen Wakeham, Chaplain, St Gabriel’s College, Kennington Lent 4 (26th March): Family Mass for Mothering Sunday With the blessing and distribution of flowers. Join us for this interactive, family-friendly service as we give thanks for God’s loving-care revealed through Our Lady Mary, Mother Church and our own mothers and all who care for us. Lent 5 (2nd April): Why do we wear vestments? Father Stephen Stavrou, Vicar Lent Evensongs ‘On my desert Island’ Each Sunday in Lent at 6.00pm Evensong, Fr Stephen interviews a member of the congregation. They are invited to share their faith journey, life and interests using the ‘Desert Island Discs’ format, and describing a book, image, piece of music and poem that has profoundly influenced them - not forgetting the luxury item! 5th March: Fanny Ward 12th March: Andy Pudifoot 19th March: Rhodri Walters 2nd April: Buffy Davis Lent Reading

Lent Book Being Disciples This Lent we are reading ‘Being Disciples’ by former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams. Described as an ‘essential guide’, ‘beautifully crafted’, and ‘inspiring’, this book explores how to see, love and follow Christ more. Copies can be ordered through the Parish Office for £5.00 or ordered via Amazon.. There will be an opportunity to discuss the book together after the 12 Noon Mass on Wednesday and after the 9.30am Mass Saturday, for those who wish to.

Lent Scripture Our Daily Bread During Lent we should seek to engage more closely with Christ through the Bible. To this end, copies of Our Daily Bread will be available at the back of the church for free. These are very short and accessible reflections on biblical passages for every day. It is also possible to sign up for a daily e-mail via their website: www.odb.org.

‘Then was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Matthew 4.1-4 Lent Lunches Raising money for our nominated charities Simple Sunday lunches of soup, bread and cheese, hosted by members of the congregation, as we share fellowship together and raise funds for our nominated charities. A collection will be taken and you are encouraged to donate whatever you feel your lunch at home would have cost. To help with catering, please sign up on the lists in church, or contact the Parish Office no later than the Thursday afternoon before the lunch you with to attend. 5th March: Venue TBA 12th March: The Vicarage (39 Elm Bank Gardens) hosted by Fr Stephen. 19th March: Hosted by Donna and John Brocklebank, 9 Cleveland Road.

The images in this leaflet come from a medieval manuscript and illustrate the three temptations of Christ; to turn stones into bread, to throw himself off the Temple, and to worship the devil. Lent Confession The Sacrament of Reconciliation During this season of penitence and prayer, Christians are encouraged to make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, commonly known as Confession. If you are unsure of how to do this, please speak to Fr Stephen. An appointment can be booked by contacting him by email ([email protected]) at any convenient time, or at the times listed below. Holy Week Confession Times 7-7.30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week (10-12th April) 9.30-10.15am on Holy Saturday (15th April) Fr Stephen can be found either in the Lady Chapel or in the Sacristy

The Parish Office c/o St Michael’s Vicarage 39 Elm Bank Gardens London SW13 0NX 020 8876 5230 [email protected]