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Dear friends,

For many, the season of Lent is synonymous with one thing: temptation.

Specifically, it is associated with overcoming it: giving up some bad habit,

perhaps denying ourselves some luxury or turning over a new leaf. The

rationale for this is the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness, during which he

was tempted to turn stones into bread, to bow before the devil, and to test

God by hurling himself off the highest pinnacle of the temple.

However, Lent is more than exclusively a time of self-denial. It is a time of self-

examination – not in terms of sitting exams or attaining a certain pass mark.

God knows and understands our limitations and doesn’t set out impossible

standards that we must somehow attain. The one thing that he does ask is that

we are truly committed, serious about discipleship rather than simply playing

at it. In some ways it is worth asking God to examine us in order to help us

understand where we are at; what progress we have made in faith, where our

strengths and weaknesses are, and what, with his help, we need to work at

more carefully. He doesn’t expect us to be top of the class, but to learn more

of his ways and to know him better.

There is also another dimension to Lent, a community approach. How can we

serve others? How can we go the extra mile? Can we take on some extra

responsibility, respond to some sense of calling, get more involved in our

community, help a neighbour, show concern to a friend, give more

generously?

We have various things happening in church during Lent that will help with

whatever aspect of Lent that you may decide to take on.

Stations of the Cross is a weekly event that enable us to reflect on Christ’s

sufferings, especially encouraging self-examination and reflection.

Our Lent course this year takes a different format and based on the film ‘Les

Misérables’. Each week we will explore the key characters and the themes that

they portray using music, clips from the film and discussions. If you have never

been to a Lent course before – why not give it a try?

Our Lenten Lunches give us the opportunity to enjoy good food and fellowship

and yet, at the same time, raise money for our churches and Christian Aid.

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This is our year of service, and what better way serve others, than to take on

’40 acts of kindness’ or ‘service’ for Lent.

Our Sunday worship during Lent will reflect the themes of stewardship, being

dementia friends, Mothering Sunday and our APCM, which is a review of what

we have done over the last year.

We can’t do all of the things above but there may be one area that speaks to

you and enables you to deepen your relationship with God during Lent. Dates

and times of all that is happening can be found the March calendar.

Every blessing,

Deborah

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FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS

WEDDINGS

Our congratulations go to:

Sean KAY and Leah MAWDSLEY whose wedding took place on 15th February 2020 at St. Margaret’s Church. FUNERALS We commend into the hands of Almighty God: Eric Dunn, whose funeral took place on 13th February 2020 at St. Margaret’s Church. ________________________________________________________________

CALENDAR FOR MARCH 2020

Morning Prayer will be said in the Chancel Monday-Friday at 8.30am: On Tuesday and Friday the Peregrini Service will be used. Parish Office is every Thursday, 7.00-8.00pm in church. Sunday 1st Mar THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

8.00am Holy Communion (St. M’s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M’s)

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11.15am Holy Communion (St. G’s) Mon 2nd Mar 6.45pm Espresso Church 7.00pm Lent Course (Les Mis) Wed 4th Mar 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee Thurs 5th Mar 6.00pm Stations of the Cross Fri 6th Mar 1.30pm World Day of Prayer, hosted by St. Margaret’s.

Sunday 8th Mar THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT (Laying on of hands) (DEMENTIA FRIENDS)

8.00am Holy Communion (St. M’s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M’s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St. G’s)

Mon 9th Mar Morning Planet Kid’s Nursery to visit St. M’s Church

7.00pm Lent Course (Les Mis) Wed 11th Mar 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee 4.00pm Ministry Meeting Sat 14th Mar 11.00am Stations of the Cross

12.00-1.30pm Lenten lunches

Sunday 15th Mar THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

8.00am Holy Communion (St. M’s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M’s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St. G’s)

Mon 16th Mar 7.00pm Lent Course (Les Mis) Wed 18th Mar 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee 3.30pm Messy Church Thurs 19th Mar 6.00pm Stations of the Cross

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Sat 21st Mar 12.00-1.30pm Lenten Lunches

Sunday 22nd Mar THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

(MOTHERING SUNDAY) 8.00am Holy Communion (St. M’s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M’s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St. G’s) 3.45pm Service of wholeness and healing

Mon 23rd Mar 7.00pm Lent Course (Les Mis) Wed 25th Mar 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee 6.45pm Quiet prayer and reflection in church Sat 28th Mar 11.00am Stations of the Cross 12.00-1.30pm Lenten lunches

Sunday 29th Mar THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT/PASSIONTIDE

8.00am Holy Communion (St. M) 10.00am Joint service (due to APCM) 11.30am APCM

Wed 1st Apr 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee Thurs 2nd Apr 6.00pm Stations of the Cross

ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH, SIMISTER

You are invited to:-

Whist Drive-7.30pm start, Saturday 7th March

Excellent social and friendly evening why not give it a try!!!!!

Many thanks to all involved for their continuing support

This group raised £640 for the church in 2019

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Teapot Time-1:00pm to 3:00pm, 9th and 23rd March

All are welcome to join us for a cuppa and a chat bring a friend.

This Group has raised £300 for the church in 2019

For information please ring Barbara Lashwood 773 6244

Messy Church 4:00-5:30pm, Wednesday 18th March, 22nd April

Please join us and enjoy the fun, lots of things to make and light refreshment is

served, cups of tea or coffee for the adults.

St. George’s Festival Saturday 27th April

We need your help PLEASE

Has anybody got a gazebo we could borrow for the day?

Needed-: Any unwanted gifts, plants, cakes, jams, raffle prizes, books and

white elephant all will be gratefully received.

CONGRATULATIONS

Elaine and Graham Duckworth recently celebrated their 40th (Ruby) wedding

anniversary. Much love from the Church Family

Altar Flowers In Memory

There are no flowers put on the altar during Lent. Instead flowers will be placed

on the memorial book stand.

15th March Mrs Woodcock (Memorial Book) John C. Woodcock

We will appreciate donations for Easter flowers before 12th April

If you wish to put flowers in church or have any problems do not hesitate,

please contact: Barbara Ashurst (0792265501) or Joan Knott (0161 773 6879)

Cleaning rota for week ending:

14th March: Carol 29th March Joan

Joan Knott

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St. Margaret’s Church REREDOS FLOWERS

MARCH No Flowers during Lent Vicky Crookes

07936 548439

On Saturday 14

March at 7.30pm the Manchester Chorale will be performing Mass in Blue by

Will Todd, accompanied by a live jazz band. Do come along for an evening of

superb sacred music with a jazz and blues vibe.

Tickets £10 available from Carol P, or sign the sheet at the back of church.

On Friday 17th April 2020 we are going to host a Clothes Swap evening at 7pm in the Church Hall. This is for both men and woman and even children. It is for good quality clothing, with donations restricted to 4 articles per person. The entrance fee will be £5.00 per person and includes a glass of wine plus nibbles.

Donations for clothes swap to be for Church funds, as also the entrance fee. Any un-swapped clothes to be taken away by the sender. Do come along and see how we can give our clothes a new lease of life.

Line Dancing

Have you ever had a go at line dancing or thought about it?

Then come on down to St Margaret's Church hall

Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm. You will find a mix of

experienced dancers and complete beginners who have a

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fun night of good exercise. The teacher is Shelia who is very patience and helps

you get started along with other members of the group. You are made to feel

very welcome and there is a welcome cup of tea or coffee half way through. All

for the bargain price of £4.00.

Why not give it ago and help our Church funds. See Judith Murphy,

Laraine Darlington, Vera Swallow, or Joan Evans if you want to know more.

Recycle? Reuse? – No need…………..

Growing up in the 1950s/60s this was not a problem it was automatic.

• When drinking water came from the tap not a plastic bottle.

• When milk and orange juice were delivered to your door in returnable

glass bottles.

• When sweets were loose and sold by weight in a small paper bag.

Living day to day was simple enough:

In the home:

We had coal fires (later smokeless fuel fires). This is where all the rubbish

went, paper wrappings, cigarettes boxes, envelopes, cardboard everything we

now put in our green bins was just burnt and turned to ash. Yes we even used

the ash in winter to clear our drive ways, everything was there for us and

environmentally friendly of course! When you had finished with the

newspaper the individual sheets were rolled up and tied, then recycled to light

the fire the next day.

Clothes were washed by hand or if you were lucky you had a mangle – later a

twin tub. Nothing was done automatically, and everything was put on the line

outside to dry. No electric dryers. We had a wooden rack in the kitchen that

lowered, clothes were put on to dry or air after ironing.

No central heating just a fire in the living room and a fire in one bedroom

upstairs. Ice on the windows was regular in the winter – hey we survived. That

hot water bottle was so comforting though!

No fridges or freezers in those days, a cold slab for milk, butter etc. In the very

warm weather, your milk BOTTLES were placed in a bowl of cold water to keep

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fresh. Consequently, you shopped more often only buying the quantities you

needed – little or no waste!

Everything was prepared fresh each day, no ready meals and leftovers were

made into a pie or stew the following day.

Every household only had 1 bin not 4 or more lined up. Most of what went in

the bin was ash from the fire and a few things that could not be burnt.

At the shops:

All shopping was done locally with small shops only, no supermarkets just a

small Co-op on the corner. Our row of shops contained a butcher, fishmonger,

greengrocer, grocer, hardware store, newsagent and knitting/sewing shop.

That was it; all food was bought fresh or tinned. The fresh you picked yourself

or it was wrapped in greaseproof paper and you took it home in your own bag!

Transport:

Very few cars – we could not afford them. Public transport was the order of

the day. Which I admit was frequent and covered all areas. We even travelled

on holiday by public transport, although not as convenient as a car, but you

took less luggage and spent less as you had to carry everything on the train or

bus. These were also very happy times. Very few holidays were taken abroad

less pollution to the environment.

We made our own games, as there were no computers, no x-boxes, iPad or any

other electrical device to occupy us. Outside activities in the summer months

and yes we actually talked, laughed and communicated to each other face-to-

face. Most of us didn’t even have a telephone in the house. If you needed to

contact anyone you had to find a public telephone box outside, and very often

would have to wait until it was free before you could make your call. And yes,

we survived.

Growing up we never had plastic bottles, plastic containers, plastic bags,

electric equipment, central heating, emails, or social media.

We did have healthy eating, glass returnable bottles, fizzy drink bottles

returned for a 1p – wow, paper bags of all shapes and sizes, pen and paper to

write letters, friends and neighbours we spoke to face to face.

We looked after our planet without knowing it.

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Progress has made us non-environmentally friendly with use-by dates,

prepacked food, we all must have the latest technology. But do we really?

All of this was sparked off by my sermon on Do not worry and reminiscing with

my sister about growing up in the 1950s/60s. We don’t need a lot, just basics

really. We have our faith, lets us try and save the planet which God created for

us so long ago.

Carol Olive

A breath of fresh air?

We all know how important it is for children to play sport. They learn to play in

a team, and they need exercise and fresh air. But a new report shows that in

many areas the air they are breathing is far from healthy. When children

exercise, they are breathing more quickly, and so inhale more of the toxic

substances. Pollution from traffic results in unsafe levels of Nitrogen Dioxide

and Particulate Matter, both of which cause significant health problems.

Almost a third of cases of childhood asthma are caused by pollution, and

children born in areas with a lot of air pollution tend to have smaller lungs – a

similar effect to their mothers smoking. In the long term the pollution can

cause heart disease and lung cancer.

But the good news is that children’s lung development very quickly improves if

the air that they breathe becomes cleaner. So, what can we do?

• Drive less. As well as contributing to the problem of pollution, you and

your passengers are being exposed to toxic gases. Walk, or use the bus.

But if you must drive…

This Photo by Unknown Author

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• Switch off your engine. Two minutes of your engine idling when you are

stationary creates enough toxic air to fill three hundred balloons!

• Make sure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.

• Drive smoothly to reduce the need to brake. Brake linings contribute

significantly to air pollution.

• Walk a different route and encourage your families to do the same.

Using side streets not main roads can lower your explosion to air

pollution by 20%.

• Grow pollution busting plants. Peace lily, cornstalk dracaena, and

broadleaf lady palm are all recommended for inside, whereas in the

garden Scots pine, common alder, larch, Norway maple, field maple, ash

and silver birch remove the most pollutants without contributing to the

formation of new pollutants.

• Participate in tree planting with City of Trees

http://www.cityoftrees.org.uk/or campaign with Manchester Friends of

the Earth https://www.manchesterfoe.org.uk/campaign-

page/airquality/ or encourage members of your family to get involved.

Rev Sue

Children’s Society collection boxes

Can I please remind all of you who have Children’s Society collection boxes to

return them for their annual emptying within the next 2 months. The Children’s

Society does an excellent job but has unfortunately suffered a decline in

donations via their collection box scheme over the recent years, so I would

therefore ask that if anyone else would like to join in and take a collection box

home, it would be very much appreciated. This is a very worthy cause which

helps many deprived and vulnerable children in the UK, and even just a few

spare pence per week put in the box mounts up over a year.

If anyone needs more information, or requires me to collect their box, please

see me in church, or ring me on the number below.

Many thanks in anticipation.

Gail Prosser (773 3715)

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THE KEY TO THE GARDENS

The Church Gardens, or Carver

Gardens as they are better known,

were a gift to the church from

Benjamin Carver of Polefield House.

Mr Carver was Churchwarden from

1885-1888 and a Sidesman from 1888

until his death in 1912. He is buried

right next to the railings alongside

Carver Avenue.

He purchased the land from the Earl

Of Wilton and in 1899 in a ceremony

at St Margaret’s School he handed

over the deeds to Rev Kidson, vicar

1892-1926. At that time the land was

encircled with a hedge and wooden

pailings. In the two years that followed, Mr Carver had boarders created with

trees and shrubs, a pathway and surrounded it with a stone wall with iron

railings on top. The railings went in WW2 as St Margaret’s contribution to the

war effort (you can still see the metal stumps on top of the wall).

Benjamin Carver purchased the land so that houses would not be built on it

and spoil the view of the church to people travelling along Bury Old Road.

In an opening ceremony on Saturday 22nd June 1901 the entrance gate on Bury

Old Road was unlocked by Mr Carver with a gold key given to him by

parishioners. This key is still within the Carver family and is held by one of

Benjamin’s great great grandsons, Christian Carver, a descendant through one

of Benjamin’s sons, William Henton Carver, who has very kindly shared the

photographs of this magnificent key.

Martin Harper

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ST. MARGARET’S CHURCH

LENTEN LUNCHES

On Saturdays 14th, 21st, and 28th March

12.00 – 1.30pm at Church House

£5.00 each - price includes:-

• soup, roll & butter

• apple pie with custard or cream

• tea or coffee

In addition, a Raffle will be held each Saturday

All proceeds will be shared between

Christian Aid and our Churches

We look forward to your support

Thank You

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1st Sunday in Month

Commencing February quiet/silent prayer will be held in the choir

stalls from 9.15-9.30am. During this period some quiet music will

be played in Church.

Wednesday Evening in Month

Church will be open from 6.45-7.15pm for quiet prayer, following

the same format as above, on one Wednesday evening each month,

for anyone who wishes to have some quiet prayer time. This month

will be on March 25th

A reminder of these dates will be printed on the weekly news sheet.

For more information please see Carol Olive.

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World Day of Prayer - ZIMBABWE

Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk

Friday 6th March 1.30pm

St. Margaret’s Church

All Welcome

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Daemon Irrepit Callidus – Gyorgy Orban (b.1947) I met this piece during a Manchester Chorale rehearsal early in 2020. The words struck me as perfect to represent the temptations of Lent:

Daemon irrepit callidus Allicit cor honoribus, Ponit fraudes inter laudes, cantus, saltus. Quidquid amabile Daemon dat, Cor Jesu minus aestimat.

The Devil speaks expertly, Tempting the honorable heart; He sets forth trickery amidst praise, song, and dance. However appealing the Devil is, It is still worth less than the heart of Jesus.

Caro venatur sensibus; Sensus adhaeret dapibus; Inescatur, impinguatur, dilatatur. Quidquid amabile Caro dat, Cor Jesu minus aestimat.

The Flesh is tempted by sensuality; Gluttony clings to our senses; It overgrows, it encroaches, it stretches. However appealing the Flesh is, It is still worth less than the heart of Jesus.

Adde mundorum milia, Mille millena gaudia; Cordis aestum non explebunt, non arcebunt. Quidquid amabile Totum dat, Cor Jesu minus aestimat.

Though the Universe may confer Thousands upon thousands of praises, They neither fulfil nor put out the desire of the heart. However appealing the whole Universe is, It is still worth less than the heart of Jesus.

The text is medieval and anonymous, but the composer uses many musical devices to depict the artifice and deceptions of the devil, including minor second intervals, augmented chords and chromatic scales. It is possible to resist negative temptations by making opposing positive actions: instead of complaining or spreading negative gossip, praise others; instead of buying new clothes, donate some of what you already have – and choose to shop ‘pre-loved’; instead of eating the chocolate that you buy, donate it to Barnabus. I’m sure you can think of many other examples!

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You can listen to Daemon Irrepit Callidus (and follow the words and music) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oit5N9oHDDg Carol P ________________________________________________________________

WELCOME TO MESSY CHURCH

Messy Church meets in the Lady Wilton Hall,

Simister for fun, fellowship and food, from

4.00-5.30pm. Our dates for 2020 are:-

• Wednesday March 18th

• Wednesday April 22nd

• Wednesday May 20th

• Wednesday June 17th

• Wednesday July 15th

OUR DAILY BREAD MARCH 2020

As Jesus resisted temptation by the devil in the wilderness, help us reflect on his faithfulness to God, his rejection of worldly values and hold these thoughts in our hearts throughout Lent and beyond. Jesus, you prayed and fasted. As your disciple teach me about spiritual discipline in my relationship with you. Amen

Reading this week Psalm 115

Sunday 1st: The days are slowly lengthening filling your world with light. Keep us all from temptation during this Lent season. Help us to prepare for your resurrection and the promise of new life. Help us to see new life all around us in as the spring season slowly emerges in your creation. Monday 2nd: The Lord bless you and keep you. Numbers 6:24 Father God, I give thanks for the many blessings You give me. Help me to notice the ways You bring me joy and peace, that I might praise You. Amen

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Tuesday 3rd: The best form of exercise has nothing to do with equipment-and everything to do with faith. Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit. 1 Timothy 4:7 Wednesday 4th: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow! Praise Him, all creatures here below! Praise Him above, ye heavenly host! Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

Thursday 5th: The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine; but God, who called me here below, will be forever mine. John Newton Friday 6th: Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20 Jesus, Thank You that I am never alone because You’re with me. Amen Saturday 7th: Dear Lord and Father of mankind forgive our foolish ways; reclothe us in our rightful mind, in purer lives thy service find, in deeper reverence, praise. In deeper reverence praise.

Reading this week Psalm 116

Sunday 8th: I wandered lonely as a cloud that floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, a host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, fluttering and dancing in the breeze. - William Wordsworth Monday 9th: The March wind roars like a lion in the sky and makes us shiver as he passes by. When winds are soft, and the days are warm and clear, just like a gentle lamb, then spring is here. Tuesday 10th. People think prayers must be perfectly spoken. That has never been true. Simply open your heart. The words will follow.

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Wednesday 11th: A cheerful heart does good like medicine. Proverbs 17:22 It really is all about love. God says so. Thursday 12th: Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. John 4:14 Friday 13th: “The way an elm moves in time with the wind…. The endless blues of the heavens…… the fact that you and I are here today.” She said. “Yes. God’s still working miracles.” Saturday 14th: The Lord will provide. Genesis 22:14

Reading this week Psalm 117 Sunday 15th: I am the vine: you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5 Monday 16th: “It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” ― Charles Dickens Tuesday 17th:

St. Patrick of Ireland: Almighty God, who in your providence chose your servant Patrick to be the apostle of the Irish people: keep alive in us the fire of the faith he kindled and strengthen us in our pilgrimage towards the light of everlasting life.

Wednesday 18th: May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day. May songbirds serenade you every step along the way. May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue. And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.- Irish Blessing

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Thursday 19th: Joseph of Nazareth: God our Father, who from the family of your servant David raised up Joseph the carpenter to be the guardian of your incarnate Son and husband of the Blessèd Virgin Mary: give us grace to follow him in faithful obedience to your commands. Friday 20th: Cuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne: Almighty God, who called your servant Cuthbert from following the flock to follow your Son and to be a shepherd of your people: in your mercy, grant that we, following his example, may bring those who are lost home to your fold. Saturday 21st: I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except

through Me. John 14:6

Reading this week Psalm 118 v 1-20

Sunday 22nd: Mothering Sunday

Loving God, on this special day we thank you for mothers everywhere. We praise you our God, for Jesus, born of a woman, Mary his mother, and nurtured in her love. Guide and support all

entrusted with the responsibility of motherhood. Amen Monday 23rd: By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me-a prayer to the God of my life. Psalm 42:8 Tuesday 24th: Dear God, please give Your peace, a peace that passes all understanding. Amen Wednesday 25th: The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: We beseech you, O Lord, pour your grace into our hearts, that as we have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought to the glory of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.

Thursday 26th: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. Matthew 22:37

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Friday 27th: Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way. Isaiah 35:3 Father I need your strength and your grace today. Amen Saturday 28th: "A light exists in Spring, not present in the year at any other period when March is scarcely here."- Emily Dickinson Don’t forget to Spring Forward 1 hour on your clocks, phones etc.

Reading this week Psalm 118 v 21-29

Sunday 29th: "Daffodils, that come before the swallow dares, and take the winds of March with beauty."- William Shakespeare Monday 30th: Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Psalm 119:133 Tuesday 31st: For each step that we might take be our guide, O Lord of life For each load that we might bear be our strength, O Lord of life For each mountain we might face be our power, O Lord of life For each river that might impede be our safety, O Lord of life For each place where we might rest be our peace, O Lord of life For each sunrise and sunset be our joy, O Lord of life

Lord gives us the strength to continue in Lent for a few more days as we

await your resurrection.

SUNDAY HEALING ROTA NOVEMBER 2019 - APRIL 2020

08 March 2020 Andrew Hedley

19 April 2020 Ray Judith

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Maggie’s Music Makers Music is good for you! Come and enjoy the health, physical and spiritual benefits of singing together. You’ll even get to learn the hymns for the coming Sunday services! We meet for weekly singing practices every Wednesday in church from 5.30-6.30pm.

Do come along – everyone is welcome! No experience necessary, no need to be able to read music.

Articles for future editions of our parish magazine should be emailed as

an attachment (Word doc, A4, portrait, no columns) to

stmargaretsprestwich@gmail.com no later than:

April magazine 22 March May magazine 26 April June Magazine July Magazine

Large print version of the magazine. We are

planning to produce a lager print version of

the magazine. If text this size easier for you to

read, let whoever brings your magazine know.

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Simple Lenten Activities

Give up something as a family – and donate the money you save to a Lent

charity

Donate an article every day – and fill a bag for donation to your favourite

charity

Build a Lenten Cross – similar to an Advent Wreath, you light a candle every

evening during dinner for the entire Lent season

Read Easter books

Read a bit of the Bible everyday with a family member

Make a Lamb of God mobile or toy

Make a Prayer Chain – a simple paper chain with a prayer written on each of

the 40 links, remove one and read it every day

Take part in 40 Acts of Kindness (or 40 Acts of Kindness for Kids) – google to

get links to this

If God should go on Strike Walt Huntley)

How good it is that God above has never gone on strike. Because he was not treated fair in things he didn't like,

If only once he'd given up and said, "That's it, I'm through!" "I've had enough of those on earth, so this is what I'll do."

I'll give my orders to the sun-cut off the heat supply!" "And to the moon-give no more light, and run the oceans dry." "Then just to make things really tough and put the pressure on,

Turn off the vital oxygen till every breath is gone!"

You know He would be justified, if fairness was the game, For no one has been more abused or met with more disdain

Than God, and yet He carries on, supplying you and me With all the favours of His grace, and everything for free.

Men say they want a better deal, and so on strike they go, But what a deal we've given God to whom all things we owe.

We don't care whom we hurt to gain the things we like; But what a mess we'd all be in, if God should go on strike.

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