As I write, the daffodils are beginning to emerge from the darkness of the soil in my windowboxes.  This first glimpse of spring does provide us with hope, but, they have quite alot of growing to do before they become the like the bright blooms we see at Easter.

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on 1st March. Lent is traditionally a time of self denial as we remember the journey and temptations of Christ  in his 40 days in the wilderness. But this self denial enables us to focus on what we need for growth - growing as individuals, a parish and as the wider church.

How will we each individually grow in our faith  this Lent? Some people try to ‘give something up’ for Lent- I often fail to give up chocolate!  Using God’s strength to help us over come temptation can make our faith stronger. 

Others ‘take something on’ - perhaps a spiritual book. (I’m planning to read ‘Approaching Easter’ by Jane Williams.)  Lent courses are also helpful - I’m sure there’s still room for you if you haven’t joined one yet......

How will we grow as a parish this Easter? It’s a good time for us to take stock  - Gary is away, so it gives us a chance to think (gratefully) about all he achieves and what the parish needs from its Vicar. The St Albans Project is drawing to a close - a new phase of parish life and mission begins - what direction do we want it to go in?

The wider church too has many issues  - how will thorny questions of women bishops and the alienation of young people from the church be addressed? 

So we can look forward with hope to the blooms of Easter, but as we all wrestle and pray and grow this Lent, may God send his holy angels to minister to each one of us.