#510 The Sun and the desert
The choir didn’t take me with them on their trip to Winchester Cathedral on Monday. Apparently “there’s no mouse part in Dyson in D” and “the coach has a no-rodent policy”. So I missed out on Evensong (I’m told it was spectactular) and I missed out on seeing this giant glowing ball. I’m told it’s called the Sun and we used to have one in Wokingham too, but it’s been hidden for so many weeks I can’t really remember what it looked like.
And then it was Ash Wednesday yesterday, with Lent beginning solemnly and beautifully. I thought about giving up cheese for Lent, but then I decided that was way too hard and so, like every year, I’m giving up eating hymn books.
Fr Sam writes
Lent has begun. It’s not too late to choose a Lenten discipline if you haven’t got there yet! You could think about giving something up, or adding a devotion to your life (such as daily bible reading or attending morning or evening prayer), or maybe a specific act of charity. Do speak to me if you’d like to talk about any of this.
You may also like to consider attending our Tuesday evening parish study group on Zoom. It is looking at the Letter to the Colossians with a specific Lent focus.
I am also producing a “Lent at home” sheet each week, with a biblical reading, art, poetry and a music suggestion, along with some devotional exercises. There will be copies of this in all our churches. If you would like an electronic copy, please email me and I’ll send you one.
Wishing you a happy and holy Lent!
Image: “The Gulf Stream” by Winslow Homer
This Sunday: into the desert
This Sunday first Sunday in Lent, and we go with Jesus into the desert where he is tested by Satan. The first reading is from St Paul’s letter to the Romans: St Paul contrasts Adam’s sin with Jesus’ righteousness, by which we can be made righteous. The second reading is St Matthew’s account of that desert encounter between Jesus and the Devil.
Image: “Christ in the Wilderness” by Ivan Kramskoi
Services this Sunday
| 9.30am | St Paul’s | Parish Mass | Revd Cara Smart |
| Anthem: Thou knowest, Lord – Purcell Voluntary: Fantasia in C minor (BWV 537i) – J.S. Bach | |||
| 10am | Woosehill Church | Holy Communion | Fr Sam Tanna-Korn |
| 11am | St Nicholas’s | Community Eucharist | Revd Judi Hattaway |
Stations of the Cross
The traditional devotion of Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday during Lent at midday. This devotion uses the fourteen images around St Paul’s to explore the journey of Jesus to Calvary and is a powerful way to meditate upon his suffering and love. It lasts about 40 minutes and each week will be led by a different member of the church community.
Desert Island Rector
We are looking forward to our next Mothers’ Union meeting as we have invited Fr Sam to reveal to us his Desert Island Discs. This will take place on Thursday 5 March at 2pm and, depending on numbers, we will meet either in the Carpenter Room or in the church. Please could you let me know if you wish to join us so that we can organise an appropriate venue to accommodate everyone. Teri Austen
What is sin?
Our annual Evensong sermon series started last week, looking at the theme of the Seven Deadly Sins. Fr Sam preached on “What is sin?”
You will find copies of this sermon at the back of church in St Paul’s, or you can watch the sermon on YouTube.
Do put the evening of 15 March in your diary: Bishop Mary is coming to preach on the theme of Lust.
Image: “The Broken Mirror” by Jean-Baptiste Greuze
A grand day out
On Monday 16 February the choir (accompanied by a number of people from the congregation and beyond) went to Winchester Cathedral to sing Evensong. You can read more about it and see pictures and the livestream of the service on the website.
Electoral Roll update
Notice is hereby given that revision of the Electoral Roll for 2026 will be from Sunday 1 March and end on Sunday 29 March. Application forms for those not already on the Roll will be available during that period. If you have any questions, please speak to Teri Austen (the Electoral Roll officer), Fr Sam or a Churchwarden.
Please do join the Electoral Roll if you are not already on it and you regularly attend any of our churches. It is important not least in establishing your democratic rights in the Church of England, which is especially important now if you want to see our church become more inclusive.
This week’s calendar: a faithful bishop
This Monday 23 February is the feast day of Saint Polycarp of Smyrna, a disciple of the Apostle John and a faithful shepherd of the early Church. In a time of persecution, he remained steadfast in his confession of Christ, even when threatened with death. Under threat of execution for denying the authority of the Emperor, he said, “I have served Christ for many years and cannot blaspheme my King.” His martyrdom stands as a powerful witness to hope in the resurrection and confidence in God’s promises.
