3rd March 2024 – Lent 3
Dear St Nicks Kingsway
As we venture deeper into the wilderness of Lent, I hope this finds you navigating your Lenten commitments with grace and perhaps only the occasional longing glance at whatever it is you’ve given up (I’m looking at you, fellow chocolate abstainers).
In the spirit of our Lenten journey, I’ve been walking an extra mile each day, praying for our parish and the spiritual renewal of St Nicks Kingsway. I must confess, there have been moments when this commitment has felt more like wandering in the desert than a leisurely stroll in the park. Yet, it is in these moments of physical exertion and spiritual seeking that I’ve found unexpected oases of grace.
Walking these extra miles has afforded me a unique opportunity for reflection. Each step has become a meditation on our shared path toward renewal and growth. I’ve pondered the profound mystery of our faith – that just as Christ retreated into the desert for forty days, we too are called into these desert spaces, not as punishment, but as preparation. Preparation for resurrection, for renewal, for the new life that springs forth from the very places we might least expect it.
In these second week reflections, I am reminded of the importance of our physical actions in spiritual practices. Our faith is not just something we carry in our hearts or proclaim with our lips; it’s something we live out, step by step, day by day. This Lent, as we each engage in our own practices of sacrifice and devotion, let us remember that our actions—both big and small—can be powerful expressions of our desire for God’s kingdom to come, on Earth as it is in Heaven.
So, whether you’re literally walking extra miles, spending more time in prayer, or engaging in acts of service, know that your efforts are weaving together a tapestry of faith that strengthens not only your own spiritual journey but also the fabric of our entire church community.
May our steps continue to be guided by God’s Spirit, leading us not just through Lent, but into the fullness of life promised in the resurrection.
Walking with you,
Revd Dr Augustine Tanner-Ihm, OMS
Lead Minister, St Nicks Kingsway
World Day of Prayer 2024, Friday 1st March
Everyone is welcome to join all the local churches in a special service to celebrate this year’s World Day of Prayer. at Emmanuel Church Didsbury, on Friday 1st March ay 7.30pm. The service will focus on prayers for Palestine. Refreshments will be served.
Sunday 3rd March
We look forward to welcoming our Lead Minister Rev Dr Augustine Tanner-Ihm to preside and preach at our Eucharist service on Sunday 3rd March as we move through our lenten journey. Music will be provided by our MD and Organist, Ollie Mills, readings and prayers, St.Nick’s team. Everyone is welcome! Here are the readings and hymns:
Nestled in the heart of the communities of East Didsbury and Burnage, St Nicholas Church stands as a beacon of faith, hope, and love. Under the devoted leadership of our Lead Minister, Revd Dr Augustine Tanner-Ihm, OMS, we are a vibrant, inclusive, and intergenerational Christian community committed to living out the bold faith of Jesus Christ.
