We were all very much shocked and could not help but pray for Australia during their recent experience of uncontrollable and widespread bush fires and the aftermath they must deal with now. It has affected the lives of humans and animals severely. It made the world even more aware of the effect human behaviour may have on our beautiful planet and its inhabitants.

The Church of England is hoping that both adults and children might join in God’s desire for us to look after the world He has created and gifted to us. Lent can be an opportunity for us to rebuild or strengthen our relationship with our planet, and with God, the Lord of everything, through their 2020 Lent Campaign, called #LiveLent: Care forGod’s Creation.

This year’s #LiveLent challenge offers 40 short reflections and suggested actions to help you, your family and your church live in greater harmony with God, neighbour and nature. It has been inspired and informed by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s 2020 Lent Book,‘Saying Yes to Life’ by Ruth Valerio.

Please visit the Church of England website for more information and how to obtain a copy of the 40-Day Devotions or sign up to receive daily emails: www.churchofengland.org/livelent

As part of caring for and enjoying God’s creation, we would like to invite anybody to please join us for a Lent Walk on one or all the following:

Sunday afternoons, weather-permitting,1st, 8th, 15th,22nd, and 29th March, from 3pm to 5pm, including informal conversations and prayer.

During the month of March we will also offer a four session Lent Course on Prayer, inspired by Andrew Roberts’ book Holy Habits, focusing on the holy habit of Prayer, on Wednesdays 4th, 11th, 18th and 25thMarch (at St Uny Church at 11am or at St Anta Church at 7pm): for more information please visit www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/holy-habits To register your interest or for more information, please contact Revd Etienne van Blerk vanblerketienne@gmail.com.

God bless you during Lent and Easter.

Etienne