As we step into the season of Lent, we’re invited into a time of spiritual focus that has been cherished by Christians for centuries. Lent spans the 40 days leading up to Easter (excluding Sundays), starting with Ash Wednesday when we have a special service of Holy Communion with the imposition of ashes, starting at 9:30am.  

  Matt Holderness   from Stewardship shares five Biblical principles for2025 on Cultivating a heart of generosity:     A new year often invites reflection. We set goals to improve our health, relationships, or work habits. But how often do we consider our spiritual growth, particularly in the area of generosity?   Generosity isn’t just about finances—it’s a reflection of God’s nature, a tangible outworking of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and a way to live in obedience to His Word.       As we begin 2025, here are five Biblical principles that can help us cultivate a generous heart, transforming the way we give and live in the year ahead.     1. Generosity reflects God’s character How can your giving this year demonstrate God’s generosity to those around you?   2. Generosity is a matter of the heart Start small.  If generosity feels daunting, begin with manageable steps – check out  40acts  for some inspiration. ...

  There is something wonderful about Christmas, in spite of all the shopping and preparations, something we can’t quite put our finger on, which makes us look forward to it each year.  This very fact also makes it a difficult time for many who experience loss or loneliness or who are struggling at this time of year.   There’s a magic to familiar things, especially when seen through the eyes of children:  lights shining from winter windows; hark the herald angels sing in supermarket foyers; icy fingers, mulled wine, and mince pies; chocolate advent calendars counting down to Christmas morning, “can I have my chocolate for breakfast, mum? Can I, Can I?”; the ripping of wrapping paper and eyes lit up with excitement.   I remember when our eldest child was about 6 or 7 years old.  He took the Jesus figure from the nativity at his grandma’s house, to show her what he had found , “Look Gran, baby Jesus!”   to which came the reply,   “Very good, now put ...