Wednesday 18th February - Ash Wednesday

Join us to mark the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday at our Eucharist with imposition of ashes: 10.00am on Wednesday 18th February at Holy Trinity. Also at St Mary's North Shoebury at 7.30pm. Other Lent services include:

• Enlightening Lent, a sequence of words and music with Chorus Sirenum on Saturday 28th February at 10.15am.

• Meditative Mondays: every Monday in Lent, 12.30 - 1.30pm Holy Trinity is open for silent prayer with prayer aids provided.

• Most Thursdays in Lent (check calendar of services): 8.15pm silent prayer, 8.30-8.50pm Compline (night prayer).

• Fridays in Lent: additional weekday Eucharist or Stations of the Cross (check calendar of services).

Lent is the period of six weeks (40 days not including Sundays) leading up to Easter, the most important festival in the Christian calendar. Lent starts on Ash Wednesday. The last week of Lent is called Holy Week.

Lent marks the time Jesus went into the desert to fast and pray before beginning his work for God. Jesus was tempted several times by Satan, but was able to resist.

Lent allows Christians to remember Jesus's fasting in the desert. It is a time of giving things up and a test of self-discipline. There are many foods that some Christians do not eat in Lent, such as meat and fish, fats, eggs, and milky foods. Some Christians just give up something they really enjoy, such as cakes or chocolate.

However you choose to mark Lent, your experience will be deepened and inspired by joining in with our special services at this time. There is a warm welcome awaiting you at Holy Trinity Southchurch.