Lent and Easter

Lent is a holy season for Christians, which begins on Ash Wednesday (5 March this year) and ends on Easter Sunday (20 April). Christians have traditionally observed a period of fasting and penitence during Lent since at least the 4th Century. The 40 weekdays of Lent (Sundays are not included) reminded believers of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness. Christians engage in many different activities at this time. Many find it a useful time to pray or study their Bibles more, increase their giving, or to take up another discipline.

We won't be holding an Ash Wednesday service at Barnes but do join our friends at Putney Methodist Church on Gwendolen Avenue on Wednesday 5 March at 10am for our traditional service of ashing and Holy Communion.

Lenten Bible Study: A Passion for Christ

A six week course on Thursday mornings from 10.30am-12noon in the Chapel, starting on the 13 March.

Come and join us for our Lenten Bible study this year.  The course, 'A Passion for Christ', will use Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians to reflect on Jesus's journey to the Cross.  The sessions will take place on Thursdays mornings from 10:30 am in the Chapel and are led by Deacon Richard Goldstraw and Rev'd Geffrey Farrar. Anyone is welcome to join these conversations in a friendly and warm atmosphere.  Please see more details here.

Holy Week

In the final week of Lent, traditionally called 'Holy Week', we shall be marking this special time in a number of ways.

• Maundy Thursday, 17 April (10:30 am) Following the end of our Lenten Bible study series, we will have a short communion service to mark Maundy Thursday with foot washing, led by Deacon Richard Goldstraw and Rev'd Geoffrey Farrar.  We are also invited to join the folks at Putney Methodist Church for a simple meal, followed by Holy Communion at 7:00 pm.

• Good Friday, 18 April, (from 10:30 am) - Reflective Service led by Rev'd Geoffrey Farrar before joining the Churches Together in Barnes (CTiB) Walk of Witness at 11:15 am. The walk starts opposite The Red Lion pub on the corner of Castelnau and Church Road and visits St Mary's Churchyard and finishes at Barnes Methodist Church for coffee and hot cross buns in the church hall.

• Easter Sunday, 20 April (10.30am) - Service of Holy Communion including the dressing of the cross led by Allison Waterhouse.  You are welcome to bring flowers to help decorate the cross.

We do hope that you will be able to join us during this holy season.