Ash Wednesday



Our day began with the early morning grandparent duty to pick up and take our grandson to pre-school, that is a 6.45am start, and entertainment of said youngster till 8.45 when we drive him for drop off. Once home we had time for a spot of late breakfast and coffee before we began our lenten journey by gathering at St Hugh's for the Ash Wednesday service at 10am. There was a good turn out and once more to be able to participate in an act of worship without leading was a joy. With the right level of solemnity we marked the start of this season and received our ash cross on foreheads with the familiar but haunting words.







Our time of commitment and fellowship concluded with conversation over tea and coffee. 

This year the Lenten theme is 'Dust + Glory' and with the C of E app downloaded on the phone each day provides food for thought. 

So the journey begins towards the cross. There will be Lenten lunches on Tuesdays (12.30-1.30pm) to support Christian Aid and Thursday evening reflective worship  (7pm) drawing upon Taize, Iona and the Northumberland community. This is a positive feast of community life which I will and hope others also savour.

The Palm cross ash
marks our heads.
How fickle we can be
cheering 
then disowning
yet still we are loved.

Help us O God
to walk the way of the cross
this lenten season.

May our steps 
be steady.
May we not falter
at the last.

May our living
be true
to the one we follow
Jesus our 
Rabbi
Friend
Saviour
God made flesh
Crucified 
yet risen Lord. Amen              (c) Mark Goodhand 25th February 2023

























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