Minister's Message February 2026
Dear Friends
February often feels like a turning point. The days are slowly lengthening, there’s a hint of spring in the air, and in the life of the church we begin to look towards Lent. Lent is not about being gloomy or grim, but about making space—space to notice God more, space to be honest about ourselves, and space to grow. Traditionally, Lent is a time when people give something up. That can still be a helpful discipline: letting go of something that distracts us, or takes more than it gives. But Lent can also be about starting something new: a new habit, a new rhythm. A deeper way of praying, reading, or listening. The question isn’t so much “What should I give up?” as “What might help me draw closer to God?” If you’re looking for something to begin this Lent, I’d like to recommend two very accessible books that many people have found helpful. If prayer feels difficult, awkward, or mysterious, you might enjoy How to Pray by John Pritchard. It’s practical, down-to-earth, and full of real-life wisdom. No jargon, no pressure—just honest encouragement and simple ideas for praying in everyday life. And it’s available for under £10. If you’d like to understand the Bible better but feel a bit intimidated by it, The Badly Behaved Bible by Nick Page is a brilliant place to start. It’s funny, thoughtful, and reassuringly human, helping us engage with some of the trickier bits of scripture without fear. Both books are written for people in the pews, not academics—curious, thoughtful Christians who want to grow.
As Lent begins, my encouragement is this: don’t aim for perfection. Aim for intention. Choose one small thing—something realistic—and offer it to God. Whether that’s five minutes of prayer a day, reading a chapter of a book, or letting go of something that weighs you down, trust that God meets us in small, faithful steps. If you are choosing to give something up this Lent, it’s worth pausing to ask why. Lent isn’t about self punishment or proving how disciplined we can be. It’s about creating space. Whatever you lay down, try to make time to let God fill that space instead— with prayer, reflection, kindness, or simply stillness. Let what you give up become an invitation rather than a burden, and trust that God will meet you there. May this Lent be a gentle and fruitful season for us all.
Lent Bible Study If you’d like to understand the Bible better but feel a bit intimidated by it, The Badly Behaved Bible by Nick Page is a brilliant place to start. It’s funny, thoughtful, and reassuringly human, helping us engage with some of the trickier bits of scripture
As Lent begins, my encouragement is this: don’t aim for perfection. Aim for intention. Choose one small thing—something realistic—and offer it to God. Whether that’s five minutes of prayer a day, reading a chapter of a book, or letting go of something that weighs you down, trust that God meets us in small, faithful steps. If you are choosing to give something up this Lent, it’s worth pausing to ask why. Lent isn’t about self punishment or proving how disciplined we can be. It’s about creating space. Whatever you lay down, try to make time to let God fill that space instead— with prayer, reflection, kindness, or simply stillness. Let what you give up become an invitation rather than a burden, and trust that God will meet you there. May this Lent be a gentle and fruitful season for us all.
With every blessing,
Rev Jenny