Reflection week beginning 8 February 2016 Lent: What is the point? Reflection week beginning 8 February 2016

Lent begins on 10th February What does lent mean to you? Giving up chocolate? Preparing for Easter? Nothing ?

40 days of preparation For Christians, Lent reminds them of Jesus spending 40 days in the desert to prepare for his life’s work. He reflected, and prayed. He fasted (didn’t eat) – and this is where we get the idea of ‘giving up’ things for Lent.

40 days of Giving up… Giving up stuff that we like can help us to: Be more understanding of those who have less than us Give the money we would have spent on those things to charity Learn to have some self control (!)

40 Acts of Kindness Last year, an internet movement popped up asking people to ‘do lent differently’. Instead of giving up something, they suggested we should all do 1 thing for someone else for each of the 40 days of lent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bejv4Ecdrbw The video clip introduces the idea

Don’t give something up, Give something Back 40 days of Giving Back… Don’t give something up, Give something Back Visit the website ‘40 Acts 2016’ to see the kinds of things you might do.

To think about… Open a door for someone today What can you do today to make Lent a time to ‘Give Back’? Open a door for someone today Offer to help a friend with their work Ask the person who is upset if they are OK Make mum a cup of tea tonight Put some small change in the charity box in the shop Smile at someone who is on their own Sign up for the ‘40 Acts 2016’ for some more ideas