1. Lent

2. Lent starts on Ash Wednesday
Did you know? On Ash Wednesday, many Christians receive the sign of the cross in ashes on their forehead whilst a priest recites these words: “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return” It reminds us that one day we will be with him forever in heaven. Watch me!

3. During Lent we try to get closer to God through:
Prayer
Fasting
Almsgiving (giving to charity/being kind to others)

4. According to an analysis of over 260,000 tweets, the top things people wanted to give up for Lent in 2016 were: Twitter, Chocolate, Swearing, Alcohol, Sweets, Fast Food and Facebook. Reflection: If you were going to give up one thing this Lent, what would it be? Do you think there’s a benefit to ‘giving up’ something for a period of time even if you have no religious beliefs?

5. “Jesus returned from the Jordan full of the Holy Spirit and was led by the Spirit into the desert, where he was tempted by the Devil for forty days. In all that time he ate nothing, so that he was hungry when it was over.” Luke 4:1-2 Reflection: “By fasting we show that there is nothing as important that our dedication and love for God”. Do you agree with this?

6. Lenten promise: Will you be giving something up or helping others?
You will each be given a picture of a stone. Take a minute to consider what your Lenten promise is going to be. Write it on the stone and return to your form tutor.
Keep it neat as these will be used for a display! 

7. Lord, help us to use this season of Lent to change our hearts and not just our habits. Help us to turn away from harmful behaviour and bad choices, and fix our eyes firmly on you, remembering that you offer us new life through Jesus. Amen.