As we draw closer to the beginning of the great season of opportunity that is Lent, I am reminded of how often our resolutions to be better or to change shape our lives.

New Year is always a time to re-think who we are and what we do, and many of us try to set our sights on changing something in our lives. For most of us we soon slip back to the way things were.

Lent is again a time when we think about changing something in our lives, but again sometimes we set our sights too high and we don’t succeed.

Jesus advises us to pray, fast and give alms.

Pray – for the world, that justice and peace will prevail Fast – eating less helps us to identify with the millions in our world who are ALWAYS hungry.

Alms giving – the above two practices are great but we need to give practical help as well.

Christian Aid is a wonderful organisation which gives practical aid to people who are living in the depths of hunger and fear.

It empowers people to help themselves and rise above the life they have been dealt.

It helps restore their sense of worth and dignity.

Every Friday during Lent a simple lunch of soup and a roll will be served in the Salvation Army from noon.

All the donations made will be sent to help the work of Christian Aid.

It is a practical way to identify ourselves with our brothers and sisters in need.

I urge you to support us and look forward to meeting you each Friday.

May God bless our efforts this Lent.