There are always many options for parishes, chaplaincies, fresh expressions and even schools wanting to study together in Lent. Here are our recommendations for 2024:
Act on Poverty: Lent course led by bishops
Wednesdays in Lent: 1500-1630 - Bishop Sarah, online
Thursdays in Lent: 1900-2030 - Bishop Matthew, online
Act on Poverty is a Lent resource from Christian Aid, Church Action on Poverty and a range of other partners seeking to end poverty locally and globally. These resources have been developed to help you and your church gain a deeper understanding of poverty and enable you to act in the run up to the next UK general election.
The Diocese of Lichfield is also offering two opportunities for those who would like to join the course online. Bishop Matthew will be hosting a course on Thursdays at 7pm (beginning on 15 February: meeting link) and Bishop Sarah will be hosting on Wednesdays at 3pm (beginning on 14 February: meeting link).
A link for signing up for either course will be available in due course.
More information is available at the Christian Aid website and the course material is available here for those who would like to run it in their churches or home groups.
The series of resource packs contain guidance for short Bible studies; recordings of conversations with activists; questions and prompts for group discussions; videos about taking practical action; and a guide to steps churches can take to advocate for change.
Watch and Pray: Lent resources from the national church
Intro webinar: Wednesday 24 January 1100 - online
National resources are now available and include:
- Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for people of faith by Selina Stone - The Archbishops' Lent book for 2024 which was launched at Lambeth last week with an endorsement from Sharon Prentis, Canon Theologian at Lichfield Cathedral.
- Daily reflections booklet for adults written by Queens Foundation's Carlton Turner, familiar to many clergy and Readers in the diocese
- Daily challenge booklet for children and families
