I am fortunate enough to be attending all the Benefice Lent courses, and it is wonderful to find that a total of 47 people are taking part in these. “Why are you here?” I’ve asked. The replies are consistent; “Because I want to learn a bit more about my faith,” and “Because it’s in a small group like this that I find real fellowship and support, and dare to ask questions.”

Growing in Faith, Deepening Discipleship, Journeying … whatever you want to call it ... is so important for us all, because however good a school RE syllabus might be, or a Confirmation Course, or a Sunday School scheme (or even the sermons you are offered week by week!!) we never ever “know it all”. I also firmly believe that where there is faith (even if only the size of a mustard seed) then there will also be doubt and uncertainty (ditto). To be able to voice these doubts, and realise that other people share them, can be so liberating, reassuring, and an important part of growth.

I intend offering courses from time to time throughout the year. Why should we only do this during Lent? If you have enjoyed being part of a Lent Group, or maybe if you didn’t manage to sign up for one this time, please keep your eyes peeled for information about the next opportunity to join with others, share, learn and grow.

Maybe some of you would value forming a House-group which would meet regularly and, as well as learning, will also worship together, and pray for one another; again, watch out for the chance to meet and eat and explore.

So the Lenten journey continues for another couple of weeks until it culminates with the pain of Holy Week and Good Friday, and the glory of Easter Sunday on the very last day of the month.

Holy Week is such a special time when we can literally walk with Jesus through the last days of his life; being present as he entered Jerusalem whilst the crowds yelled “Hosanna”, at the Last Supper when he said “Remember”; on Good Friday when the fickle people shouted “Crucify”, and finally being there on Easter Sunday to cry “Alleluia!”

Easter Sunday, uncluttered by commercialism, is surely the highlight of the Christian year for us all. The celebration that Jesus rose from the dead is a reassurance that there is no need for us to be afraid in the face of death. In all our churches we shall hear once again that amazing Easter story, share the doubts, perplexity, and wonder of the women and the eleven remaining disciples, and draw close to Jesus both in Word and in Sacrament. And with a 6am start there’s no reason for anyone not to be able to share in this celebration this year!

Are we nearly there yet? Well, in one sense we are, for Lent is drawing to a close and Easter is on the horizon. In another sense we are never nearly there, for our life and our faith continue, and continue to be challenged by being humans living in a complex, beautiful, dangerous, glorious and confusing world. Our journeying with Jesus, our fellows, and in faith ought to continue, needs to continue, otherwise our faith-lives stagnate. One day, in a very serious and special way we will be “nearly there” and it would be wonderful if we could say, hand on heart, that we did our best to make use of every opportunity presented to us to learn more about God and to grow in faith in him and love for him.

I hope the last weeks of Lent are special and valuable for you, and that Easter Sunday and that shout of “Alleluia!” brings you the greatest possible joy.