Branch Correspondents Page
Lenten Devotion 2009
This was a first for this Branch. The Committee had decided that the first Monday in Lent would be a good time to get together and reflect on what Lent is and what it means to us, as Vergers and as people.
18 of us gathered at St Saviours Church for a time of reflection a couple of hymns played by Paul on the grand Piano and to listen to Peter's explanation of Lent.
Peter told of us of the history of Lent. It used to be three days leading up to the annual baptism led by a Bishop. Three days were needed for preparation.
Once Constantine became the first Christian Emperor, becoming a Christain became more popular because the Emperor was a Chrsitian. It became the thing to do. People in this country related this to the time Jesus spent in the wilderness and so over the years this season of Lent came into being. Forty days from Ash Wednesday - excluding Sundays which are not really Lent. This is why the Sundays in the Season of Lent are Sundays of Lent rather than Sundays in Lent.
Peter explained what we needed to do in Lent, in order to grow as a Christian.
Peter taught us the 5 fingers of prayer
We then tried this out and then Paul played the Piano again with me holding the torch so he could see the Music. This was Pauls first time playing a Piano - he normally plays the organ.
We finished the service with some prayers including St Benedicts prayer.