SCAPEGOAT HILL BAPTIST CHURCH – FEBRUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER

Dear Friends,

An interesting fact I discovered about two special days in February, Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day, is how rarely they fall on the same day.  The last time was 2018 and before that it was 1945!  For those who give up chocolate for Lent, but also get chocolates for Valentine’s Day, it is good news that it does not happen very often. At least there is no restriction on flowers during Lent so they can be a good substitute Valentine’s Day present.

Personally, I prefer to do something positive for Lent, rather than giving something up.  This year my intention is to try and do at least one helpful or encouraging activity every day.  It might not be anything very big, but even something small can mean a lot to somebody.  That’s my aim anyway, I will do my best!

Both Lent and Valentine’s Day are when we think about love. One is about romantic love, the other about sacrificial love.  We focus for one day on the romance of Valentine’s Day, but the forty days of Lent take us forward to the special time of Easter, when we remember the loving sacrifice that Lord Jesus made for us.  In early centuries, Lent was observed with a very strict fast.  Only one meal a day was eaten, usually in the evening.  Also, meat, fish, eggs and milk products were forbidden.  Thankfully, even if fasting takes place, the restrictions are not so extensive these days.  The main purpose of Lent is to focus on the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and praying then being tempted by the devil when he was physically weak. 

Jesus was able to counter all the temptation by quoting from scripture.  This should be an inspiration for us to study the Bible, so that we are able to stand on God’s Word when we go through testing times.  If this is something that is not part of your life and you would very much like to learn and understand more about the Bible, please talk to one of the Deacons and they will be very glad to help find the best way forward for you.  Learning and exploring God’s Word can be a really transforming experience, there is so much more to find out than what we hear on Sunday morning in church.

Every blessing,

Frances