Growing Good from the Church Urban Fund (CUF).
During Lent 2026, which starts with Ash Wednesday on 18th February 2026, our Sunday sermons will follow rhe Growing Good materiel from the Church Urban Fund (CUF.org uk).
During Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday on 18th Fenbruary 2026, our sermons will follow the “Growing Good” material from the Church Urban Fund (CUF).
Our Vicar, Revd Laura Wild writes:
Please do step into Lent at one of three Ash Wednesday Holy Communion services next week (Ash Wednesday is 18th February 2026 - the services are at: 10.00am at Brookfield, 12.00noon at Hilton, and 7.00pm at Stainton) as we keep this season faithfully, to prepare for Easter.
Janet Morley writes "To keep Lent is to turn aside from the ordinary routines of our life in order to reflect; to notice what is going on, to detect what is really significant."
Throughout Lent as we seek to simplify our lives and draw nearer to God, we are continuing to pray into our common identity and the needs of our communities. Utilising the Church Urban Fund's Growing Good material alongside the Lectionary, we journey through Lent together these weeks, to detect what is really significant!
Here are the Growing Good themes and scripture passages that we shall follow on each Sunday during Lent:
22nd February (Lent 1) Theme: PRESENCE
Key Question What do we want our Church to be known for in our community?
Lectionary Scripture Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness
Growing Good Scripture Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world”
1st March (Lent 2) Theme: PERSEVERENCE
Key Question What is the longest running institution in our area? Why so?
Lectionary Scripture John 3:1-17 Nicodemus
Growing Good Scripture Jeremiah 29:4-7 “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city”
8th March (Lent 3) Theme: ADAPABILITY
Key Question What changes has this Church made in the last year?
Lectionary Scripture John 4:26-42 In Samaria – “My food is to do the will of the One who sent me and to complete His work”
Growing Good Scripture 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 “I have made myself a slave to everybody to win as many as possible"
15th March (Mothering Sunday) Theme: HOSPITALITY
Key Question What makes you feel welcome at Church?
Lectionary Scripture Exodus 2:1-10 Moses’ birth, concealment and adoption
Growing Good Scripture Luke 14:7-14 Places of honour at the wedding banquet
22nd March (Lent 5) (Plurality Holy Communion at Hilton Church)
Theme: PARTICIPATION
Key Question How has God gifted you? Head; hands; heart; task – identify your own gifts
Lectionary Scripture Ezekiel 37:1-14 Prophesying over dry bones
Growing Good Scripture Matthew 4:18-22 Call of the disciples - “I will send you out to fish for people”
29th March (Palm Sunday) Theme: JUSTICE
Key Question What justice issues do you care about and why?
Lectionary Scripture Matthew 21:1-11 Jesus’ triumphal entry to Jerusalem
Growing Good Scripture John 4:1-25 Woman at the well
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