As we are working through the transition from Church at Barking Riverside, to Solomon’s House and what it looks like to be spiritual family together while being connected in at other churches etc., there has been a real conviction to slow down, draw closer to God and listen to Him. A practice we should all be doing daily, but when life starts life-ing, it is easy to let that habit slip. So naturally, when we were talking about what to do for Lent together in this community, two key things came out:

• Being in His Presence first; seeking Him, listening to Him always before any action
• Generosity; not just financial, but with our time and with our hearts, towards our friends and neighbours, but also towards those who frustrate us for whatever reason. If you missed our podcast on Joyfully Giving over Advent, do go back and have a listen here.

So, we decided to B.L.E.S.S others this Lent. Below is a video of Sam explaining what B.L.E.S.S is and stands for and I encourage you to think about who you can B.L.E.S.S this Lent:

We will also be doing fasting and daily prayers as a spiritual family, so feel free to join us in that, in whichever way suits you. Let’s all use this Lent to get back into our daily habits, those things we said at the start of the year we’d do to draw nearer to Him, have those conversations of sorry or forgiveness we intended on having but haven’t yet gotten around to yet, loving our neighbours as we love ourselves/our family.

Let’s do it together and keep each other accountable along the way. It’s so helpful to have others doing the same thing and encouraging each other as you go. We’ll have two spaces you can connect with others during each week to pray, encourage each other, and grow through B.L.E.S.S:

Tuesdays @ Rivergate – Midday to 1pm – from 24th February

Thursdays @ Zoom (online) and Rivergate – 8.15pm-9pm, followed by 30mins prayer & worship for those in person – from 26th February [Zoom Meeting ID: 841 8967 8079 | Passcode: 145590]

To join in just come along or message Sam at sam@churchatbr.com or join the B.L.E.S.S WhatsApp group using the QR code on the flyer above.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Other things to get involved with this Lent…

• Join in with the Anglican Church with Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent
• Join in with the Diocese of Chelmsford and their 100 days of prayer and Travelling Well Together