Thankyou to everyone who participated in our AGM meeting last Sunday, and particularly to those who nominated for positions of leadership in our Church.  That desire to serve is a noble thing and I am thankful for your willingness, whether or not you were elected.
Congratulations to our elected leaders:
Wardens: Glenn A (Wilton), Peter F (Picton), and Neil R (Wilton); Parish Councillors: Tony K (Wilton), Joan B (Picton), and Kate B (Wilton); Synod Reps: Charlie D (Picton) and Milton L (Wilton); and Parish Nominators: Milton L (Wilton), Tony K (Wilton), David P (Wilton), Glynis K (Picton), and Glenn A (Wilton).  
Please join me in praying for them as they take up these responsibilities, that they might live godly lives and make wise decisions for the glory of God.
Today (Ash Wednesday) begins the season of Lent. Traditionally, people give up something luxurious for Lent, not to earn favour with God but as a sign of repentance and of carrying our own cross, as we remember and anticipate the suffering of Jesus at Easter.  The traditional prayer for Ash Wednesday begins this sacred season beautifully:

“Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent: create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”