There are some terrific materials to use for lent this year. Here’s a selection suggested to me by those in the know…

· Journey to Hope is a Lent study created by a diocesan committee appointed by Archbishop Phillip. In this resource we are asked, each week, to listen to the testimonies of survivors of child sexual abuse, and then reflect on these in the light of a Bible reading. Each study can be used by individuals, and small groups, with the invitation to repent and lament; and to pray… with love and hope.

In addition to the ‘Journey to Hope’ Lent Study, there is a litany, a song, and links to further resources and reading.

All of these resources will be available on the Diocesan website from Sunday 4th February.

· Rowan Williams’ new book, “Holy Living: The Christian tradition for today” looks great too – quite accessible and Rowan is always good for stretching your brain.

· On the Third Day, a Lenten resource from York Courses has been recommended by some. Have a look at that here…

· And of course there’s the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lenten book, Say it to God, which you can see here…

· ABM will update its wonderful Into The Desert app, I’m sure. There’s more about that here

· Mary Oliver and the Poetry of Lent gives a new slant on enduring ideas - There are “meditations” that would be fine for group discussion as well as “practices” for during the week.

· Challenge of Paul - For the adventurous, Faith & Reason have their new John Dominic Crossan series on Paul ready to ship. It can be found here… There might even be free copies! Check that out by emailing: jennifervail@faithandreason.org and asking about the special offer for churches.