The Churches calendar for February includes two milestones in the life and ministry of Jesus.

The first occurs on February 2nd. It is the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (aka Candlemas), an event recorded only in Luke's Gospel (ch2, v22-39). The prophesy made by Simeon on that occasion has become well known as the Nunc Dimittis, sung or said by generations of worshippers at Evensong.

This very familiarity may mean that we lose the implications for the Church in today's world. First of all, there is the reminder that Jesus came as Saviour of all - " My own eyes have seen the salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of every people". Secondly, we are reminded of our call to balance worship - " the glory of your people Israel" and witness - "a light to reveal you to the nations" in both our individual and shared life as His followers.

The second milestone occurs on 22nd February. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a time when we remember the time of preparation spent in the wilderness by Jesus before the start of his public ministry. As usual, our Home Groups will be meeting for reflection and prayer. There is, however, another way in which everyone can draw nearer to Jesus during these 40 days.

As part of the preparation for the "Flame of Hope" initiative in May 2012, Chippenham Deanery has produced a simple "Daily Practice of Prayer". Each day focuses on an aspect of Jesus' life and ministry and the implications for our own lives. Copies are available in each of the churches in the benefice or from Aurea Hart (01225 891453)

May Lent 2012 be a time when we all become " more like Christ" (1 John 3,v2)