MONTHLY UPDATE FROM SIMON

February 2026

Dear Friends

What a wonderful time of the year this is. The days are getting significantly longer, the spring flowers are appearing, the birds are singing enthusiastically. Over a fortnight ago, as I emerged from a heavy shower near Treyford Hill, a pair of larks rose into the sky and filled it with song. It felt as if the grip of winter had finally been loosened. I’m reminded of the moment when the White Witch’s sleigh grinds to a halt because the snow and ice which she has inflicted upon Narnia has begun to thaw.

I believe the word Lent comes from an old English word meaning ‘to lengthen’, referring to the increase of daylight and the start of spring. And Lent is a time to ‘lengthen our days’, by refocusing on God and seeking spiritual renewal. True length of days, in the biblical sense, has far more to do with the quality of our lives than the quantity. It is by giving up what is wrong, believing what is true and doing what is right, that we improve our wellbeing at the deepest level.

So, in Proverbs we read, ‘My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will add length of days, years of life and peace to you’. And later, ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom… For through me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life’.

Over the course of this Lent there will, as always, be opportunities for you to lengthen your days in this sense by paying a little more attention to your inner life. Here are three aspects of Lent that I’d like to highlight:

Ash Wednesday, 18 February

We are holding two Ash Wednesday services at Harting: a said Eucharist at 10am and a Sung Eucharist at 6pm, both with the imposition of ashes. It’s worth remembering that we come before God to repent not just of our own wrongdoings, but also of the evil that we see at work in the wider world. It is a chance to lament for all the cruelty and aggression that so often dominate the news.

Lent Course

It is always good to be able to share our faith – and our ignorance and uncertainty – with others. We invite you to join us for this year’s Lent Course, which will be held in the Law Room on the five Wednesday evenings of Lent at 6pm, starting on 25 February. This year’s diocesan course is based on St Matthew’s Gospel, and has been prepared by The Revd Tom Robinson, who is Vicar of Southbourne.

Quiet Garden

The first of our Quiet Garden afternoons will be taking place at Harting Church on Wednesday 18 March. This will be a chance just to stop and ‘be still’. It will begin with a short reflection at 2pm and end with a simple form of evening prayer at 4.30pm. Tea will be provided. During the afternoon, if anyone would like to receive the ministry of healing (prayer and anointing with oil), I will be available to offer it discreetly.

Faith Seeking Understanding

There will be no meeting this month, as Ash Wednesday falls on what would have been our normal date.

With my prayers for you all

Simon

 .