Lent & Holy Week

The period of Lent began on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021 and runs all the way through to Easter Saturday, April 3, 2021.

Though the congregation of Conisbrough Baptist Church cannot meet, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, we will nevertheless celebrate together this solemn period of penitence, abstinence and giving – with weekly activities throughout the period.

HOLY WEEK

During Holy Week we invite you to listen to the following parts of ‘The Poet’s Gospel’ which refer to these incidents. Click each heading in the list, in turn.

PROPHESY

ARREST

TRIAL

SENTENCE

CRUCIFIXION & RESURRECTION

FINAL INSTRUCTIONS

If you have enjoyed having these parts of the Poet’s Gospel reaad to you, you can listen to all 23 parts of it, for free, by clicking HERE

WEEK SIX – The tipping point

In this part of ‘The Poet’s Gospel’ we find opponents of Jesus coming to a decision to get rid of him.

The portrayal implies that the raising of Lazarus to life – perhaps the most powerful demonstration of the power of God at work in the life and ministry of Jesus – was the tipping point in their growing opposition.

Certainly, the scene is one of increasing threat and danger as Jesus takes the road to Jerusalem. With eyes wide open he enters the city in humble obedience to the will of his loving Father.

Listen HERE

Here are some reflection Questions:

  • Jesus instructs his followers to unbind Lazarus and set him free. In what areas of our own lives do we seek to be made free, both for our own benefit and that of those around us?
  • As we journey through Holy Week in the footsteps of Jesus, who will we be carrying with us, longing and praying for their healing, happiness and peace?

This week’s picture – a dot-to-dot, to do and colour – is of Lazarus being raised. You can see it on the right and download it to print from HERE

WEEK FIVE – Identity and Mission

  In this part of our story, the identity of Jesus and the breadth of his mission is unveiled. We read of him welcoming public sinners reviled by the local population; healing ten lepers whose condition made them outcasts from society; and speaking in parables about how goodness and mercy overturn the prejudice and resentment that is found both within families and in wider society.

It is clear that the love and favour of God is freely available to all and this is what many found so challenging in his message.  

Listen HERE

Here are some reflection Questions:

  • In a world with so much division, prejudice and conflict, where do we feel called to be agents of mercy and forgiveness?
  • When the accepted norms of society conflict with the Gospel of Love, how can we present, and live out, an alternative vision?

This week’s picture to colour is of the 10 lepers. You can see it on the right and download it to print from HERE

WEEK FOUR – Trust

Jesus’ trust in those who are following him is evidenced in his sending out disciples to prepare the road ahead. Yet they are not without advice or instruction, for Jesus asks them to behave with integrity as they proclaim the coming Kingdom of God. In this part of ‘The Poet’s Gospel’ we find Jesus speaking of leaven, a small amount of which has a great effect in the making of bread. Assuring his disciples that their influence would be highly significant, he later warns them to stay away from ‘the leaven of the Pharisees’. It is clear that there is more than one kind of leaven active in the world.

Listen HERE

Here are some reflection questions:

  • Who are the people we have come across this year who’s influence we admire and would wish to emulate?
  • In what ways have we noticed the effect of our own contribution to the greater good as we navigate these strange pandemic times?

This week’s picture to colour is of the 12 disciples. You can see it on the right and download it to print from HERE

WEEK THREE – Non-conformity

In this part of the Gospel story we see Jesus presented as someone bringing good news to God’s people. This he does in many ways but particularly through his ministry of healing. Yet the response from those in authority to something that is clearly ‘good’ is not as welcome as one might expect. Jesus is criticised for his actions and rumours are spread to undermine his growing influence.

Listen HERE

Here are some reflection Questions:

  • In a time when truth itself is under threat, who’s version of reality do we accept, and why?
  • What are the signs of authenticity that we recognise and accept as we make our way in the world?

This week’s picture to colour is of Jesus at work healing. You can see it on the right and download it to print from HERE

WEEK TWO – more things to do! Resources from Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.

Our first offering is from The Poet’s Gospel and it is a 20-minute dramatisation from scriptures, of Jesus beginning his public ministry.

The Poet’s Gospel begins, not with the birth of Jesus, but his arrival on the public stage.

We find a society deeply uncomfortable with itself, and a widespread recognition of the need for change – a change that begins with personal remorse and a commitment to live in another better way. Many were coming to John the Baptist seeking peace and forgiveness, but having preached his own message of repentance, he points them to Jesus.

Listen HERE

And here are a couple of questions for you to consider in reflection on this piece:

  • As we look out on today’s world, where do we recognise the need for change? 
  • What in our own lives needs to change this Lent so as to make us more authentic followers and disciples of Jesus?

Our second offering is suitable for all ages and is a picture of Jesus being baptised by John the Baptist, which is just begging for you to  colour it in. You can see it on the right and print it from HERE

WEEK ONE – Show us your pancakes!

Tuesday, February 16, 2021 was Shrove Tuesday, or pancake day, and we asked you to show us what you got – with pictures, videos, text or artwork of your pancakes and your favourite toppings.

And here’s the result!