As churches across the diocese journey through Lent, many are finding the Climate Justice and Discipleship materials a rich resource for reflection, prayer, and action. The offering has provided a space to explore our responsibility for God’s creation, engage in meaningful conversations, and consider practical steps towards environmental stewardship. A central theme running through these sessions has been the Practice of Awe & Wonder—learning to pause, notice, and delight in the beauty of creation as an act of worship and discipleship.
We are encouraged by the diverse ways churches are using the materials, adapting them to their contexts, and deepening their discipleship together. Here are some inspiring examples of how communities are engaging with the Lent offering this year:
How is your church using the Lent offering materials?
At St Anne’s Church, Brondesbury, a group has been gathering weekly to join in with the live sessions and discuss them afterward. Some others are following along from home and continue reflecting on the themes when the whole church gathers on Sundays. As the church is currently in vacancy, having these materials available from the diocese has meant that a group of congregants has been able to organise themselves, ensuring that the journey through Lent remains a shared and enriching experience.
At Holy Trinity Church, Hounslow, the congregation has embraced a communal approach, gathering around a large screen to follow the sessions together. A central candle is lit as a focal point, and each participant has a copy of the materials, making it easy to engage with prayers and discussions. A thoughtful addition has been the provision of leaves and twigs, which participants select before the session begins as a tangible connection to creation.
On Thursday evenings, small groups at St Gabriel’s Church, Cricklewood have been coming together to engage with the Lent offering using the video recordings and resources. In an effort to be inclusive, key prayers and questions have been translated into Farsi, allowing Iranian members to participate more fully. This thoughtful adaptation has deepened the sense of belonging and engagement within the congregation.
Ordinand Jenny Erber from St Gabriel’s reflects:
“Before we started, we recognised that many of these contemplative practices would be new to people, so we felt it was important to create a sense of familiarity. We begin each evening with liturgy from the material, include worship—central to our charismatic tradition—and offer hospitality through refreshments, helping people feel welcomed. Every week, someone lights a candle as a symbol of God’s presence among us.”
At St Lawrence Eastcote, in Northwest London, a small but dedicated group has been gathering on Saturday mornings to engage with the recorded sessions. The group, which consists of three participants plus one clergy leader, has benefited from the intimate setting, allowing for a deep and thoughtful exploration of the materials. Engagement with the Diocese’s applied theology and the opportunity to ‘meet’ the London bishops has been particularly welcomed.
How have the sessions been received?
At St Anne’s, Brondesbury, the in-person gatherings have been deeply enriching. The opportunity to meet midweek has fostered a stronger sense of community and deepened appreciation for God’s creation. Lay leader Filipa reflects:
“We’ve explored how all of creation is interconnected and how God’s presence can be seen throughout, as the artist behind it all. Many of us have been moved by the reality that those most affected by climate change are often those who have contributed the least to its damage.”
A key highlight has been the diversity within the group, bringing together people of different ages and backgrounds. This has allowed for meaningful conversations, opening eyes to how climate justice affects different communities worldwide.
At Holy Trinity, Hounslow, the Rev Sally Baily shares that the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Some participants, particularly those whose first language is not English, have found some of the language used by the guest speakers difficult to follow. However, by encouraging open discussions and using the prompts provided in the materials, confidence has grown, and engagement has deepened.
At St Gabriel’s, Cricklewood, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The combination of theological reflection and practical application has resonated deeply.
“What we love about the small group format is that it creates space for meaningful dialogue. Many have expressed gratitude for a supportive environment where they can wrestle with these issues thoughtfully and without judgment.”
One unexpected joy has been the involvement of people who were not previously part of a small group, including young adults who felt drawn to these discussions. This has expanded engagement beyond the usual circles and created new connections within the church.
Many participants have felt challenged to examine their lifestyles more closely—rethinking where they shop, the products they buy, and how they manage waste. This has led to small but significant changes, with members becoming more mindful of their consumption and environmental impact.
At St Lawrence Eastcote, the sessions have been received positively, with warm engagement from participants. The Rev John Seymour reflects:
“I have been impressed by the sympathetic interweaving of the different elements. The Scripture passage has provided a core for the remainder of the material, allowing for a continuous exposition and exploration. That has of itself been rich.”
The carefully structured sessions, including liturgies and practices, have supported depth of engagement, helping participants to slow down and reflect at a more contemplative pace. Rev John also noted that the breath prayer provided a gentle introduction to spiritual practices for newcomers. As they reflected on the material, participants made meaningful connections between their lived experiences and the spiritual practices, even if at times they struggled to find the right words to express their insights.
What moments of insight have stood out?
At St Anne’s, Brondesbury, a particularly powerful moment came when reflecting on Jesus’ teaching about other species—not just as an example of trust, but as a reminder of creation’s harmony with God.
“In Matthew 6:28, Jesus invites us to ‘consider the lilies of the field’ and how they grow without toil. This led us to reflect on how humanity’s relentless craving for more has disrupted the balance of creation.”
For St Gabriel’s, Cricklewood, the Earth Examen has been a transformative practice. Taking time to pause, listen, and reflect on creation has helped the congregation connect faith with action. One Farsi-speaking participant shared how reflecting on their homeland and the impact of war on the land brought a deep sense of lament, yet also hope:
“Hearing how churches are making small steps towards change has given me hope for the future. These small actions make the world more beautiful.”
At St Lawrence Eastcote, a particularly moving moment occurred during the Practice of Awe & Wonder when participants brought objects from nature—ranging from a large stick to a tiny twig—to reflect on the beauty and particularity of creation. One participant shared:
“I feel small in the face of such vastness… Our lives are very short; the world is millions of years old. We can join in with the economy of the created world… or be crushed by it.”
This led to conversations about the choices we make in our daily lives and their environmental impact. One participant shared how the practice of being mindful of creation led them to stop buying avocados due to the environmental damage caused by their production. This shift, though small, reflected a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of all life and a deeper commitment to living in harmony with God’s creation.
Rev John Seymour reflects on the group’s growth in fellowship, commenting:
“Coming together around the Lent offering resources has provided a sympathetic and supportive, ‘light touch,’ scaffolded route into fellowship, prayer, and reflection on scripture.”
He adds:
“I’m delighted to have engaged with the materials. I truly appreciate the thorough preparation and the comprehensive, extensive nature of the resources. They have built my confidence in the Diocese’s understanding and ability to spiritually resource us.”
Your Stories Matter
These stories reflect just a glimpse of how churches are engaging with the Lent offering in ways that are prayerful, creative, and transformative. Whether through group discussions, acts of hospitality, or moments of deep personal reflection, these sessions are shaping hearts and inspiring action.
How is your church engaging with the Lent offering? What insights have emerged in your community? We’d love to hear your experiences as we continue on this Lenten journey together.
Catch up on the Lent offering and access resources (also suitable outside of Lent) at http://lent2025.wayoflife.london