Welcome to St. Nick’s for 23rd and 30th March 2025

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Dear friends

Lent is here, and I am so excited to journey through this season with you. Thank you for your prayers and the many birthday wishes—you have truly blessed me! I’m glad to be returning  to this community and helping us revitalise our community. It is such a joy to be part of a loving and prayerful community like St. Nicholas, and I look forward to seeing many of you throughout the week as we walk through this sacred season together.
Lent is often a time of self-examination, discipline, and renewal. This year, I’ve taken on the challenge of giving up all carbonated drinks. Now, let me tell you, this has been tough! As a devoted Pepsi Max fan, I didn’t fully realise just how much I relied on that caffeine kick throughout my day. There have been moments when I’ve caught myself craving it, longing for that sweet, fizzy taste. But in those moments, I’ve also realised something deeper—how often I turn to earthly comforts rather than turning to God. How many times have I reached for a can of Pepsi Max when I could have paused to pray? How often do we all seek temporary fixes when what we truly need is the sustaining presence of God?

Lent is a time to refocus our lives, to strip away distractions, and to seek God with renewed hunger. It is a season that reminds us of our dependence on the Lord and invites us into a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him. As we deny ourselves certain comforts, we open up space to hear His voice more clearly, to grow in faith, and to reflect on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for us.
This Sunday’s psalm, Psalm 63:1-8, captures this longing beautifully:

“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”

David’s words remind us of the deep thirst we should have for God—not just during Lent, but in every season of our lives. When we strip away the noise, the habits, and the distractions, we begin to recognise how much we truly need Him. My prayer for each of us this Lent is that we would develop this kind of hunger and thirst for God, seeking Him with all our hearts and finding joy in His presence.

As we continue through Lent, I encourage you to reflect on what it is that may be taking up too much space in your life. What are the things you turn to for comfort before turning to God? What might He be calling you to lay down so that you can draw nearer to Him? Whether you’ve given up something for Lent or taken on a new spiritual discipline, I pray that this time would be one of renewal, deep reflection, and spiritual growth for you.
I am looking forward to seeing you all this week, whether at Sunday worship, during a Lent study group, or simply around the church. Please know that you are in my prayers, and I am so grateful for each of you. May this season of Lent be a time of transformation and blessing in your life.

Blessings,

Revd Dr. Augustine Tanner-Ihm

Publication of St.Nick’s newsletter
St.Nick’s newsletter will be published every two weeks going forward. Hard copies will continue to be distributed to those who prefer to receive their newsletter by post. 

Sunday 23rd March Lent 3

This Sunday we look forward to welcoming back Rev Dr. K. Augustine Tanner-Ihm. Music will be provided by our Assistant Organist, Elizabeth Bray with readings and prayers from St.Nick’s team. 

Sunday 30th March, Mothering Sunday

Rev Augustine will lead our worship on Mothering Sunday. Our MD and Organist Ollie Mills will provide the music with readings and prayers from the St.Nick’s team. Mother’s Day gifts of flowers will be distrbuted during the service.

#Refreshments will be served after our Sunday and Wednesday services. 

Wednesday midweek Holy Communion 10.30 am
We’re looking forward to welcoming back Rev Augustine to our Wednesday 19th March  morning service, please join us!
#Everyonewelcome #Refreshments