Before my second son, Zachary, was born I thought there was a certain foreboding in the phrase “the ides of March”. In my ignorance (stop giggling!) and for the reference to the assassination of Julius Caesar, I assumed it was one of those days that has an association with trouble. However because of the wonders of the internet and www.wikipedia.org, I am now wiser. The phrase is thought only to denote the middle day of the month or the day of the full moon. So all the months of the year have an “ides of”.
Particular days do have significance above and beyond just the date itself. I remember learning to ride my bike and more seriously the day I passed my driving test. I know the date of my first kiss and I remember when I proposed to my wife. I would have thought that all mothers remember the birth of a child. They would also remember the day the child took their first steps and the day they spoke their first words. Some of the moments are trivial some are more meaningful but to the individual the events are what make the dates special.
March also leads us into a journey of self discovery and towards a truly momentous event, one never to be forgotten. Lent is a time of reflection, prayer and charity as well as fasting (not a phrase that holds much meaning today). The time where Christians make the steady walk to the cross. A time that for some holds no significance at all but for others is a journey of faith and hope. Faith in one who because of his great love for us chose to die. A hope in one who is able to be with us and promises that he can make a difference.
Dates do make a difference to us. Not in and of themselves but because of what they mean to us. March includes many official dates and for us all some very personal memories. It calls all of us to remember an event that effects us all, the cross of Jesus Christ, and that has significance for everyone.
Love Jason, The Man in the Manse

Church News
Our New Year Family Quiz Night was very much enjoyed by all who came. Its good to be able to have fun using our brainpower, and the lovely supper was devoured in no time!
The service for the week of Prayer for Christian Unity was held at Holy Cross, Sarratt, this year, with each of the Churches in Sarratt and Chipperfield taking part. It was a quiet, peaceful time together ending with the Compline, when we went home with our lighted candles, which signified our unity.
Our monthly family evening services continue (see diary) and all are welcome to come and join us. You are also welcome to come to our Games Night on 21st March at 6.30, so come and meet us.
The Mothering Sunday service, this year on March 22nd at 10.30, is always special so do come and be with us.
The monthly lunch will be held on March 14th at 1pm and anyone is welcome to come and share in that meal. Contact Brenda on 01923 269574 for details.