26 The Parish Magazine — February 2026 Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisementsFree Resourcesfor Family CarersWhen you or a loved one start needing extra help at home,it can feel like you are going through this alone. It doesn’tneed to be this way.Access free guides, information and support on our website:Financial support for carersand care recipientsHydration and nutritionMobility and balanceDementia care adviceTools and tips for the homeScan here todownload ourfree guides:goodoakshomecare.co.uk/yanaBlue Moose
THE ARTS — 1Rev Michael Burgess writes . . . George Herbert is amuch-loved Anglican poet, who died aged 40 years in1633. His volume of poems ‘The Temple’ was publishedlater that year. In it the poet leads the reader throughthe church door into the building to meditate on all thatis seen inside. That procession through the church is thetheme of this monthly series of articles during whichwe will visit a variety of English churches as we makeour way from the font to the altar. We begin outside aglorious Norman building of St John’s Church, Adel, nearLeeds in West Yorkshire, pictured below . . ..St John's Church Adel has avery fine south doorway withornate carving.The oak door is a Victoriancopy of the original door; theSanctuary Ring is a replica ofthe Norman ring/knocker.It shows a monster about toswallow a man, but open theTim Green, Wikimediadoor and there is safety andprotection away from the harms of the world.It is the theme in St John’s Gospel of Jesus as the door tothe sheepfold. Enter through Jesus, we are told, to findthe safety of the flock, and also to find nourishment andrenewal.We can stand at the door of this beautiful church or atthe door of our own churches. It opens and welcomes us toenjoy the friendship and refreshment within.INTO THE WORLDThe door could stay closed, protecting us from thestorms of life without that threaten us like the darkcreature in the Norman sanctuary ring of Adel church.But we know that in the church building we have noabiding city.Our worship ends and the door will open once again tolead us out into that world.Within we have found nourishment in the sacramentof the altar, in the word of scripture, and in the fellowshipof the flock.We go out to share those gifts with the world thatothers may come to know Jesus as the door that leads tolife eternal.The Archbishop of Canterbury'sLent Book 2026, SPCK, £11.99The Parish Magazine — February 2026 27Book ReviewsDancing to the Heartbeat of GodWith a foreword and an afterwordby the Archbishop of Canterburydesignate, an introduction by theArchbishop of York, and chaptersby around 30 authors drawn fromacross the globe, the volume createsa sense of excitement, dynamismand faithful witness in its gloriouslydiverse writers and readers alike. Itstestimonies and stories encourage people in the Church ofEngland to share their faith with others.Draw Near – Life-Giving Habits for LentKate Bruce, Michael Leyden and JessicaMartin, CHP, £22.99This is the official Church of England bookletfor Lent 2026. It invites you to develop arhythm of life that will help you grow as adisciple of Christ day by day, especially aswe prepare to celebrate the mystery of God’ssaving love at Easter.Each week a different contributor exploresan activity central to Christian discipleship:worship, prayer, Scripture, communion, service to others andsharing the good news. For each day of Lent, it offers dailyBible readings, images, short reflections, prayers and practicalresponses to help you draw near to God this Lent and beyond.Meeting God in John – a Companion forLent, Holy Week, Easter and BeyondDavid F. Ford, SPCK, £10.99Whether you are completely new toJohn's Gospel or have read it manytimes before, this book offers anaccessible and absorbing introductionto the main message of John's Gospel,packed with compelling observationsinto the personality and impact ofJesus, both in the first century andtoday. It will leave you with a renewedappreciation of and enthusiasm for John's writing. Eachchapter includes questions for reflection or discussion.Reflections for Lent for Lent Holy Weekand EasterIsabelle Hamlet, Ben Quash, andCarlton Turner, CHP, £5.99This book could enhance your spiritualjourney through Lent. It offers reflectionsfrom respected Christian authors on dailyreadings from the Common WorshipWeekday Lectionary. It is aimed at bothindividuals and groups and provides asimple, but profound, daily prayer companion throughoutLent. There is also a guide to building your daily prayer intoyour daily life by Bishop Rachel Treweek.
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