Lent starts on Ash Wednesday – and this year it’s early – 14th February (Valentine’s Day). Whilst home groups and other groups will organise themselves to consider how to study and focus on Lent, and you too, as parishioners, may well decide to read a book, listen to a podcast, adopt a particular practice new for this year, or one you have followed in the past, I wanted to offer something that we all might do.
On Tuesdays 20th, 27th Feb, and 5th, 12th, 19th March in the afternoons (2.00pm) and evenings (7.45pm) (depending on demand), I’m inviting anyone who wants to join me at St Mary’s to watch ‘The Chosen’ – this is a multi-award winning series about characters in the New Testament. The reviews have been excellent from across all parts of the Christian church. We are introduced to the ‘gritty’ side of the disciples and others who meet with Jesus in a way that will challenge us to think a bit more deeply.
Each film session is about 50 minutes long and we will have coffee, tea and cake followed by one simple question that we might discuss for a few minutes. That’s it!
Each session with be about 75 minutes in all. If you want to know more, please contact the church office and register your interest. Here’s some of the feedback on series 1:
‘Can’t even watch this without being emotionally wrecked, moved, inspired in so many ways. This is it and it is amazingly produced. All you want is more. More, more, MORE. To see this so well done and visually depicted. It’s a must watch. Binge watch. You have to watch, experience, and tell others.’
‘I was dubious about watching this due to Super Church Evangelical American involvement. Then I watched the first few minutes of episode 1. Wow. As a Roman Catholic, I have to say that this is about watching something that brings outrageous joy. I admire the chap behind it. Different denominations but the same God who must be thrilled with this. Magic. Spiritual. Brilliant. Love it.’
‘To cut straight to the point: The Chosen is far and away the best on-screen depiction of the life of Christ-either mini-series or movie. The writing and character development are exceptional. It’s as captivating as The Passion, yet in so many ways more human and relatable. My family and I keep re-watching them just to get one more glimpse of the Son of Man. The miracles are deeply moving and will bring you to tears.’