You Are Dust and to Dust You Shall Return

Описание: In this episode, Simon is joined by Revd Liz Dawes, Revd Richard, and Revd Jassica to reflect on the season of Lent and the powerful Ash Wednesday service held at Great Yarmouth Minster.


Opening with words from the prophet Joel — "Return to me with all your heart... for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love" (Joel 2:12-13) — the team explore what it really means to enter this season of reflection. Far from doom and gloom, they discuss how Lent is ultimately a journey of hope: from dust to resurrection, from death to new life.


Revd Liz shares a moving and personal reflection on grief, loss, and the striking symbolism of marking people's foreheads with ash. Revd Richard and the team also open up about their own Lenten practices — from whole food diets and dry Lent, to giving up social media, letting go of anger, and even attempting to read the entire Bible in 40 days!


You'll also hear about a very special activity with the Faith & Friends children's group, where they "buried" a very important word in the churchyard — one they won't be able to say again until Easter Sunday.


Whether you're new to Lent or a seasoned observer, this conversation is warm, honest, and full of practical wisdom for the journey ahead. The episode closes with the beautiful Ash Wednesday Collect — a timely reminder that it's never too late to join in.


Chapters:


(00:00) Welcome & Introduction


(01:01) Opening Scripture: Joel 2:12-13


(01:28) Abounding in Steadfast Love


(03:22) Reflecting on the Ash Wednesday Service


(04:28) The Meaning of Ash Wednesday


(05:26) Marking People with Ash


(06:37) Revd Liz on Grief and Loss


(07:56) Lent as a Journey of Hope


(08:45) From Baptism to Anointing the Dying


(09:37) Eternal Life and Joy Now


(10:51) Seeds, New Life, and Rising Again


(12:49) Lenten Practices: Giving Up or Taking On?


(13:14) Whole Food Diets and Fasting


(14:29) Giving Up the News and Social Media


(15:18) Letting Go of Anger and Dark Emotions


(17:07) Dry Lent and the Six Nations Struggle


(17:57) Father Philips Advice: Do Something Positive


(19:19) Reading the Whole Bible in 40 Days


(21:20) Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving


(22:56) Faith and Friends: Burying the A Word


(26:03) Closing Prayer: The Ash Wednesday Collect


(27:23) Goodbye and See You Next Time