Lent Challenges

Upton Methodist Church

2007-08-05T19:58:00.000Z

Upton Methodist Church now has a brand new website, where you can find out about its activities and work, and catch up with the latest events at the church and in the area. It's currently under construction, but check back each day to keep up with new content as it's added.

You can find the new website at www.uptonmethodistchurch.org.uk.

Congratulations

2007-04-07T08:45:00.000Z

It's all over - after forty-seven Challenges, during which you've picked litter, fed birds, and saved the environment, we've reached that most special of occasions - Easter Sunday. Over the months we've slowly but surely worked our way to a brighter and better Upton, and that's what we set out to do. The Challenges are well and truly done and, indeed, dusted.

We hope you've enjoyed our forty-seven ways to remember Lent, and, if you have, join us for our Easter Sunday celebration at 10:30 this morning, at Upton Methodist Church, to find out what all the fuss of Lent is there for.

Thanks to everyone who has taken part - we'll be back next year - 6th February 2008.

I bet you can't wait... :)

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The Final Challenge

2007-04-07T08:27:00.000Z

Challengers,

We've almost made it. But before the joy of Easter Sunday comes one last Challenge:

Saturday 7th April - The Final Challenge:

Tell someone something you've discovered in Lent

On day 13, we learned how to say 'Hello' in a foreign language. On Day 2, the challenge was to exchange your favourite book, or CD. Despite those obvious things that we've discovered, maybe Lent this year has prompted us to find out more about ourselves, people around us and the big world outside. If you've discovered something - anything - tell someone about it. Help them discover something about Lent.

Share what you have discovered here at the blog - click the comments link below. Go on - just one last time...

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Good Friday

2007-04-06T06:58:00.000Z

Challengers,

It's Good Friday - the day Jesus died for us. With that in mind, take a look at today's Challenge:

Friday 6th April - The Challenge:

Make a small sacrifice
to make someone else feel better

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Maundy Thursday's Challenge

2007-04-05T08:01:00.000Z

Challengers,

Here'sa your Challenge for Maundy Thrusday.

Thursday 5th April - The Challenge:

Watch the news and pray about it

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Wednesday's Challenge

2007-04-04T07:19:00.000Z

Challengers,

A brand new Challenge as we reach the last few days of Lent.

Wednesday 4th April - The Challenge:

Bake something and share it

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2007-04-03T08:05:00.000Z

Challengers,

Here's Tuesday's Challenge

Tuesday 3rd April - The Challenge:

Visit the Park

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2007-04-02T07:38:00.000Z

Challengers,

Begin the final week and our countdown to Good Friday with a brand new Challenge.

Monday 2nd April - The Challenge:

How many people can you make smile today?

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Palm Sunday's Challenge

2007-04-01T07:54:00.000Z

Challengers,

It's Palm Sunday. Jesus is on his way into Jerusalem on the back of... What? A donkey? Fair enough. The streets are lined with people cheering, laying down the coats before Him and waving palm leaves in the air. Welcome Him yourself with today's Challenge!

Sunday 1st April - The Challenge:

Find out how to make a palm Cross

Here's something to get you started.

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2007-03-31T08:00:00.000Z

Challengers,

Here's Saturday's Challenge.

Saturday 31st March - The Challenge:

Buy a Fairtrade product

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Friday's Challenge

2007-03-30T06:26:00.001Z

Challengers,

Here's Thursday's Challenge.

Friday 30th March - The Challenge:

Light a candle to remember children in other countries

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2007-03-29T06:30:00.001Z

Challengers,

Here's Thursday's Challenge.

Thursday 30th March - The Challenge:

Say something nice about someone - behind their back.

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Wednesday's Challenge

2007-03-28T06:52:00.000Z

Challengers,

The third Challenge of the week:

Wednesday 28th March - The Challenge:

Recycle all the paper you use today

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Tuesday's Challenge

2007-03-27T06:39:00.000Z

Challengers,

Here's Tuesday's Challenge

Tuesday 27th March - The Challenge:

Put on a jumper - and turn down the heating

Turning down the heating in your home and putting on a jumper instead to keep warm can save energy and the environment. There are hundreds of ways to keep your home warm without turning up the heating. Find them here.

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Not long now...

2007-03-26T06:29:00.000Z

Challengers,

Welcome to the penulitmate week of Lent Challenges...

Monday 26th March - The Challenge:

Give yourself a gift - you're worth it

Surprise yourself!

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2007-03-25T07:51:00.000Z

Challengers,

The end of another week with another Challenge.

Monday 25th March - The Challenge:

Help a bug out of the house - don't squash it!

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Saturday's Challenge

2007-03-24T08:10:00.000Z

Challengers,

A new Challenge to kick off the weekend

Saturday 24th March - The Challenge:

Go to bed early - or have a lie-in!

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2007-03-23T07:14:00.000Z

Challengers,

Don't worry, it's Saturday tommorow!

Friday 23rd March - The Challenge:

Stay in tonight - watch a movie with your family

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Thursday's Challenge

2007-03-22T07:30:00.000Z

Challengers,

Here's Thursday's Challenge.

Thursday 22nd March - The Challenge:

Say 'please' and 'thank-you' all day long

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Wednesday's Challenge

2007-03-21T07:30:00.000Z

Challengers,

Here's Wednesday's Challenge...

Wednesday 21st March - The Challenge:

Give a gift anonymously

Surprise someone!

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Tuesday's Challenge

2007-03-20T07:34:00.000Z

Challengers,

A fun Challenge today, to help our high-flying friends...

Tuesday 20th March - The Challenge:

Feed the birds

Take a loaf down to the local duck pond and spare a few slices for our feathered friends. Or scatter some out in the garden - they're not picky.

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The Home Straight

2007-03-19T07:36:00.000Z

Challengers,

We're past the half-way point, and we're well on our way to Easter with a brand new week of Challenges.

Monday 19th March - The Challenge:

Leave a pound coin where someone can find it

You could leave it anywhere - in a trolley, on the bus, or just 'drop' it where someone will pick it up. It might seem a waste, but if the person who finds it spends it wisely, that pound coin could grow into anything.

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Mothers' Day

2007-03-18T09:00:00.000Z

Challengers,

Complete Week Four with Sunday's Challenge

Sunday 18th March - The Challenge:

Tell your mum five things that make her special

Tell us why your mum is special by clicking the comments link below!

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Saturday's Challenge

2007-03-17T09:32:00.000Z

Challengers,

Welcome to the Weekend. Here's your next Challenge:

Friday 17th March - The Challenge:

Join us tomorrow for our
Mothers' Day Service

The service starts at 10.30am, and, as always, refreshments are served afterwards in the Hall. All are welcome!

P.S - Happy St Patrick's Day!

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Red Nose Day!

2007-03-16T07:28:00.000Z

Challengers,

It's 16th March - Red Nose Day!

Friday 16th March - The Challenge:

Red Nose Day - Make someone laugh!

And while you're scribbling away trying to write the world's funniest joke - donate some money to Comic Relief. There are loads of ideas on the Red Nose Day Website, or you can donate by buying a Red Nose or other merchandise either online or at Sainsbury's or Oxfam. Have a great Red Nose Day!

You can also share your favourite joke here on the blog - click on the comment link below.

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2007-03-15T19:11:00.001Z

Challengers,

Day Two, Week Three

Tuesday 6th March - The Challenge:

Have a meat-free day

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2007-03-14T07:24:00.000Z

Challengers,

Welcome to Wednesday. Here's your next Challenge:

Wednesday 14th March - The Challenge:

Write a letter to say 'thank-you' to someone

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Tuesday's Challenge

2007-03-13T08:05:00.000Z

Challengers,

Here's Tuesday's Challenge.

Tuesday 13th March - The Challenge:

Plant a seed, look after it, and watch it grow.

Spring is on the way, and now is the perfect time to weed out the watering can. Sprinkle some seeds out and add some water, and let the sun do its bit. Look after your little saplings! Watch them grow!

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A brand new Challenge

2007-03-12T07:24:00.000Z

Challengers,

A brand new week!

Monday 12th March - The Challenge:

Think about where food comes from - buy local today

A kiwi fruit, flown from New Zealand to Britain, emits five times in weight in greenhouse gases. They have travelled 12,000 miles by air and by road by the time they reach the supermarket shelves. Nearly three-quarters of the UK's apples are imported, and all this contributes to global warming, when apples can be grown right here at home. So, the next time you reach for the fruit bowl, stop and think about where your fruit comes from. Buy local - from a farmshop, or by checking the labels in your supermarket. Or better still, grow your own!

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Sunday's Challenge

2007-03-11T08:07:00.000Z

Challengers,

Complete Week Three with Sunday's Challenge

Sunday 11th March - The Challenge:

Say something kind to 3 different people

It needn't be a difficult Challenge today. People often give us reasons for saying something nice to them - by giving us something, or simply always having a smile to share with us. Today - give something back to those people. Or it could be the perfect chance to meet someone new.

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Saturday's Challenge

2007-03-10T08:20:00.000Z

Challengers,

Welcome to the Weekend. Start it off with a brand new Challenge:

Saturday 10th March- The Challenge:

Find out about blood or organ donation

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Fantastic Friday

2007-03-09T07:30:00.000Z

Challengers,

Here's Friday's Challenge:

Friday 9th March - The Challenge:

Use a 'Buy One Get One Free' offer
and give the free one away

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Tuesday's Challenge

2007-03-08T07:34:00.000Z

Challengers,

Here's your next challenge.

Thursday 8th March - The Challenge:

Only fill the kettle with the water you need

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Week Three, Challenge Three

2007-03-07T07:27:00.000Z

Challengers,

Welcome to Wednesday. Here's your next Challenge:

Wednesday 7th March - The Challenge:

Do a chore that someone usually does for you

Maybe someone makes you a cup of tea every morning, or always offers to do the washing up. Well, why not swap around for the day - do something you don't usually do to help make their day a little easier.

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Tuesday's Challenge

2007-03-06T07:24:00.000Z

Challengers,

Day Two, Week Three

Tuesday 6th March - The Challenge:

Phone or text someone to say goodnight

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Monday's Challenge

2007-03-05T16:02:00.000Z

Challengers,

For this Challenge, we'd really like you to get involved. Share what you discover today at the Lent Challenges Blog - www.lentchallenges.blospot.com. Click the 'X Comments' link under today's post.

Monday 5th March - The Challenge:

Learn to say 'Hello' in a foreign language

Hello. Bonjour. Bom Dia. Kalimera. Jambo. Yes, that last one is Swahili. 'Hello' must be the first and most useful word to learn in any language, and, even if you're not sure where to go from there, will certainly break the ice with pretty much any person of any language around the globe. Learn as many as you can, and help others find out more by adding your findings to the blog.

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Litter Pick

2007-03-04T14:25:00.000Z

Thanks to everyone who rose to today's Challenge and joined us for a litter pick around the village.

After a lunch of hot soup, we set out in both directions from the Methodist Church, leaving no burger box, drinks can or crisp packet untouched in our quest to fill the large collection of refuse sacks donated, as well as litter collecting equipment, by the local council.

Litter-picking started at the Church and spread towards the Mining Memorial garden, Post Office and High Street, and Youth Club.

Two hours and over twenty bin-liners later, the High Street of Upton was certainly looking brighter, cleaner and better for our efforts.

A huge 'thank-you' again to all our collectors, as well as Wakefield MDC for their help in lending equipment and collecting the rubbish.

More photos on their way!

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Sunday

2007-03-04T08:42:00.000Z

Challengers,

A special joint Challenge for the second Sunday of Lent.

Sunday 4th March - The Challenge:

Join us for a litter pick in the village

Join us at 12.30 at Upton Methodist Church, where we'll help to clear the village of litter. The local Council have offered to lend us litter-picking equipment and will collect all the rubbish later this afternoon. After the litter pick, all are welcome to a free lunch at Upton Methodist Church.

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Friday

2007-03-02T07:22:00.000Z

Challengers,

Why not do something different this Friday?

Friday 2nd March - The Challenge:

Have a TV-free day - do something different

Whether good or bad, television is a routine in our lives, whether we like it or not. We could easily watch several hours of TV a day. and often switch it on out of pure habit. Switching the TV off could lead to something new and exciting - you never know what might happen when you do something different.

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Thursday: Week Two

2007-03-01T07:25:00.000Z

Challengers,

A brand new month brings us another brand new Challenge:

Thursday 1st March- The Challenge:

Buy a low-energy light bulb

Your home probably has at least one light bulb in every room, and each bulb is likely used at least once a day. They're the simplest of our electrical goods, but also one of the least energy-efficient. Most of the electricity used in running a light bulb is wasted in creating heat - not light. Low-energy lightbulbs can save energy, money, and the planet. Why not?

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2007-02-28T07:24:00.000Z

Challengers,

Round off the month with a Wonderful Wednesday:

Wednesday 28th Febraury - The Challenge:

Donate the money you saved yesterday to charity

Yesterday's Challenges was to go without treats for one day. Some ideas included going without snacks, the daily newspaper, or cigarettes. Today is your chance to make the best of yesterday's results. If you saved money from going without the newspaper, or from turning down a packet of crisps, donate that small amount to any charity - maybe through a collection box in the high street.

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Challenge Tuesday

2007-02-27T07:14:00.000Z

Challengers,

Week Two, Challenge Two.

Tuesday 27th February - The Challenge:

Lent is a fast - go without snacks today

Lent is traditionally a fast, used to help Christians remember Jesus' time in the wilderness before his death. So today, why not try going without the things you don't really need? This could be sweets, snacks, cigarettes or newspapers - things we buy everyday but don't last very long. It's a small way to think about Lent as a fast.

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2007-02-26T07:23:00.000Z

Challengers,

Welcome to the second week of Lent, and also the next bundle of Lent Challenges...

Monday 26th February - The Challenge:

Hug someone who needs it

There's a lot in a hug. It can show friendship, love, support, gratitude... However you use your hug today, make sure it counts and make sure whoever you hug knows that you mean it, and more importantly, why you mean it. You never know, you might get one back!

A Wombling Weekend

2007-02-25T14:22:00.000Z

For a village-wide Challenge this weekend, Lent Challenges is teaming up with the Hemsworth and South Elmsall Express to help clear up the streets of Upton. If you're free, join us at Upton Methodist Church at 12.30pm on Sunday, where lunch will be served before we set out to brighten up the high street.

Wakefield Metropolitan District Council have provided us with all the equipment, and will collect the litter we pick up later that day.

So take the Challenge, and why not challenge a friends aswell?

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2007-02-25T08:49:00.000Z

Challengers,

With the first Sunday of lent comes our fifth Lent Challenge:

Sunday 25th February - The Challenge:

Find out about life in another country.

There are people like us all over the world. Pretty much everything we do, every habit and every custom, is shared with different people of all ages and nationalities the world over. But there are always surprises waiting in far-off corners of the globe—and there will be many not so far away as well. Do some research, find out what’s going on somewhere away from home. You might like what you see—it’s not too late to be planning the summer holidays!

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2007-02-24T09:28:00.000Z

Challengers,

Saturday - the weekend has arrived. Why not use the free time to undertake Challenge #4?

Saturday 24th Febraury - The Challenge:

Phone a friend you haven't spoken to for ages.

We always promise to keep in touch with friends or family we rarely meet with. And most of the time we mean to do just that, but the longer we leave it, the harder it gets to pick up the phone or write a letter. But it’s good to keep in touch.

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Friday

2007-02-23T07:30:00.001Z

Challengers,

It's Friday - nearly the end of the week. But there's no break in the Challenges...

Friday 23rd February - The Challenge:

Spend some time in silence.

Someone once said 'Silence is Golden'. But let's face it - noise is a lot more interesting. Whether it's a radio, people talking or annoying noises that never seem to go away, noise always lets us know that someone's out there, and something's going on. But silence leaves room for the noises in our head that are usually being talked-over. Use the silence to think things through. What's the meaning of life? What can I do to help the environment? What rhymes with purple?

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22nd February

2007-02-22T07:55:00.000Z

Challengers,

Here's your next challenge.

Thursday 22nd February - The Challenge:

Lend a friend a good book, CD or DVD.

Everyone likes a good book, or some good music, don't they? But all our tastes are different. We might often stick to our favourite authors, or favourite genre of film. So, share your favourite style of writing or music with someone who has different tastes today. Ask them their opinions and try listening to their favourites. You never know, you might find some thing new and even better.

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Your first Challenge...

2007-02-21T07:27:00.000Z

Challengers,

Happy Ash Wednesday! Now, to business...

Wednesday 21st February - The Challenge:

Say 'Hello' to someone you see everyday but have never spoken to.

During our day to day routine, we often bump into the same people along the way. We might share a seat with someone on the bus, get post delivered by the same person, or buy our newspaper in the same place everyday. But do we know all the people we meet? A quick 'Hello' can go a long way - it's a greeting and also a simple way of acknowledging someone's presence. Make an effort today to meet someone new - even if you meet them everyday.

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Shrove Tuesday

2007-02-20T09:07:00.000Z

Challengers,

Enjoy your pancakes! Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of lent and also your first challenge.
Remember, each challenge might seem pointless and simple, but even the tiny things can make a big difference.

So look out as the first Challenge is revealed tomorrow, in the four following ways:

NOTICEBOARD - EMAIL - PAPER - BLOG

Good luck!

The Lent Challenge Team
Upton Methodist Church

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Tell Your Friends

2007-02-19T09:41:00.000Z

With only two days to go before Lent and the Challenges begin, now is a great time to let your family and friends get involved. With the addition of a new Lent Challenges Blog, there are now four ways to receive Lent Challenges from Upton Methodist Church. Make sure your friends and family find a way that suits them:

Lent by Noticeboard - the notice board outside Upton Methodist Church already has information about the Lent Challenges. You'll also notice a huge question mark - that's where each challenge will be revealed every morning.

Lent by Paper - you can also use a weekly Challenge Diary, which lays out the Lent Challenges in full for the week ahead. Pick this up each Sunday morning at Upton Methodist Church, or send a request to lentchallenges@yahoo.co.uk if you would like the Challenges to be emailed to you in advance.

Lent by Email - The Lent Challenge email are a great way for you and your friends and family to get the Challenges delivered straight to them, so why not invite them to sign up?

Lent by Blog - the new Lent Challenges blog is online right now for a unique way to get involved with the Lent Challenges. As well as being the best place to find out the latest information about Lent Challenges, it also gives you the oppurtunity to discuss the daily Challenges with other Challengers.

So, with those four options, you've got no excuse not to introduce your friends to a new way of remembering Lent this year. For more information, email lentchallenges@yahoo.co.uk or keep visiting the Lent Challenges Blog - at www.lentchallenges.blogspot.com.

2007-02-18T20:35:00.000Z

from Upton Methodist Church

What are the Challenges?

Throughout lent, Upton Methodist Church will be setting a series of challenges to you, the people of Upton. They won’t be as difficult as you might think - they won’t change the world, but they will make a difference.
Whether it’s to help the environment or just to cheer someone up, each challenge is designed to make Upton a better and brighter place to be during the season of lent.

Where can I find them?

The challenges will be displayed on the notice board outside Upton Methodist Church. There will be a new one each day - so look out for each new challenge every morning.
You can also receive the challenges each day by email for free.

There are now four ways to receive the Lent Challenges:

Lent by Noticeboard - the noticeboard outside Upton Methodist Church already has information about the Lent Challenges. You'll also notice a huge question mark - that's where each Challenge will be revealed each day.
Lent by Email - receive the Lent Challenges by email for free each day. Simply email the word SUBSCRIBE to lentchallenges@yahoo.co.uk
Lent by Paper - pick up a copy of the Challenge Diary each Sunday at Upton Methodist Church, or email a request for a Challenge Diary to the above address.
Lent by Blog - here at the Lent Challenges Blog, you can find each Challenge daily, as well as more information about the Challenges.

How to use this blog

2007-02-18T19:51:00.000Z

As well as being the hub of all Lent Challenges information, the Lent Challenges Blog gives you a unique opportunity to interact with other Challengers. You can comment on each Challenge, giving advice, sharing your stories, or giving other Challengers support.

To leave a comment:

Click 'X Comments' under the post you would like to comment on
In the space provided, write the comment you would like to post
Then choose a way to leave your name. Log in with a Google Account, write your name, or leave your comment anonymously.
Click 'Publish Your Comment' to post your message.

Please note, the Lent Challenges Blog can be viewed by anyone around the world, so do not give out sensitive information, such as addresses or contact details in a comment. Any messages which are offensive in anyway will be removed immediately.

Send to a Friend

2007-02-18T19:45:00.000Z

If you like what you see here, and think that your friends and family would benefit from taking part in the Lent Challenges, you can email any post here on the Lent Challenges Blog to your friends.

Simply click the email icon under each post, and enter the email addresses of the people you would like to send the post to.

What do you do with my information?

2007-02-18T19:41:00.000Z

When you subscribe to Lent Challenge emails from Upton Methodist Church, you agree to allow your email address to be used to deliver the Challenges to you each morning. Your email address is kept private and is only used for the purpose of delivering Lent Challenge emails, and only for the duration of Lent.

You can, of course, unsubscribe from the Lent Challenge emails at anytime, by emailing the word 'unsubscribe' to lentchallenges@yahoo.co.uk. You will receive one email confirming your unsubscription, and then your details will be deleted.