‘Will You Tarry Here and
 Watch With Me?’

Our Lent Group was led by Rev’d Jane and we explored the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent book for 2024, Tarry Awhile. It was written by Selina Stone, a young African Caribbean woman, raised in Birmingham.

Each week we read one or two chapters ready to discuss at our Wednesday afternoon group meeting at the Vicarage. It was a challenging read, at times inspiring and always interesting. We had much to reflect upon and we have really appreciated this opportunity to learn about Black Pentecostal Christian Spirituality.

From her own perspective, Selina writes:

‘Tarrying is a particular spiritual practice…. a collective time of waiting on God.’

 The 7 chapter headings are:

• Darkness
• Oneness
• Movement
• Spirit
• Quiet
• Healing
• Weeping.

This book has inspired us to ‘remain curious’ and ‘open to finding God’ 

It is a deeply hopeful book and Selina’s many stories encouraged us all to gain a deeper understanding of our faith and to empathise with what it might mean to be the subject of injustice, suffering, persecution and oppression. We learned the importance of waiting (’Tarrying’) and resting, ready to be restored by hope in the arms of God and the support of our communities.

Our favourite chapters as a group were ‘Quiet’ and ‘Healing’ and we chose to reflect on these in our presentation for the Monday evening service of Holy Week. Jane welcomed all who came, arranged the beautiful music and controlled the sound system. 

With various group members taking the parts of the characters, we dramatised the story of Mary and Martha welcoming Jesus into their home, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke chapter 10 vs 38-42

Selina used this story to illustrate the importance of seeking out quiet places in our lives to contemplate God and listen to Him. We prayed, ‘Lord meet us in the silence and hear our prayer.’

As part of ‘Healing’ we read the poem ‘Mary and Martha’ by Annie Johnson Flint, which was introduced and explained by Mother Anne-Marie as she linked together all the aspects of the service.

Our service ended with the beautiful Taize chant:

‘Stay with me
Remain here with me
Watch and Pray
Watch and Pray…’

Angela & Janet