Worshippers sign up for text mesages (From Witney Gazette)

Worshippers sign up for text mesages

SOME people are convinced that they have been given a message by God.

Ian McDonald sends a Lent text

Now, in a high-tech scheme being run by the Oxford Diocese, a Christian message is being texted daily to worshippers' mobile phones during Lent.

Each year, Church of England leaders urge churchgoers to give something up for Lent - perhaps chocolate, coffee or alcohol.

But this year parishioners are being invited to sign up to a new multimedia campaign to spread a little generosity and happiness.

By texting the word Lent to 64343, mobile phone owners will receive daily suggestions, including:

• Give up your place to someone in a traffic jam or a queue
• Have a TV-free day and do something you have meant to do for ages
• Take part in an environmental clean-up
• Watch the news and pray about what you see
• Leave a £1 coin in the shopping trolley or where someone will find it.

Ian Mcdonald, youth adviser for the Oxford Diocese, said: "Traditionally Lent has been about giving something up, but this year we are asking people to do something which can make a difference to others.

"If you buy a book in Oxfam then offer more than the asking price - haggle up, not down.

"Alternatively you can bake a cake and share it - it is not obligatory to fast for the whole period of Lent.

"A lot of people are inspired by what Jesus has to say and we are using new technology to get that message across."

The text messaging service costs 10p per day. The Love Life Live Lent campaign runs from February 19 to April 9, which is Easter Monday.

The text message service is supported by two colourful booklets and an interactive website at www.livelent.net.

The website will feature each day's actions, games, resources, and an opportunity to share experiences with others. There is a special area with activities designed for the under 15s.

The Rt Revd Colin Fletcher, Acting Bishop of Oxford, added: "Doing something positive or generous can be as transforming as giving something up.

"It helps us to reflect on how we normally behave, and how we can make changes to our lifestyles that reflect God's love more fully."

Love Life Live Lent started life as a booklet in the Diocese of Birmingham last year.

The booklet was such a hit that the original print run had to be increased repeatedly, and a total of 70,000 copies were distributed in churches, schools and community centres.

Church leaders hope that Living Lent this year could be the beginning of a journey of faith.

The campaign's dedicated website offers a range of resources and links to help explore Christianity and the Bible.

Lent runs from February 21, Ash Wednesday, until Easter Eve on April 7.