 Caroline is a full time chaplain and joined the team in September 2009. She enjoys working alongside people of all ages and supporting people in an academic environment. Her hobbies also spill over into her ministry. She is passionate about keeping fit and therapeutic care and runs various activities throughout the year such as stretch and relax and creative art workshops and spirituality @ work sessions. Her desire is to see people achieve their God-given potential and experience life it all its fullness. Caroline leads worship at the chaplaincy,
Oxford Place and around the district and also on the evangelism committee of Faith and Order.
Caroline is the Lead Chaplain to Leeds Met University.
Telephone 0113 343 5073
Email c.ryder@leeds.ac.uk
Many Christians observe Lent by 'giving up' something. But why? Is it just an opportunity to exercise self control? Do we do it simply to free our minds from material things or lose a bit of excess weight by giving up chocolate? Perhaps.
But giving up (or 'fasting') also helps Christians remember and identify with Christ's sufferings. It symbolises their sorrow over wrong doing and through this 'emptying of oneself' (Philippians 2:5-8) leaves more space for God to work in their lives.
Lent can also be a good time for, not just holding back, but giving back. For example, as you
de-clutter your lifestyle, give up your spare time to help those who suffer. Bring reconciliation by making up with a friend or saying sorry. Attend special services or take time out to be quiet with God. Or perhaps use the money you would have spent on the food or other activities you are giving up to a worthy cause. It will be different for every person.
Caroline Ryder, 2010
The colours of Lent
Purple
This colour symbolises both the pain and suffering leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus, as well as the suffering of humanity and the world under sin. However, purple is also a regal colour and so anticipates the triumph ofJesus who, through his death and resurrection, brought new life and fresh hope to the world.
Grey
Grey is the colour of ashes and a biblical symbol of mourning and repentance. The decorations for the worship space during Lent also reflect this mood of penitence and reflection: for instance, avoiding the use of fresh flowers.
Red
This colour is sometimes used on Maundy Thursday to symbolise the disciples and, through them, the community of the church. The Lord's Supper is often observed on Maunday Thursday (the day before Good Friday) in the context of the Passover, and thus the red suggests the blood of Jesus, the Paschal lamb.
Black
The only days of the church year this is used is on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. It not only represents the death of Jesus but the death of the whole world under the burden of sin.
Reflection by Revd. Caroline Ryder
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