CofE recommends Lily Allen and Lord of the Rings this Lent

The Bishop of Sheffield, Dr Steven Croft, has compiled a new five-week course called Exploring God's Mercy, which suggests Christians play popular songs or DVD clips at the start of each session to set the scene for that theme's week.

The resource is suitable for church groups, couples or individuals and brings together Scriptures, YouTube videos, podcasts for iPods, group discussions and prayer.

The book accompanying the course is inspired by a period of prayer and reflection that preceded his consecration as Bishop of Sheffield.

“The depth, strength and constancy of God’s love is of course a lifetime’s journey and Exploring God’s Mercy is designed to take groups or individuals further on that journey," he said.

The course focuses on five images of salvation: the weekly sessions are entitled Lost and Found: Hungry and Satisfied; In Prison and Set Free; Sick and Made Well; Storm Tossed and Comforted; Living the Fruitful Life.

Each session contains a reading from Psalm 107; a testimony based on Mark’s Gospel focusing on the ministry of Jesus; and a New Testament passage looking at Christ’s passion, death and resurrection.