London, England - If giving up chocolate or alcohol for Lent wasn't a big enough challenge, the Church of England has come up with a list of daily tasks that would test the saintliest cleric.
Worshippers will be sent text messages to their mobile phones urging them to hug someone who needs it and to go into charity shops to offer more for goods than they are worth. Other messages will ask them to give up their place in a queue to someone in a rush and leave money in shopping trolleys for someone else to find.
These are among a range of suggestions that are being promoted by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York as a way that worshippers can "spread generosity and happiness in their community".
Dr Rowan Williams and Dr John Sentamu will launch a national campaign this week encouraging Christians to sign up for the text service that will provide ideas for how they can be more charitable and environmentally conscious.
Wearing a jumper indoors with the heating turned down and buying a low-energy light bulb are two steps that will be recommended. Among other unusual ideas, they will be asked to say nice things about someone behind their back.
The Archbishops are backing the initiative, which they hope will provide more practical alternatives for Lent – a period of penitence in preparation for Easter, during which Christians traditionally fast.
"It's all too easy to feel we are powerless to make a difference," they will say. "But the truth is, with God's help we can change the world a little bit each day. Each of us can be the change we want to see in the world. Together we can build better and more generous communities."
From tomorrow, churchgoers will be able to text the word "Lent" to register to receive suggestions beginning on February 19, until Easter Monday, April 9. Each text will cost 10p, with half the profits going to charity and the other half being kept by the Church of England.
Around 200,000 copies of a booklet, Love Life Live Lent, are being sent to clergy, parishes and church schools across the country, encouraging people to get involved with the initiative.
The Church has also set up a website, which will ask participants to report on their experiences of trying to bring "happiness".
The booklet was originally published by the diocese of Birmingham last year, but Church leaders considered that its local success could be repeated nationwide.