This Mothering Sunday, 22nd March, we are calling all churches to a National Day of Prayer and Action. At <span style="font-size: 1rem;">such a time as this, when so many are fearful and there is great uncertainty, we are reminded of our </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">dependence on our loving Heavenly Father and the future that he holds.</span>At 7pm this Sunday, light a candle in the windows of your homes as a visible symbol of the light of life, <span style="font-size: 1rem;">Jesus Christ, our source and hope in prayer.</span>Whether you are continuing to worship as congregations or not, we have the great privilege and freedom to <span style="font-size: 1rem;">be able to call upon God, wherever we are, individually and corporately, for healing in our nation. We would </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">pray for all in leadership at this time, making decisions about the containment of the COVID-19 virus, for </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">those working in health and social care, and especially for the most vulnerable, whether elderly or those </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">with underlying health conditions.</span>There are already stories being told of wonderful acts of kindness across neighbourhoods. Alongside your <span style="font-size: 1rem;">prayers, take the opportunity to telephone or email someone who is isolated, buy some additional food for </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">your local foodbank, or offer to deliver shopping for an elderly neighbour. We may not be able to touch </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">physically, but we can make connections in so many other ways.</span>In the meantime, do please attend to all the government health advice that will be issued, and look out for <span style="font-size: 1rem;">resources from your specific church governing bodies. At least for those of us in the global North, we do </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">seem to be in unusual times, and wisdom and flexibility about worship gatherings are a key part of our </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Christian discipleship during this period.</span>We note that this call to prayer and action comes on Mothering Sunday: a time of thankfulness, <span style="font-size: 1rem;">remembering especially mothers who have served us, often in very costly ways. It is also a very mixed day </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">for many. For some the remembrance is painful, and for others Mothering Sunday is a reminder of </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">disappointment or loss. In many ways, this period under the shadow of the coronavirus will be prompting </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">similarly diverse reactions and so it seems especially appropriate that the call to prayer is made this </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Sunday. At this time of uncertainty join in with the National Day of Prayer and Action, lighting a candle of </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">hope.</span>“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you” 1 Peter 5:7Presidents of Churches Together in EnglandArchbishop Justin Welby, The Archbishop of CanterburyCardinal Vincent Nichols, The Cardinal Archbishop of WestminsterRevd Dr Hugh Osgood, The Free Churches ModeratorArchbishop Angaelos of London, CTE President for the Orthodox ChurchesPastor Agu Irukwu, CTE Pentecostal President
