Dear friends

I continue to give such thanks for all you are doing to support each other, I'm reminded so much of the call to be Jesus' hands and feet, and whether you are doing that for people in your household, for family or neighbours, in your work, or just through putting your hands together in prayer, then you are responding to that call, and I thank God for that.

After a month of these restrictions, I wonder whether there feels like there is a light at the end of the tunnel for you? I know I am struggling to watch the news everyday, I have journeyed from almost being obsessed as I wait for any update, to only having the capacity to focus on the demands of this one day! We don't know how long we will be in these measures, and we don't know how long we will have to wait until we can gather again. Perhaps David in Psalm 13 speaks a truth for us all "How long, O Lord?"

As we try to discern the most appropriate way to continue to offer spiritual connection through on line worship, and weekly resources to support you, I am mindful that the longer this continues, more practical needs emerge. We are working closely with the local authority and council to support the We are Bristol Coronavirus Hotline (0800 694 0184) please remember you can use this number if you need help of any kind.

We also have practical needs as a church, not least with our finances. We are facing a significant deficit in our budget this year  

Thank you to those of you who have either set up or swapped your giving to an online option. Thank you to those who have also made contact to see if there is a way of delivering your envelopes so that you can give by cash. Your generosity is overwhelming. 

We cannot accept any envelopes during this lock-down period. If there is any way you can give through bank transfer, standing order, or direct debit this will help hugely with enabling our unchanged outgoings to be met. Please email [email protected] for the bank details. 

We are also aware that for some of you, you face uncertain futures because of changes to jobs and your own finances. We believe in a God of generosity and provision, please do not feel compelled to give financially to the church if you are anxious about this. Your love, care and compassion is also so gratefully received. Giving is of course more than our response to the pressing needs of any given moment. Generosity overflows when we are caught up in God's extravagant love and self-giving. Attached to this is a bible reflection about Giving in Grace, which may help you to discern how you may be able to respond.

So as we enter another week, I pray that you will be fed and nourished by the worship on Sunday, as we reflect on the idea of “story”. Please email [email protected] for a “Covid 19 time capsule” resource. Whilst it isn’t faith based, it may provide a framework for your story telling to begin.

You remain in my prayers, sisters and brothers, for capacity, resilience, wisdom, peace, patience and love for all that the next week may include.

With every blessing, as always

Becky