The Prime Minister made an announcement on the 4<sup>th</sup> January regarding England going into lockdown until at least mid-February but, surprisingly, places of worship being able to stay open for public worship as well as individual private prayer. I have been in discussion with the Churchwardens of both parishes about this, and we - regrettably - have significant reservations about remaining open for public worship with the new, virulent strain of the Covid virus; these are as follows: - The majority of our congregations are in a vulnerable category either through age or because of other underlying health conditions - We are close to receiving the vaccine (probably over the course of the next 2-3 months) - We have a duty of care for our congregations, for those "on duty" at services, for our parishioners, for our families and for ourselves - The Ministry Leadership Team have reservations, for personal reasons, about their availability to lead/preach at live services; we therefore have a much depleted team to call upon - We feel it is more sensible to reduce the risks for everyone by having on-line services rather than live public worship. These reservations have been put to the two Standing Committees who have agreed, with heavy hearts, that with immediate effect we suspend public worship in the three churches in the benefice until the lockdown it ended. (We will review this mid-February; with the possibility of commencing public worship again from the end of February.) Bishop Rose and Archdeacon Andrew have been informed of this decision. However: - We will record a service and make it available, on-line, every Sunday morning (and reintroduce the time of fellowship, with coffee, on Zoom after the service) - The parish churches remain open for individual private prayer seven days a week - St. George's church will be heated for two one-hour periods every day (10-11am and 2-3pm) so that the church is more comfortable if people wish to make use of the space for private prayer. Revd Ylva and I will diary some of our time to be at St. George's Church and at the Mission Church if you wish to meet and talk As this situation is going on far longer than any of us had imaged: - We will look at arranging a form of on-line, weekly Bible Study; a sort of “on-line Home Group”. This will be available, on Zoom, to anyone who wishes to join in for Christian fellowship in this way. Watch this space! - We will also review and update the on-line resources that are available on the church websites. I know this will be of considerable disappointment to some. We are not taking this action lightly. Please remember that there will also be others who hold passionately to the view, “It’s about time services in church stopped!” The virus is serious; the country is in lockdown to try and break the spread of the virus. We need, as the local church, to be part of helping with that break so that – along with the vaccine – we can all get back to a more normal life sooner rather than later. Please continue to look after yourself. If you want to talk, please pick up the phone and call. God bless. Revd David
Daily ScriptureAlthough I [Paul] am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles [us!] the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. (Ephesians 3:8-9 & 11-12)Daily ReflectionThe 6th of January, Twelfth Night, “Epiphany” in the church calendar. What is Epiphany; what is it that we are meant to be thinking about? The word means: “a sudden or great revelation or realisation”. More specifically, for the Church, it is, “the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi” (the Wise Men, presenting their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the baby.)Here is the very simple, profound truth: this baby – this man - is the Son of God; born as you were. Think about the enormity of that for a moment; think what God has done. This gift is for everyone; it is for you. The author J.K.Rowling, said, “There's nothing better when something comes and hits you and you think 'YES!'”May you realise that about God today. Revd David
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Daily Scripture:When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have ordained,What is man, that you should be mindful of him; the son of man, that you should seek him out? (Psalm 8, 4-5)Daily Reflection:There is much more evidence for the Bible being the truth, than there is against it. Whether God created the world in 6 days doesn't really matter - it's the fact that he created it FOR US that is so awe inspiring. Against the vast and beautiful array of stars and planets in the sky, we might feel very small and insignificant. But that isn't what God thinks of us... actually we are his greatest creation and his greatest joy.The Psalm above tells us that He "seeks us out". When might God have been trying to seek you out? He will keep trying, because he loves you. Next time something happens that you think might be 'strange' or a 'coincidence', be mindful that God who made the heavens and the earth could be trying to get your attention! Vicki Young
