Two months ago we were declaring our intention to re-open churches across the Eden Valley, and ten of our churches will have opened for services by early October.  In July we opened for four services, but by October it will be 27.  This is good news, and we are also happy to see some weddings and baptisms/christenings taking place in a number of churches.

Wherever you look there are both positive, hopeful, signs, but also challenging evidence that we must still remain vigilant and careful about health protection.

"Following indications that the number of people permitted to take part in a social gathering is to be reduced from 30 to six in England, we understand the new regulations will not apply to public worship or individual prayer in church buildings." Issued by Church of England at 10.42am on 9th September 2020.

It has been good to start to hear about fresh initiatives and ideas for community development in our area these past few weeks, and we hope that Christians and those of faith and no faith locally can share a desire to help others, and especially those who are anxious and struggling as a result of Covid-19.

We hope to share further updates on these pages about new initiatives, and also continue to support communcations like the Heart of Eden Magazine and Asby Matters.  Thank you to everyone who is contributing to care in our communities.

As ever, I welcome your suggestions and thoughts, and have started to make more face-to-face pastoral visits where this is possible.

Revd Clive Hicks

Rector, Heart of Eden Benefice