I hope you and your family are all well.
Thanks to everyone who supported last week’s streamed Easter Day service from the Car Park. There were over 60 people who joined us, both children and adults. Facebook reports that we reached over 222 people through the app. We’ve had some very supportive feedback both from those who were there and those watching through Facebook.
We owe a great debt of gratitude to those who made it all happen. It takes a great deal of organising and effort both before and afterwards. We have proved that outdoor services have a place in our Church life. A number of people who were walking past were both intrigued and complementary.
It’s has been very interesting to see the number of people – adults and children -looking at the empty tomb and the Stations of the Cross in the Churchyard over the last 2 weeks. They have been shown to be very important tools for mission and education, as was the stable at Christmas. They promote the Christian story and life in a different way. We shall be reflecting upon our experiences and what we have learnt so as to take things forward into the future.
As you can imagine, the death of Prince Philip yesterday has meant a number of changes of plans. As I said in my email yesterday, we were able to respond within 30mins of the news with having the passing bell tolled and the flag lowered to half-mast. Later we put the candle stand in the porch where it will remain until Sunday morning.
There are also display posters with details of how to light at virtual candle and write in an online book of condolence. Church and Government advice changed during yesterday from what had been issued to the clergy just over a year ago so unfortunately, we won’t be able to put out an actual book to sign. Here are the link to the websites:-
Virtual Candle - https://www.churchofengland.org/our-faith/light-candle
Book of Condolence - https://www.churchofengland.org/remembering-his-royal-highness-prince-philip.
Tomorrow’s service will follow the national service produced by the Church of England for use during times of national mourning and drawing upon the Church’s advice. It is attached. I shall be celebrating and preaching with Gill assisting.
Finally, there are some very significant changes taking place from 4<sup>th</sup> May regarding banns and marriage registration. I shall be writing about them next week.
With God’s blessing,
David