Even though Monday is a day of change we continue our rhythm and pattern of prayer and worship - pause each day at 9am and 6pm and a daily Eucharist on line or in our churchesLikewise we continue with the chances to meet for Coffee and Chat each dayAs we reflect on the implications of the lifting of regulations we will be spending time reviewing the guidance from the Government, National Church and Diocese, there is a need for us to balance our personal choices and likes alongside the needs of our whole community of faith – for together we are the Body of Christ. The Ministry Team and Wardens will be exploring how and when we can take steps to change and will share this thinking with the PCC when it meets on July 27th. We will ensure that whatever steps are taken also enable there to be space in each of our churches for those who wish to maintain the practices we currently have. Our hope is to enable everyone to feel that they are able to share in our common life as fully as they wish. If you have any concerns or suggestions please share them with Fr Bob. or one of the Ministry Team. Next Sunday (25th) therefore there will be no changes introduced.
The announcement of the delay of the Step 4 on the Government’s Roadmap left us all with a mixture of feelings. Talking with people in the Church and wider community there is a growing weariness, alongside an uncertainty, and for some a continuing concern about resuming activities and lifting the various measures.As we shared in the last newsletter the PCC have considered the next steps and we have a number of proposals to implement as things happen. We will seek to ensure that all will be able, if they wish, to share in the life of our 3 churches. We will maintain areas in each church where people can remain seated at a distance, wear face coverings and have communion brought to them. We will also encourage all of us to respect each other and continue to show that care and support for all. If you have any concerns or questions, then please do not hesitate to raise them with any of the Ministry Team.
From 30th May 1021:St Mary’s will continue to be open each weekday (Monday to Friday) from 9am – Noon for Private PrayerAt Noon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at St Mary’s there will be a Eucharist (which will continue to be streamed).In addition, on Tuesday at 9.30am at St Faith’s and on Thursday at 10.30am at St Wilfrid’s there will be a Eucharist (these will not be streamed)There will be a streamed reflection around Noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sundays there will be services at8am and 10am at St Mary’s;9am at St Faith’sand 11am at St Wilfrid’s
It had been hoped to stage the May Fayre in August this year. While it is still unclear what the final guidance and regulations will be, it seems likely that there could be some form of requiring those who attend to have evidence of a recent negative lateral flow test. Likewise social distancing or managing of crowd flow may also be suggested. It is with regret that we have to acknowledge that due to the scale of this event, and the people who manage the entrances are all local volunteers we would be unable to meet many such requirements.So we are postponing the event once more to Monday May 2<sup>nd</sup> 2022. We very much hope that this will be possible and that we will welcome you back to this great celebration of local life. We are still hoping to host an indoor market - with controlled one-way system and entrances - inside the Church on Saturday August 14th and a community picnic in collaboration with Fratton Big Local and The Organ Project on the Sunday 15th August.Stall holder who booked for the May Fayre in August can keep their booking for May 2022 or request a refund. There will also be a few stalls available in the indoor market - contact St Mary's Church. Contact office@portseaparish.co.uk for more information.
