Dear friendsIn the light of the ongoing relaxation of nationwide covid restrictions, and acknowledging the widespread vaccination programme, we wanted to update you on changes at St Wilfrid’s and St Francis which will take effect from the start of October:· There will no longer be the expectation that masks are worn in our church buildings. · However, we will ask people at St Wilfrid’s to continue wearing masks when singing. With people sitting in closer proximity in front of each other than at St Francis, and the jury still out on just how risky singing is or is not, this felt a reasonable precaution at this stage. This will, as always, be kept under review.· Of course, those who want to are welcome to continue to wear masks in our church buildings, and both buildings have enough space for people to sit apart from others, if they wish to.Many thanks for your ongoing understandingSt Wilfrid’s PCC and St Francis ECC
This month Revd. Philip Macdonald reports on the decision by the Annual Methodist Conference to favour same sex marriage and the issues that this raises for Methodism.Lis Middup reports on a tie up between the St Wilfrid’s Craft Group and the Swaziland Schools Project. The Craft Group knitted some lovely clothes and toys for the children of the orphanage in Swaziland, and it was a privilege for me to photograph these items for Connected.Martin Pearson relived his childhood (and mine as it happens) in a visit to the Ray Harryhausen exhibition in Edinburgh. I dare not count the times that I have seen Jason and the Argonauts! I wonder if it’s on Netflix?There are also articles on cake, church magazines, and the bible, written or adapted by me. If that isn’t enough cause to demand your money back, I don’t know what is!
This month Revd. Pete Watson considers facing the challenge and discomfort of change as a blessing and a sign of God’s love for us. Whilst the Ven. Revd. John Barton encourages us not to hide and allow God’s love through Jesus to find us.Derek Cooper of the Friends of Brayton Barff this month records his joy that nuthatches have found a home on the Barff; something to look out for the next time we take a stroll through the trees.There are signs that the Parish is returning to some sort of normality; Lynn Allan reports on the Mothers Union afternoon tea that was held one gloriously sunny afternoon in August, and I witter on about the return of the Craft Group Coffee Morning.I have also included a short text on the Lords Prayer, with a page of colouring in for readers of all ages :)
