This month we focus on the 75th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe. The celebrations were most welcome; everyone did what they could under the lock-down and I think that the event was wonderfully colourful.Once again The Directory is missing, but fingers crossed that we might start to see events being planned again shortly.Jackie Jackman provides the Dear Friends ‘walking with God’ text this month, and Tony Service updates us on the Methodist Circuit. Once again Tony has helpfully let me have some additional poems and prayers to help fill the pages, and very welcome they are too. I particularly like Edith Stell’s poem about the Rainbow (page 8).Barbara Richardson writes about the Mothers’ Union’s support to NHS staff, and the MU Wave of Prayer to help build hope & confidence in the world.Yvonne Green reflects on Easter in lock-down, and in particular not playing the organ, and we also hear from Fred the spider who lives beneath the keyboards at St Francis.I report on the VE celebrations and the excellent generosity of Christine Sample and The Fox pub in supplying lunches for people in lock-down. I also report on the Saint Day of William of York that also occurred on the 8th May.Finally I report on the on-line services that have been created by a small dedicated team at St Wilfrid’s in response to the Covid virus.Please note that most of the paper copies will not be available this month because of problems with delivery. If you would like a paper copy please let me know, and I’ll let you have once we are allowed out again.John
Here is an invitation to join in a Retreat in Daily Life by Skype, Facetime, Zoom or phone.This involves the retreatant committing ideally to the following from Monday 1st to Friday 5th June: • At least 30 minutes of prayer each day with suggested ideas, • Keeping a note of what comes out of that prayer time (even if it is ‘nothing!’), • Talking to the Retreat Facilitator, in confidence, for up to 20 minutes each day, about the experience of prayer, via Skype, , Zoom or phone. And a brief e-conversation on Pentecost Sunday (May 31st), to set the scene.If you would like to make this retreat, this journey, as you live each day at home in the week of Pentecost, please contact Rev. Roy Shaw, the Facilitator, either via 01757 212360, or via revroyshaw@protonmail.com by Wednesday 27th MayMay God bless us all as we journey with God at this time, when our generous God pours out the Spirit of Jesus on us, his church.
The national media has reported a significant increase in domestic abuse incidents over the last few weeks as the country responds to life in lockdown. The charity ‘Refuge’ has said The National Domestic Abuse helpline has seen a 25% increase in calls and online requests for help since the new measures have been in place.We recognise that domestic abuse can occur in any community and can impact on anyone regardless of gender, faith or background. It is important that we recognise this period will be a pressurised time for some and it is likely that access to services who can support and advise may be hugely welcomed and important for the individuals and families affected by this.There are a number of organisations, both national and regional, who can offer specialist advice and support to those who are experiencing, or are at risk of, domestic abuse. Support is available via telephone, and some services offer discreet, easy ways to access help, including via text messages, online web chat services or mobile Apps.If someone you know from your church, parish or community has concerns regarding domestic abuse, or you are worried they may need access to specialist support, the following agencies are there to offer help:Contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 24-hours a day, for free and in confidence. 0808 2000 247 or Contact them onlineIDAS is the largest specialist charity in Yorkshire supporting anyone experiencing or affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence. Call the North Yorkshire helpline on 03000 110 110Alternatively, IDAS offer an extended Live Chat from 3 pm - 6 pm for anyone who is worried about their relationship or for someone they know. Info via https://www.idas.org.uk/contact/National Centre for Domestic violence:0800 9702070 or text: NCDV to 60777https://www.ncdv.org.uk/Refuge : https://www.refuge.org.uk/Refuge UK wide 24-hour helpline: 0808 2000 247 • Police: via 101 or 999 (press 55 when prompted if you can't speak)The church is committed to responding well to domestic abuse. The national policy and practice guidance can be found here:https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2017-11/responding-well-to-domestic-abuse-formatted-master-copy-030317.pdfEqually, and just as importantly, many people will find they are struggling with their mental health as we all attempt to adapt to social distancing and isolation measures. This may include having to stay at home and avoid other people.This might feel difficult or stressful, but there are lots of things you can try that could help your wellbeing.For those looking for support with their mental health, the following services can be accessed quickly and with confidence.Samaritans, via telephone or emailhttps://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/Mind, via telephone, email or texthttps://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/Childline, call chat or emailhttps://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/
There isn’t much to report this month – not a lot happened during April, and little is planned for May. Personally I’ve been catching up on DIY and reading… The Directory is missing again because no events are now planned (Even Churchyard Tidying is cancelled...) But we welcome Revd. Pete’s Dear Friends article about connectedness. And Tony Service apprises us about how the virus has had an impact on the Methodist Circuit. Tony has helpfully given me some texts on the modern age and shares a hymn that reflects on the isolation that many will be feeling just now.Mike Bunn appears to be sitting out the lock down in the garden – fortified with the odd beer we hope – which has led to some reflections on how the wildlife is making itself known during the lockdown. Good work Mike!Revd. Roy Shaw reports on the deteriorating situation in Kenya. The problems with the locusts are increasing, leading to a sharp rise in food prices. Further the country is now in lock down. Please remember St Dorcas in your prayers and donate to the charity via Revd. Roy if you are able.I received a lovely letter from Sheila and John Noble thanking the St Wilfrid’s Parish volunteers for their help in getting in the shopping and being a friendly voice on the telephone. In a similar vein I have included some articles from Parish Pump on the subject of kindness.Finally I report on the WHO ‘Year of the Nurse’ celebrations to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. How appropriate that this has occurred whilst we are all relying on the NHS more than ever?Please note that most of the paper copies will not be available this month because of problems with delivery. If you would like a paper copy please let me know, and I’ll let you have once we are allowed out again.John
