Hello allAs you will be aware, the government has announced that places of worship can be opened for private prayer from the 15th June. This is really encouraging news. However, we need to wait for detailed guidance from the Church of England and be aware that guidance for Methodist churches will not be available until after the Methodist Conference at the beginning of July.We’d like to assure you that the clergy and church officers at St Wilfrid’s and St Francis have begun to do some initial thinking and planning around this.As you can imagine, there is a lot to consider, and we will only open our church buildings when we are confident they are as Covid secure as possible, and only then for very limited periods. It is unlikely our church buildings will be open the week of the 15th June. Given that we are permitted to open from the 15th June, it doesn’t mean we obliged to open that week. We are sure you’ll agree with us that it is better the opening is managed as safely and responsibly as possible, and adhering to national church guidelines, rather than rushing the process.Many thanks for your understandingBlessingsPete Watson & Christine Gillespie
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/
