The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have directed there should be no gatherings for worship for the time being. ThereforeSunday and Mid-week Servicesand all activitiesare suspended until further noticeand the church is closedHowever:<span style="font-size: 1rem;">• </span>We continue to ‘be Church’. Let’s pray together.You will find resources for prayer at home – Together Alone – on this website under the tab Services and EventsIf you would like a paper copy delivering to your home, please contact me (details below)• Action. The Archbishops are inviting us to share in an act of solidarity by lighting at candle and putting it in our window at 7.00pm on Mothering Sunday (22nd) Why not make this a regular Sunday action, as we proclaim our hope in the light of Christ that can never be extinguished?• Support. Some of the younger members of our community have offered support. If you need anything, please get in touch with me and I can network.Take care of yourselves, and of others. Nothing can separate us from the Love of God.Every blessing, SusanneThe Rev’d Susanne Jukes01845 578513 07764 375430 susanne.jukes@gmail.com
FUNERALSIn this exceptional time, the Government’s guidance on social distancing and self-isolation will have a major impact on all aspects of everyday life, including the way funerals will be conducted for the immediate future. Christian funerals will now only take place at either the graveside or the crematorium, and therefore may be different from what might normally be expected.Before the FuneralIt is advised that meetings between the bereaved and the person taking the funeral (officiant) are held by telephone. If meetings can only be held in person, social distancing guidance will be followed.Planning the FuneralNumbers of those attending the funeral will have to be kept to the minimum of immediate family only (spouse/partner, parents, children). This should also be communicated to anyone in the wider circle of friends, family or colleagues in advance. Sadly, those over the age of 70 and those with an underlying health condition are strongly discouraged from attending in the present circumstances.Any changes to the normal service will be explained by the officiant to the family.There will be the offer of a Memorial Service/Service of Thanksgiving at a later date.During the FuneralEveryone attending the graveside or the crematorium must adhere to Government guidance on social distancing. Please follow the directions of the officiant and funeral director.While naturally those present may wish to shake hands or hug, all present should refrain from doing so in light of guidance on physical distancing.After the FuneralIn keeping with the recommendations to limit social gatherings, there should not be a wake or other gathering after the funeral, although it may possible to hold a gathering at a later dateIf you are organising the funeral of a loved one, we are acutely aware of what a difficult time this will be. We will do our best to explain any changes or delays that may be an inevitable consequence of the current restrictions – for example, to the burial of ashes – but we are here to support you and to ensure a Christian funeral and burial can still be provided.If you have further queries, please contact the Vicar, The Rev’d Susanne Jukes01845 578513 07764 375430 susanne.jukes@gmail.comI am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
