At the moment we are living in really difficult times, not just here but across the world, as we deal with all that is happening with covid-19. At St Edmund’s we are, of course, following the government guidelines and the directives from the Church of England. This means that there will be some changes in our communion services tomorrow and will not be having coffee afterwards. We will, however, be gathering together and hope to see you.Instead of coffee after the 10.30 service we will gather to specifically pray in regard to all that Is going on and hope you will stay to join us at this time.We are praying for God’s wisdom, healing and protection and for an end to this virus.We encourage you, when you wash your hands, to pray the Lord’s Prayer which takes about the length of time recommended for thorough washing and give us many opportunities during the day to pray for those who are unwell, those who are fearful, those working on the front-line in medical professions.The church building will continue to be open each day from 9am - 5pm.We will keep you updated as to what changes are happening.
“Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him. Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving” Colossians 2 : 6 – 7A prayer for Lent 2020Holy God,As a Pilgrim I journey with you,I reflect on my life;Aware of my weakness,Aware of my vulnerabilities,Aware of my sin,I look to Your Son, through whose deathI receive healing,I receive wholeness,I receive fulness of life,For life itself is a gift from you.Help me hold out that life to others.Amen. Church ArmyA Thought for Lent“Lent is not an event.It is not something that happens to us.It is at most a microcosm of what turns out to be a lifelong journey to the centre of the self.The purpose of Lent is to confront us with ourselves in a way that’s conscious and purposeful, that enables us to deal with the rest of life well.It is not a “penitential season.” It is a growing season.It requires us to determine what is worth dying for in our own lives and what it may be necessary for us to become if we really want to live. Joan Chittister, OSB, A Growing Season
The Bishop of Norwich will lead this special service at St Edmund's at 10:30 on Sunday 27th September 2020.If you, or someone you know, would like to take this wonderful step please speak to one of the clergy in church or contact Rev Paul directly.Confirmation is a special church service in which a person confirms the promises that were made when they were baptized. If you were baptized at a christening when you were a child, your parents and godparents made these promises on your behalf.As a young person or adult, you may be ready to affirm these promises for yourself and commit your life to following Jesus Christ. At a confirmation service, you make these promises for yourself. Your friends and family as well as the local Christian community will be there to promise to support and pray for you.If you are unsure if confirmation is the right step for you at this time, you may find it helpful to visit the Church of England website where some 'frequently asked questions' are explored. For planning purposes it would be helpful if you can contact the St Edmund's clerical team by Easter (mid April 2020).
The Lent course at St Edmund's will be at 11.30am in the chancel each Wednesday for an hour starting 4th March with the final session in Holy Week. This year’s course is from Embrace. The title is ‘Journey to the Cross’, and looks at some of the people Jesus encountered on His journey to the Cross. It also features the work of Embrace with marginalised people across the Middle East. Everyone is welcome.
