Whilst we are looking forwards to welcoming you all,Due to a government update yesterday (31/07/2020),From the weekend of August 8th face masks must be worn in church.This does not apply to children under 11 years.Many ThanksThe Ministry Team
<span style="font-size: 1rem;">I thought it would be helpful to inform everyone of the current position regarding our vacancy. We advertised earlier in the year for the position of Rector and we were due to interview the applicants in March 2020. Due to the pandemic the interviews were cancelled. In June Bishop Alan advised that he didn’t envisage things progressing until we got to stage 4 of relieving lockdown. On July 6th, our parish development adviser, Gill Lovell, arranged a Zoom meeting with the Parish Representatives to look at how we move forward with re-advertising the post. We know that interviews may not be able to be held face to face, depending on the pandemic situation. The number of candidates currently looking to move position is much reduced due to the pandemic. The Bishop, Area Dean and Lay Chair of the Deanery, have expressed strongly that given the extreme uncertainty of the situation we are in, we should take our time and not rush into any appointment. The Parish Representatives will be meeting again soon to collectively decide how they would like to proceed, before reporting back to the Bishop, who has the ultimate decision. We will keep you updated and welcome your prayers as we go through this long and frustrating process.</span>Best wishes,David David Robinson LVOLay Chair Wychert Benefice Committee & Licensed Lay Minister
We are not back to ‘normal’, But:Our church is set out so all of us are safe. We are also asked not to sing or shout out, so our worship will be unfamiliar.However, it will not be unfriendly. I am proposing to give time for all of us to reflect on the last few months – what has happened and what we have learnt about. What have we learnt about ourselves, our neighbours, our world and about God?We will have music – both organ playing and worship music for reflection, and to join in through simple sign language.We will pray and Jenny is leading our prayers.We will hear from Scripture.We will be together and we will connect.We ask parents to bring books and colouring so that children have something to do.We might be 45 minutes.Future public worship may be more familiar and structured, but this time we need to meet and hear one another.Phil Groves<span style="font-size: 1rem;">Associate Rector in the Wychert Vale Benefice</span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Phone 01296 748 390</span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Vicar@stonedintonhartwell.com</span>
Following on from the Goverments updates and the Church of England's advice,St John the Baptist Church, Stone, will be open for private prayer and meditation on Sundays,9.30am - 11.30am starting Sunday 21st June. Social distancing and hygiene measures will be in place. Visitors will need to provide their own Bible / prayer book if required. There will not be any form of lead prayers or worship.
