Dear Church family,

How are you coping? For the three of us in the Matthews’ household, it varies from day to day. Some days I am in school with the children of key workers and on other days I am working from home planning work for my class to do at home, or I am responding to texts from staff and emails from parents. Jim has been out at foodbank most days for quite long hours. Rachie, our daughter is always at home at the moment, other than going for walks. But we all need our personal space and when the weather is good, this is easier to achieve. There are days when Jim and I are out, then Rachie gets some personal space.

This week I have noticed that some parents are struggling and I felt God give me this message for them: Your family situation is unique and I believe you are all doing the best you can in the current circumstances. Please don’t compare what you are doing with anyone else - you are the expert on your child and childhood needs to be a magical time.

However, for other adults in different situations, there is too much personal space happening. Loneliness or a feeling of being alone can creep in. Whatever our circumstances, we need to hold on to the fact that God is in control and that He alone can bring order out of chaos. It is at times like this that we need to draw close to God and I have always found great comfort from Psalm 23 ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want.’

Following on from Mick’s splendid videos, we have co-ordinated another video from members of the Church family and you can view this through the link here .

Words for the songs can be accessed from the DOWNLOAD link, to the top right of this article.

The theme and title of this video is The Shepherd and His sheep. As well as the contributions from members of All Saints Church, Jim and I have had the assistance of Rachie our daughter, in videoing our parts. There was one particular moment where I fluffed my lines and then got the giggles. Fortunately, we have been able to edit out this part as well as the part where Rachie tells me to start talking and I gawp like a goldfish.

I can’t imagine how I could cope without God in my life. What a blessing it is to have a relationship with Him. This video is a first for many of us and we pray that God will bless you through it. We have been richly blessed in making it. May you know His peace and comfort at this time.

Yours in Christ,

Jill Matthews

Part of the Church family in the benefice of Sapcote, Sharnford and Wigston Parva

Please remember that we are still running the All Saints prayerlink. If you would like to be part of the prayerlink or if you have prayer requests, then please contact us on [email protected] Prayer requests are confidential to those members of the prayerlink but anyone can send in a request at any time. Pray anywhere, anytime, for anyone about anything!

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

I Thess 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.