Saturday 28 March 2020

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

I am becoming more and more aware of how the present strange situation is affecting people in very different ways. Some people are very isolated, anxious and afraid with lots of time on their hands and feeling restless and even bored, others are very stressed and more busy than ever as they try to keep up with their work but under new constraints, some are coping with tensions in their family relationships caused by the close confinement together, and other are appreciating the time for more quiet, rest, reflection and prayer. Let us keep praying for one another and be aware that different people have different needs. May God's grace be at work in whatever situation we face.

Some items of news that you might be interested in:

This evening at 8.30pm is Earth Hour which is held every year on this day. We are all encouraged to switch off our lights for an hour at this time as we remember the need to protect the earth's resources. You can find more information here.

Please also remember that the clocks go forward one hour tonight!

Tomorrow is Passion Sunday. The material for the service can be found here. You will find the hymns in YouTube versions, a recorded sermon given by David (and also in written text form), and intercessions from Richard King, again both written and recorded. It will be good to know that we are worshipping 'together' again.

At 11.30am tomorrow, there will be a Men's Bible Study Group meeting via zoom. David has sent an email out to all the men, but if you didn't receive it and would like to take part, please do let me know.

Tomorrow evening at 8pm, and again at 8pm on Thursdays, we are encouraged to light a candle in our window to remember all those affected by the coronavirus: those who are sick and vulnerable, bereaved families and relatives, health care workers and those whose livelihoods and businesses are badly affected.

The final Lent session on the Psalms is now on the website, here. There will be another zoom discussion session on Monday evening at 8pm. If you would like to take part in this please let me know and we can send you the details.

Many of us will be very thankful for the dedication, hard work and compassion of health care workers at this time, despite the risks they face personally. We may have heard about patients on wards in hospitals applauding to show their appreciation. It's good also to be thankful for other people who are keeping our daily life going; for supermarket staff and chemists, garbage collectors and others. Those of us who are still able to go shopping might want to consider writing a thankyou card for the staff of our local supermarket or chemist.

I will write again soon. Meanwhile, I pray that you will find peace, strength and hope in whatever situation you face.

Jesus said: 'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.'

With my love in Christ,

Helen