Saturday 9 May 2020

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

It is a great sadness that we are not able to worship together in person at the moment. However, one encouragement is that many people are 'joining' our services online from other parts of the world; some of whom have not attended church for many years.

Rolf and Cecily, who are committed members of our fellowship at St Ursula's, are currently in New Zealand but they are in regular contact with many of us here. Cecily sent me a fabulous photo (taken by Lake Hāwea) which you can see below, together with some of Cecily's reflections.

Cecily says 'it was all so beautiful and inspirational and helped me to renew my trust and hope that all these difficult times will sometime have an end!

As I sat there words from a hymn which has often inspired me came to my mind:

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!'

It is good that we can share faith, hope and encouragement even from the other side of the world.

Tomorrow's service is on the website. Thanks as always to our readers, to James Morgan for leading our intercessions, to Art for organising the Youtube hymns, and Hector for putting it all together online.

After the service the Men's Bible Study group will meet at 10.45am via zoom. Please let me know if you need more information. I will be privileged to be a 'guest' of the group myself at tomorrow's meeting! Therefore I will be a little late for the Coffee Meeting at 11.30am but others will be there at that time. I will join in when I can. Please do join us as we chat, share thoughts about the readings and sermon and generally encourage one another. If you want to know the zoom link please let me know.

Last night we had our online Pub Quiz and 54 people took part. It was great fun and we also raised some money for church funds, to go towards the defibrillator. I want to say a huge thank you to Sue as I know it was a lot of work organising the event. Attached at the bottom of the email is a photo.

I'm glad that so many people appreciated the UK blessing I sent a link to in my email message on Wednesday. There are more resources on our website, including poems and reflections from members of our congregation. Thank you to all those who have made contributions.

I pray that you will find the grace and strength for this coming week, whatever situation you face. The Risen Lord is with us; may we walk in his way:

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you
for all the benefits that you have won for us,
for all the pains and insults that you have borne for us.
Most merciful redeemer,
friend and brother,
may we know you more clearly,
love you more dearly,
and follow you more nearly,
day by day.
Amen

(adapted from Richard of Chichester, 1253)

With my love in Christ,
Helen