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A message from Rev. Rona

Dear Friends,
  
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you...Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." John 14:27 
  
There is an old saying which my friend Luke reminded me of the other day: "It will be alright in the end. If it's not alright, it's not the end." As we go into a second lockdown in the UK I know that there are a myriad of emotions and experiences of this time, but please hold on to that thought that if it is not alright, it is not the end. Jesus says, in one of my favourite lines in all the Gospels - "And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20. In this month of remembrance we have this promise to remember, above all promises. 
  
And so to Lockdown SecondTimeAround - 
We will endeavour to have our beautiful Church open on Wednesdays, Sundays and Saturday mornings. Please come in and enjoy the beautiful space and peace.
We will explore the guidance in full as and when it develops and if we can be open more then we will do so.
We will produce online services every Sunday which are also available for those who prefer a hard copy of the words. 
We will send out online, or deliver a communication every Wednesday; often in the form of a Reflection. 
Be assured that I pray for you and this Parish in my Daily Office of Prayer, and I will continue to do so. 

I remind you that we have been here before, and this time we are clearer about what we are doing. Please talk to one of the team of Rector, Churchwardens, Verger or Youth Worker if you have any worries, or queries. 
  
Very sadly, in order to be compliant with Covid19 safety we will not be able to gather for an Act of Remembrance on Sunday 8th November, but we have recorded the service to appear online on Sunday (10.45am). Please join me on Sunday evening at 5pm for Soul Space - a reflective service about Remembrance Sunday (see more information below). 
  
I will finish with a prayer which I wrote in the vestry before the service on Sunday 1st November. 
  
Loving God, you know our hearts and you share our sorrows. You know the sadness, anxiety and exhaustion this pandemic continues to bring. You know the pain that we feel at being unable to gather around your Altar and to receive the Bread of Life and Cup of Salvation. 
  
But you are our Risen Lord, and if the grave could not contain your risen life neither can shut churches. 
  
And so, comfort and sustain us with prayers and spiritual communion and remind us that even in the midst of this pandemic we are your precious body. Sustain us heavenly Father and remind us that you call us each by name whatever befalls us. Amen. 
  
With love and blessings to you all,

Rev Rona