From Rona .............. ‘In these difficult times, I’d like to share this prayer with you. Whilst it was written for those ordained in the church, I think the feelings expressed will resonate with many of you. I love the quiet hope offered in the final line: ‘As I step into the unknown with God by my side.’

Prayer from someone in ordained ministry: - 

The church is different now

The church I knew vanished

The church I trained for

Offered my life for

Offered my all for

Different, hidden, house-bound

Absent, frightened, anxious

Needy, vulnerable, waiting

The capable, intelligent flock

Who offered skills and love

Now gone, behind closed doors

No longer there to care

But needing care

The church is different now

The buildings I know so well, closed

The liturgy, so familiar, unread

The elements of Eucharist, lifeless

The hymn books gathering dust

The collection plate empty

The people have all gone home

As I prepare mentally for some 'going home'

I'm the carer of their souls

I am told I may have to bury them sooner than I thought

The church is different now

I am starting from scratch

A new approach, one I hadn't trained for

New liturgy, new technology, online, virtual

Foreign, strange, changing every day

New advice from Bishops

Who like us are having to imagine and create

As I recognise my exhaustion and anxiety

As I acknowledge my fear,

my responsibility for my family and friends

My aching tired body that may be carrying symptoms

I turn to Christ, the head of the Church

And I see

My God is the same now

The God I know, present

The God I trained for

Offered my life to

Offered my all to

Is calling me to be me

Only me

As I step into the unknown with God by my side

With blessings

Rev. Rona