LETTER FROM REV. ANDY..
Dear all,
I write to you all with great sadness. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have decided that as of today (13:30, 17 March 2020) public worship should be suspended.
Their website says: “In light of the Government guidance around non-essential contact, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued advice that public worship is suspended until further notice. Churches should be open where possible but with no public worship services taking place. Prayers can be said by clergy and ministers on behalf of everyone and churches should consider ways of sharing this with the wider community.”
Obviously, this means that there will be no services this Sunday. The APCM scheduled for Monday has also been cancelled.
I’m working on ways that we might be able to worship from home. These are in the very early stages at the moment.
The situation locally, nationally and internationally is constantly and quickly evolving. I am also aware that many people are extremely concerned.
Over the next weeks and months, we will need to do our upmost to look out for our neighbours and friends. I am reminded of the parable of the sheep and the goats from Matthew 25. Following on from hard times, the people asked Jesus, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”
Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
In these difficult times, please be aware of those who may need help. Whilst we certainly shouldn’t visit people who are in isolation, we can give them a ring. We can get supplies for them and leave them by the door. We can hold the world, our communities and individuals in our prayers.
And, when we’re struggling and need help ourselves, we need to ensure that we shout too!
Even in troubling times, may God bless us and use us to further His Kingdom.
I shall write more formally with more information in the very near future.
With every blessing,
Andy