Find the latest Church of England advice here…
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We Pray
Pray for those infected by the coronavirus in China and around the world, for those who care for them, for health specialists and authorities who are combatting the spread of infection, and of course for all who at this time are feeling anxious. If you are reducing your contacts with others or self-isolating please let us know so we can stay in contact with you (just send an email or call our church office); you can prayer morning and evening prayer with this link. Lectio365 is an app which offers a daily bible reading, reflection and prayer. Please get in touch with Christoph, Ian or Nnamdi if you would like to have a conversation over the phone. We’d love to talk and pray with you. This blog (“The Latest”) also contains recent sermons and articles, as well as our news sheet, to keep you connected.
We Welcome
All our services will continue and be open to all. Many people will be particularly anxious at this time and we want to offer them a space to meet with God and to know his peace, which passes understanding. If you’d like come to church for private prayers, please ring the vestry door bell during office hours.
It is also part of our welcome to encourage people to stay safe and healthy. Please scroll down to the heading “Coronavirus” to read what we are doing to limit exposure to COVID-19.
We Share
As the Church of Jesus Christ we are called to be a non-anxious presences that speaks of the Prince of Peace and His wonderful coming kingdom.
Here are four golden rules by Alan Smith, the Bishop of St Albans:
- Love your neighbour. “Think about how you can help someone else other than just trying to put yourself first – it’s a very basic Christian message.”
- Consider the needs of the vulnerable, whether it be the elderly, housebound or those with chronic illnesses. Who might need support, company over the phone or help with their shopping?
- Do not panic! Practise discipline when shopping (no stockpiling!) and share resources with those who have need.
- Live today to the full. “Seek first the kingdom, don’t give in to fear and every time we are tempted we need to make a conscious choice to respond in trust and openness.”
Bishop Alan says, “Let’s be sensible but let’s see it as an opportunity to serve and to care for others.”
Coronavirus
The threat posed by COVID-19 is still classed as ‘moderate’ by the UK Chief Medical Officers. This permits the Government to plan for all eventualities. On Thursday, 12th March, the UK moved from the “containment” to the “delay” phase of the outbreak. Individuals with a new persistent cough or high fever are being told to stay at home for seven days. Please do NOT attend church meetings if you have a new persistent cough or high temperature, but let us know so we can pray and stay in touch.
If you are ill then call 111. Do not soldier on. This will help prevent the spread of disease. If you are unsure whether you need to take action, the NHS is now offering an online self-assessment tool here…
Wash hands. Presiding ministers will use hand sanitisers. Please make use of the hand sanitiser available at the back of St Mary’s Church. We will make paper towels available at St Mary’s (loos and kitchen) to avoid the use of tea towels and to comply with WHO recommendations (e.g. turn off tap with a paper towel after washing hands).
Holy Communion in one kind only
As of 10 March we are offering communion in one kind only (only the presiding minister will also drink from the cup), as advised by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. We will also refrain from physical contact during the sharing of the peace or at the door.
It is Anglican teaching that to receive the sacrament in one kind only (ie. just the bread) is to receive the sacrament in its entirety.
Persons administering Holy Communion will NOT place the wafer on the tongue as it is a potential source of transmission.
Find the latest Church of England advice here…
