The Bishop of Guildford has released a personal message regarding the cancellation of Justin Welby's visit to the Diocese visit scheduled for next week.Many people had registered to hear the Archbishop speak on transforming lives, churches and communities and then answer our questions. Some of our parishioners are among those who had registered.But on Friday, March 13 the Rt Reverend Andrew Watson released a statement. He explained: "Along with my leadership team, I took the very hard decision to postpone the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Diocese of Guildford next week. We appreciate the enormous amount of effort that has gone into putting these events together and therefore the disappointment that will accompany this decision.<span style="font-size: 1rem;">"This step has not been taken lightly, but we felt it was our social responsibility to postpone this visit until there is less uncertainty and more information on how Covid-19 will impact the UK. Given the large number of people and events organised and our priority to protect those most vulnerabe in our communities, we have concluded that this is the necessary course of action.</span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">"Hosting the Archbishop of Canterbury is an amazing honour and we had wanted to make sure that all parishioners, all our schools, and all our partners would have the opportunity to spend time with him. We look forward to rescheduling his visit.</span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">"Our priority now is to support our parishes, schools and chaplaincies to prepare for a potential spread of Covid-19, supporting our clergy to continue to provide spiritual and pastoral care to their parishes and protect those who are vulnerable, isolated and fearful in our communities." </span>
The Bishop of Guildford has released a personal message regarding the cancellation of Justin Welby's visit to the Diocese visit scheduled for next week.Many people had registered to hear the Archbishop speak on transforming lives, churches and communities and then answer our questions. Some of our parishioners are among those who had registered.But on Friday, March 13 the Rt Reverend Andrew Watson released a statement. He explained: "Along with my leadership team, I took the very hard decision to postpone the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Diocese of Guildford next week. We appreciate the enormous amount of effort that has gone into putting these events together and therefore the disappointment that will accompany this decision.<span style="font-size: 1rem;">"This step has not been taken lightly, but we felt it was our social responsibility to postpone this visit until there is less uncertainty and more information on how Covid-19 will impact the UK. Given the large number of people and events organised and our priority to protect those most vulnerabe in our communities, we have concluded that this is the necessary course of action.</span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">"Hosting the Archbishop of Canterbury is an amazing honour and we had wanted to make sure that all parishioners, all our schools, and all our partners would have the opportunity to spend time with him. We look forward to rescheduling his visit.</span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">"Our priority now is to support our parishes, schools and chaplaincies to prepare for a potential spread of Covid-19, supporting our clergy to continue to provide spiritual and pastoral care to their parishes and protect those who are vulnerable, isolated and fearful in our communities." </span>
SUSPENSION OF ADMINISTERING THE CHALICE In light of the spread of the coronavirus, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have advised that with immediate effect, and until further notice, all parishes are to suspend the administering of the chalice during Holy Communion as well as physical contact during the Peace.Communion will be offered in the form of the consecrated bread/wafer. The priest alone will take the wine.
The Rt Rev Andrew Watson’s visit to Dunsfold sparked a packed house at the Winn Hall - and the memorable sight of Revd Ian Maslin sporting a kilt.The Bishop of Guildford’s trip coincided with St David’s Day and the launch of our parish Lent fundraising efforts. Bishop Andrew’s sermon was imaginative and thought-provoking. And Revd Ian explained that it was the perfect day for him to sport his kilt because it was, in fact, a Welsh tartan called Dewi Sant (St David).The Cafe Church service was a joint initiative with St Peter’s Hascombe, who helped to swell the numbers in attendance on a beautiful spring morning.And our friends from Hascombe will help stage and support our Lent campaign that as usual will raise funds for the Bishop of Guildford’s Lent Appeal. All money raised will be split between church causes helping the poor, needy and deprived in the diocese as well as the work of emerging church leaders in South Sudan.As the Bishop pointed out, South Sudan is the newest nation in the world. The population are recovering from the traumas of civil war and their efforts to establish stability have now been hit by a plague of locusts.We hope you will endeavour to support a Lent lunch or make a donation to the cause.
