Firstly, I hope that you and yours are all well. Stay safe.
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of ‘Lockdown restrictions’ in England from Thursday, 5th November until Wednesday, 2nd December 2020 there will inevitably be changes to how Church of England parish churches operate in the coming weeks.
As of Friday, 6th November, we still await exact details about how restrictions will affect us, but we do know that Sunday Worship is now suspended during this period and the only services / events that will possibly happen in our church buildings, until 2nd December, are funerals and ‘Private Prayer’ which will continue in church every Wednesday afternoon between 2.00pm and 3.30pm.
As a parish church we will continue to share the Gospel message of love, hope, forgiveness, truth, justice and equality via phone calls and emails to those who want them each week, alongside our communications via Facebook, Twitter and our website.
Our PCC Standing Committee are meeting regularly on Zoom to monitor and discuss the current situation and to plan how we can continue to serve God and God’s people in the best way we can. If you or anybody you know want to receive communications from us and don’t currently, please do contact us and we will make sure everybody is included.
November is a month for ‘remembering’ and be assured, we will be remembering and praying for all of you during this ‘Lockdown period’. Last weekend, we celebrated the Saints and all Holy people who have set us such a great example of Christian living across many centuries. We also remembered and gave thanks for all those who have gone before us, those loved ones of ours who have passed away and now rest peacefully in the arms of Almighty God. We particularly remembered all those who have died because of Covid-19 and those members of our own church community who have died during the last 12 months.
This Sunday is Remembrance Sunday, the specific time each year when we give thanks for all those, both military and civilian, who have lost their lives or been injured in defence of freedom and seeking a peaceful, better, fairer and more inclusive world. I will meet with a small number of people, including members of the Royal British Legion (6 only and socially distanced), at Sheringham War Memorial on Sunday at 11.00am to offer prayers and ‘Remembrances’ on behalf of us all. You are encouraged to keep a few minutes of remembrance and silence at 11.00am, either in your home or in your garden (weather permitting).
‘Lockdown periods’ are always difficult for everybody, not least those who live alone and the lonely. However, please remember that, living within the love of God, we are never alone and love, support, encouragement and great hope can be found not only in the scriptures but also in the care of neighbours and from your Church. We are only an email or phone call away!
May God continue to bless us all and we look forward to welcoming you back to St Peter’s for worship and possible ‘Covid-secure‘ events as soon as we are able to do so. Look after each other and know that we are always surrounded by God’s love.
With every blessing,
Christian
Vicar of Sheringham