New Archbishop of York to be confirmedBishop Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell will be confirmed as the 98th Archbishop of York this month. The service, at 11am on Thursday 9th July, will be broadcast entirely via video conference due to the Coronavirus restrictions. The service, which had been due to take place in York Minster, will be in two parts. A legal ceremony with readings, prayers and music, will be followed by a film marking the start of Bishop Stephen’s ministry as Archbishop of York. Bishop Stephen Cottrell says: “I am looking forward to beginning my ministry as the 98th Archbishop of York. This isn’t quite how I imagined it would begin. It is certainly the first time an Archbishop’s election will have been confirmed via video conference. But we’re all having to re-imagine how we live our lives and how we inhabit the world. “These are difficult times. My hope is that through this service the love of God that is given us in Jesus Christ will shine out, perhaps even to those who while never attending a service in York Minster, might have a look onlineFollowing in the footsteps of my many predecessors, I look forward to serving our nation and bringing the love and peace of Christ to our world, especially here in the north.”The service will be available on the Church of England website. Arrangements for Bishop Stephen’s enthronement service will be announced later in the year.
Dear FriendsI hope you are all well and coping in the current circumstances. It has been refreshing to have a drop of rain - do look out for signs of new growth!Quick 'heads up' before you the read the rest - Thursday Evening Zoom service tonight at 7:30pm here:https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71784007120?pwd=enlWbXA0aWNUdkRqN2VOL3hpQ1g1dz09Meeting ID: 717 8400 7120Password: twoshiresGeneral UpdateThere is nothing new to report this week on restrictions and the church buildings ‘phased return’. However, I thought it might be useful to summarise the current position as there has been a lot of confusion about where we are now at ‘generally’. This is my broad understanding…· We remain in a state of ‘lockdown’ with the following exceptions:o Going to work, shopping, medical appointments or,o Taking unlimited exercise outside, including travel by car, as long as it is on your own, with other members of your household, or one other person (in which case 2m distance must be kept) or,o Meeting friends or family in open spaces, including private gardens, up to a maximum of 6 people and maintaining social distancing.· In application to Churches, which have their own guidance and specific government restrictions:o We are in Phase 1 of a 3-phase gradual return.o Currently only the one nominated person in each parish can enter the church for the purposes of maintenance checks and for private prayer or to stream an online service.o The only services we are able to conduct publicly are limited attendance committal services of burial or cremation.o Phases 2 & 3 will gradually increase church usage, but cannot be implemented until the government lift the current restrictions on places of worship.News:· The Link Magazine (Tatworth, Cricket Malherbie and Chaffcombe) will no longer be distributed with effect from July. Monica Mason is stepping down as Editor of the magazine after the current edition (June). We thank her for her service. We very much hope to re-continue the publication once things are a little more back to normal and therefore would be very interested to hear from people who may like to take on that role.· Window Displays! It has been so lovely to see how so many people have decorated their windows with pictures of encouragement and hope, particularly the rainbows and other symbols. This has been a unique aspect of this time in our collective history and has been a source of great inspiration to many. We would like to compile a little record of these displays that can be shared ‘online’ (with permission only) and may be used for future occasions of reflection, thanksgiving and remembrance. There will be separate communication on this, and Bishop Ruth has agreed to be involved. Please do email any pictures you have of your own displays and do spread the word to others. More information coming soon.· Further to discussions this morning I am clear that we can better communicate with those people who are not online, particularly with regards to regular worship. Giving that some further thought we would like to put together a pack of things to send to people who are ‘offline’. I am aware of a number of people, but if you are in contact with those people, please could you kindly let me have their names and postal address and we will make that happen. Catch up meetings:It was really good to have the first open Zoom meeting this morning to be able to catch up with people and talk through current matters. Everyone is very welcome to join again on the following link on Thursday 11th June at 11am:Join Zoom Meeting:https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76258130320?pwd=ZDlHY05IT01LMnh5aVIrdk54SXZkZz09Meeting ID: 762 5813 0320Password: twoshiresPrayer & WorshipMany thanks to Judith and so many others for putting together such a lovely service for Pentecost. If you missed it you can find it on the wordpress site at https://twoshires.wordpress.com/sunday-service.This Sunday is Trinity Sunday and worship will be provided by The Butcher family, which again will be available from Sunday on https://twoshires.wordpress.com/sunday-service.Tonight, as every Thursday, please do join us for an Evening Prayer on Zoom. Today will be a Celtic themed service. It is at 7:30pm on this link:Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us04web.zoom.us/j/71784007120?pwd=enlWbXA0aWNUdkRqN2VOL3hpQ1g1dz09Meeting ID: 717 8400 7120Password: twoshiresFor your prayers:With your own prayers this week, I invite you to include the following:· Schools – A number of children have been returning to school this week (Years Reception, 1 and 6 at primary level). Please also keep in your prayers all those learning at home and teachers who are providing such important communication and teaching in very different circumstances.· The Sick – All those you know who are ill or struggling in any way. The following are also included by name:Rob Allen; Lynne Applegarth; Phyllis Baker; Margaret Bandy; Sue Bennett; Sue Cheese; Terry Conway; Nick Frankau; Paul Glazier; David Goodwill; Mike Heywood; Joy Howard; Ann Jarvis; Val Joslin; Mark Lindsey; Frank Long; Peter McHugh; Diana Rowlands; Ann Ricketts; Jim Tucker; Rosemary Walley; Rosemary Walton; Vivien Wheaton; Alan Wills, Anna Woodward; Pamala Young ; Hannah (Dennis Hunt’s granddaughter); Becky Wood (Rev. Tim Price’s daughter); Milly granddaughter of Jane & Alan Rudkin. · For the Bereaved - The family & friends of: Roger Partridge; Denise Nicholls; Andy Partridge; John Massey; Derek Wicketts; Dave Checkley; Heather King’s son; Hubert Hutchinson; Roy Frecknell Collect & Post-Communion Prayers:Holy God, faithful and unchanging: enlarge our minds with the knowledge of your truth, and draw us more deeply into the mystery of your love, that we may truly worship you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.Almighty and eternal God, you have revealed yourself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and live and reign in the perfect unity of love: hold us firm in this faith, that we may know you in all your ways and evermore rejoice in your eternal glory, who are three Persons yet one God, now and for ever. Amen. Scripture for the weekTrinity Sunday: Isaiah 40:12-17, 27-end; 2 Cor 13:11-end; Matthew 28:16-20Monday 8 June: 1 Kings 17:1-6; Matt 5:1-12Tuesday 9 June: 1 Kings 17:7-16; Matt 5:13-16Wednesday 10 June: 1 Kings 18:20-39; Matt 5:17-19Thursday 11 June: Gen 14:18-20; John 6:51-58 (Corpus Christi)Friday 12 June: Acts 11:19-end; John 15:12-17 (St Barnabas)Saturday 13 June: 1 Kings 19:19-end; Matt 5:33-37With every blessing to all of you,PhilipThe Reverend Philip ButcherRector - Two Shires Benefice (Tatworth, Thorncombe, Winsham, Chaffcombe & Cricket Malherbie)The Vicarage3 Home FarmTatworthChardTA20 2SH01460 221286PASTORAL EMAILS - please to: twoshiresalert@gmail.comHOME PRAYER & WORSHIP: https://twoshires.wordpress.com
Dear FriendsI hope this update finds you well. GeneralFurther to discussions it has been agreed that for the remainder of our period under church restrictions this weekly letter will also act as the weekly ‘pew sheet’ that Monica has been sending out to date. At the beginning of the restrictions we discussed how best to communicate and at that time it was felt that continuing the pew sheet was the right thing to do for familiarity, and as we didn’t know how long we would be restricted for. The context has changed, and so we will now continue with this.Phased ReturnWe are all keen to know when we may be back in our church buildings. Unfortunately, at this time, that is still an unknown timeframe. However, as I mentioned in previous correspondence, the Church of England are now implementing a phased return. We are in Phase 1 of 3, which means that for the time being one nominated person can enter the church for checking it over, but also now for private prayer and worship. Within our Deanery we have discussed this and generally feel that we, as clergy, are uncomfortable using the churches in ways that the majority cannot, and will therefore continue to focus our public prayer and worship in the ways that we have been to date.Phase 2 and 3, which are the gradual return of the use of churches for services, are not possible until the government have lifted restrictions on the use of churches. At this time they are explicitly closed on their direction.I know that it is frustrating and causing significant heart ache for many, especially as we start to see other areas of society relaxing lockdown. However, we (locally) do not know the full the picture and why certain decisions are made or not made and need to trust in the advice and guidance as it is given. The Bishops and Archdeacons wrote to clergy today and I include below an excerpt from that letter which addresses these concerns;“We are receiving a number of enquiries about what next and we want you to know that we shall give you clear and prompt advice as it comes to us. Contrary to some media commentary, the Church of England is not dragging its feet over decisions re weddings, private prayer and the return to worship in our buildings. Archbishop Justin is a part of the Government task force which is making decisions about the next phases; and the C of E guidance, here on our website, has been prepared by the C of E Recovery group chaired by +Sarah, Bishop of London, to prepare us for the time when the Government permits us to return more fully to our buildings.”Checking in and looking forwardsI will be hosting an open meeting on Zoom on Thursday 3 June at 11am. Here is the link – all are welcome! The idea is just to ‘chew the cud’ and reflect on where we are and where we might be going… Join Zoom Meeting:https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76258130320?pwd=ZDlHY05IT01LMnh5aVIrdk54SXZkZz09Meeting ID: 762 5813 0320Password: twoshires WorshipThank you to Rev’d Judith for the lovely online service last Sunday. Judith is also preparing the service for Pentecost Sunday and you will be able to use that at this link:https://twoshires.wordpress.com/sunday-service Thursday Evening ZoomI will be hosting an Evening Prayer this evening on Zoom, where we will be exploring a passage from Luke using the Lectio Divina method. All are welcome at 7:30pm using the following link:https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71784007120?pwd=enlWbXA0aWNUdkRqN2VOL3hpQ1g1dz09Meeting ID: 717 8400 7120Password: twoshires Thy Kingdom ComeDuring this time of ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ between Ascension and Pentecost I am asking if you would like to record yourself, either on audio or video, reading the Lord’s Prayer in whatever version or form you like and then email it to me. I am hoping to put together a creative ‘video’ using clips from those to create a Benefice Lord’s Prayer. Thanks to those I have received, and please do send some in if you haven’t already done so!ScriptureBible readings for the week ahead:Pentecost Sunday: Acts 2:1-21; 1 Cor 12:3-13; John 20:19-23Monday 1 June: Rom 12:9-16; Luke 1:39-49Tuesday 2 June: 2 Pet 3:11-15, 17-end; Mark 12:13-17Wednesday 3 June: 2 Tim 1:1-3, 6-12; Mark 12:18-27Thursday 4 June: 2 Tim 2:8-15; Mark 12:28:34Friday 5 June: 2 Tim 3:10-end; Mark 12:35-37Saturday 6 June: 2 Tim 4:1-8; Mark 12:38-endPrayersCollect for Pentecost:Holy Spirit, sent by the Father, ignite in us your holy fire; strengthen your children with the gift of faith, revive your Church with the breath of love, and renew the face of the earth,through Jesus Christ our Lord. Post Communion:Faithful God, who fulfilled the promises of Easter by sending us your Holy Spirit and opening to every race and nation the way of life eternal: open our lips by your Spirit, that every tongue may tell of your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. The following names for prayer are those previously agreed to be included on the circulated Pew Sheet and will now be carried here. For amendments please could you email me direct. Many thanks.For the Sick - Rob Allen; Lynne Applegarth; Phyllis Baker; Margaret Bandy; Sue Bennett; Sue Cheese; Terry Conway; Nick Frankau; Paul Glazier; David Goodwill; Mike Heywood; Joy Howard; Hubert Hutchinson; Ann Jarvis; Val Joslin; Mark Lindsey; Frank Long; Peter McHugh; Diana Rowlands; Ann Ricketts; Jim Tucker; Rosemary Walley; Rosemary Walton; Vivien Wheaton; Alan Wills, Anna Woodward; Pamala Young ; Hannah (Dennis Hunt’s granddaughter); Becky Wood (Rev. Tim Price’s daughter); Milly granddaughter of Jane & Alan Rudkin. For the Bereaved - The family & friends of: Roger Partridge; Denise Nicholls; Andy Partridge; John Massey; Derek Wicketts; Dave Checkley; Heather King’s son. With my blessings to all of you, Kind regards PhilipThe Reverend Philip ButcherRector - Two Shires Benefice (Tatworth, Thorncombe, Winsham, Chaffcombe & Cricket Malherbie)The Vicarage3 Home FarmTatworthChardTA20 2SH01460 221286PASTORAL EMAILS - please to: twoshiresalert@gmail.comHOME PRAYER & WORSHIP: https://twoshires.wordpress.com
Dear allGood morning, afternoon or evening to all of you! It is good to be writing to you again further to returning to work. Thank you so much for all the kind messages and cards etc… welcoming Bethany into the world; it has been greatly appreciated.General Situation:You will be aware from the national news that ‘lockdown’ restrictions are slowly being eased in certain ways as it appears that the virus slows its pace. This is obviously welcome news in one aspect and we hope and pray that things continue to abate. However, the virus is not gone and still poses a significant threat, particularly to the vulnerable. St Paul writes to the Corinthians in 1 Cor 9 of the rights of the apostle; and to paraphrase his central message it is this, ‘just because I have the right, does not mean I should.’ Please continue to look after yourselves and, yes, follow guidance and enjoy greater freedoms as they come along, but please do so with great care and vigilance, especially with what may be differing needs and concerns of those around you.The Church:The House of Bishops have asked each Diocese to consider how they may plan and implement a phased easing of church restrictions. The Diocese have written to Clergy and Churchwardens on these measures and have published that letter openly on the Bath & Wells website. You can also access it here:https://www.bathandwells.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Letter-from-the-Bishops-Clergy-return-to-church-buildings-11.05.2020.pdfIt is very important to stress that the phased return to churches is going to be a long haul. It may yet be a very significant length of time before we are back to gathered services in the way we were before. The Deanery is actively discussing implementation of the first phase (clergy use of church buildings) and I will update you in due course. I will also be discussing these matters with the churchwardens and clergy to agree our response as a Benefice. I will of course keep you fully updated.Prayer & Worship:My thanks to Rev’d Judith for providing Sunday worship online for the past two Sundays. Going forwards Judith and I will share the workload of that provision. It has been really good recently to include recordings and videos from the wider church family. If you would like to record a reading or do something on camera then please do have a word with us and we try and use you!SundayThis Sunday I am taking advantage of having all the children at home and we are doing a service together on ‘The Promise of the Holy Spirit’, and which will be available from Sunday at:https://twoshires.wordpress.com/sunday-serviceLive ServicesAscension Day is on Thursday 21st May. Traditionally we have had a Benefice service at 7:30pm on that day. This Ascension day will be different – but the same! I will be live streaming an Evening Prayer for Ascension Day on Zoom at 7:30pm on the 21st. Below is the link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71784007120?pwd=enlWbXA0aWNUdkRqN2VOL3hpQ1g1dz09Password: twoshires I am also proposing to provide an Evening Prayer with Bible Study each Thursday at 7:30 on Zoom, and the above link should work for that too as it is set up as a recurring ‘meeting’.Do give it a go if it is something you are unfamiliar with. Scripture for the coming days:Sunday 17th – Acts 17:22-31; 1 Pet 3:13-end; John 14:15-21Monday 18th – Acts 16:11-15; John 15:26-16:4Tuesday 19th – Acts 16:22-34; John 16:5-11Wednesday 20th – Acts 17:15, 22 – 18:1; John 16:12-15Thursday 21st (Ascension Day) – Acts 1:1-11; Eph 1:15-end; Luke 24:44-endFriday 22nd – Acts 18:9-18; John 16:20-23Saturday 23rd – Acts 18:22-end; John 16:23-28 To think about:Whilst we start to see glimmers of light at the end of the tunnel, it is a good time to being to think about what ‘normal’ might look like in time to come. We will all have learnt things, about ourselves, our communities, our faith. There will have been challenges met, pains suffered, joys to be had. All of that will form part of the fabric of what it is to ‘be’, now and going forwards. Do think about that. Reflect on these things and spend time thinking about what a new normal might look like, what you would like to see!A poem from R S Thomas that I think is beautiful in thinking about new things to come:The Unborn DaughterOn her unborn in the vast circleConcentric with our finite lives,On her unborn, her name uncurlingLike a young fern within the mind;On her unclothed with flesh or beautyIn the womb’s darkness, I bestowThe formal influence of the will,The wayward influence of the heart,Weaving upon her fluid bonesThe subtle fabric of her being.Hair, hands and eyes, the body’s texture,Shot with the glory of the soul.With every blessing for the week ahead,Kind regardsPhilip
