We know we are not alone! God is with us wherever we are and whatever we are going through.

Just because we have no Vicar, we are not abandoned. We hope it will be comforting and encouraging to you to know that Bishop Philip has been in touch on more than one occasion to find out how things are with our church family. No doubt he has done the same for St Peter’s and St Andrew’s.

People at the Diocese are still active on our behalf.

Each day a group of Diocesan workers meets as a Coronavirus Task Group and issues a daily “Report”. It covers all aspects – spiritual, practical, medical etc. A short while ago, Bishop Julian spoke about the events of the deliverance of the Israelites in Exodus. God went before His people as they marched through the wilderness. They were not alone. In the same way he walked with Daniel 3.25 and in the valley of the shadow of death Psalm 23 v4, so He is present with us in all the suffering of this present crisis.

As He transformed the wilderness wanderings by unexpected blessings – a guiding pillar, miraculous manna, a supply of water, a healing serpent – so He will equip us for the challenge of this wilderness, provide for us and enable us to keep going until we reach easier days. May the stories of how we have been sustained in the past bring us hope and confidence to follow where He leads us in these uncertain days.

Archdeacon Mark spoke about the Israelites in exile suffering dislocation and isolation from their usual places of worship – ring a bell??

Here is list of the readings designated for May:-

3 May      Easter 4       Acts 2 vv42-end     Psalm 23                      1 Peter 2 vv19-end     John 10 vv 1-10

10            Easter 5      Acts 7 vv55-end     Psalm 31 1-5,15,16     1 Peter 2 vv2-10         John 14 vv 1-14

17            Easter 6      Acts 17 vv22-31    Psalm 66 7-end            1 Peter 3 vv13-end    John 14 vv15-21

Thurs 21 Ascension  Acts 1 vv1-11       Psalm 47                         Ephes 1 vv15-end      Luke 22 vv44-end

24            Easter 7      Acts 1 vv6-14       Psalm 68 1-10,32-end  1 Peter 4 12-14          John 17 vv1-11 and 5 6-11

31            Pentecost   Acts 2 vv1-21 Psalm104 26-36 1 Cor 12 3-13 John20 vv19-23

To paraphrase an article seen recently:-

NOT CANCELLED:-

Going outdoors

Hearing birdsong

Seeing blossom

Eating and drinking (careful!)

Cooking

Reading a book

Sharing with family and friends via technology

Singing out loud

Laughing

Praying

Sharing HOPE with others

Let’s EMBRACE what we have!!

With every good wish to you all!

Lorna and Pat