Good MorningYou will be aware, I'm sure, of the lifting of Covid restrictions by the Government from the 19th July. In a nutshell, the Government have lifted all the restrictions on public worship........ and put the onus upon individual churches to decide what they want to do and how we keep everyone in our churches safe!The churchwardens and I have been looking through the 12-page document from the CoE Recovery Group, and working out what we think is the way forward for our three churches in the benefice. Where possible we have tried to be consistent across the three churches, but the physical layout and other factors are different between the churches so there are some parts of our guidelines that are specific to each church.We have tried, through all of this, to tread the path between wanting to ease restrictions, considering the anxieties of those who will feel vulnerable if there are no restrictions whatsoever, and being aware of the rising Covid numbers nationally/locally and our responsibilities to everyone. Inevitably there will be differences of opinion on what we have decided, but this will be continually reviewed with experience, feedback, and any changes to the guidelines from the Government or CoE Recovery Group.Please find attached a leaflet that lays out our guidelines for worshipping in the Benefice of Benenden and Sandhurst with effect from tomorrow, Sunday 25th July 2021.I look forward to seeing you tomorrow and worshipping together.Revd David
Daily Scripture:Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1 v 17 )Daily Reflection: I don’t know whether you are familiar with a TV programme, which is quickly becoming something of a “must watch”, entitled ‘The Repair Shop”? It is set in the West Sussex countryside in an old thatched barn where very skilled restorers work their magic to bring much loved treasured items back to life. People bring their old broken down objects and the experts use their wonderful talents to breathe new life into them - what an amazing gift it must be to be able to bring such joy to the owners of said objects by lovingly renovating long abandoned keepsakes. The joy is reciprocal, the giver of the gift is very proud of what he/she has been able to produce and the receiver is very often brought to tears by the sheer brilliance and skill of the giver. That joy can also be felt when we, as the receiver, accept the gifts freely given by our awesome creator and ultimate restorer, God. Lyn Hayes, ALM
Daily ScriptureLet the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14) Daily ReflectionThese words are often prayed by a minister immediately before preaching in church. Sometimes changing them very slightly and praying, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of all our hearts be acceptable in your sight……” Let what I say and the thoughts that we have be acceptable to you God. It’s a good way of drawing everyone together as we try to work out and apply how to live life as God would wish.It’s also not a bad prayer to start each day. Would you change the way you live today, or would you change the things you say today, if you knew that God would examine every word and thought first? As you begin the day, ask God that his love for all his creation might guide your thinking and your speaking. Revd David
