St James Apostle, Bonsall

Updated 27th March

CORONAVIRUS. By now everyone will be aware that not only have services been suspended but our churches have had to close as well. We received notification to do so from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York earlier this week. They feel that the Church should take a responsible course of action in the light of the knowledge that personal contact spreads the virus. In the days of the plague people may well have sought solace through calling in to church or attending services. In those days they wouldn’t have known how that would spread their illness. The need for us to self-isolate to slow down the spread of the disease is paramount, and though it is heart breaking to have to deny access to our churches just when people need space to pray and process their thoughts, we need to play our part in giving the NHS the best of chances to treat as many people as possible.

During this week we have been experimenting with Zoom software to enable people to gather for morning and evening prayer. At one stage we had twenty people participating in the morning worship of the Church of England! It has been so encouraging to see how we are still able to come together in prayer despite having to keep our social distance.

This Sunday at 9.30 we will be gathering for a ‘virtual’ Eucharist and encourage you to join us, having your own bread and wine available, perhaps on a small table near to your screen. We would encourage you to light a candle also and in this way we will create a holy space—not a virtual holy space, but a real holy space.

Perhaps it may not be in accord with the norms of our tradition but then who would ever have thought that we would not be able to gather in our churches?

Jesus did most of his ministry outside of the institutions of his faith, and when we gather together in his name then he is with us still.

To access our service online click on this link and follow instructions on your screen: https://zoom.us/j/2732241372

If you know of anyone who doesn’t have access to the internet but would still like to join us, they can do so using their landline. This is how:

A few minutes before the time of the service:

1. Call 0208 0806591

2. The recoded message will ask for a host or meeting number: Key in 2732241372#

3. You are then asked another question. Key in #

You will be then asked to wait to be connected to the meeting and once connected you will be able to hear and contribute.

We meet daily at 9am and 5pm for morning and evening prayer and on Sundays at 9:30 for a Eucharist. We’d love for you to join us.

This week’s reflection has also been posted on our website, at:

www.wirksworthteamministry.co.uk

Go to the banner entitled Covid 19 to listen to the reflection or click on to the services button to read it.

You could make use of the Church of England prayer resources as the Church seeks to offer prayerful support to the Nation at this unprecedented time of crisis.

https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-liturgy-and-prayer-resources

Provided your personal circumstances allow, please don’t forget that your Church still needs your financial support, both now & for the future. If you would like details of how to give via direct debit please contact your local Treasurer or Churchwarden (contact details can be found on the website)

With our prayerful good wishes

Canon David Truby and Carla Vicêncio Prior

St James Apostle, Bonsall

News and notices

Our activities in this time of national emergency

Notices for the Wirksworth Team Ministry

Notices for the Wirksworth Team Ministry

Notices for the Wirksworth Team Ministry

Notices for the Wirksworth Team Ministry

Notices for the Wirksworth Team