Services in Church - are starting next week -As you are aware the Clergy and PCC's have been working together and are now able to introduce a limited number of Holy Communion Services in church under strict conditions due to Covid. These services will be in addition to our present zoomed services at 10.00am every Sunday which will continue through August and September.The Holy Communion Services for the first week will includeWednesday 5th August 10.00am at Humshaugh People will be very welcome to come to the services where one is kindly asked to be understanding of each other over social distancing. This could mean sitting where the Churchwardens have worked out to be within the present restrictions which are also dictating that one must wear a mask whilst in church - there will be some available at the service in case anyone forgets to bring one.
As the coronavirus measures ease, and following government and diocesan advice, we are delighted that St Peter's will re-open for individual prayer from Monday 15th June. The church will be open daily from 9am to 6pm. We are still in the middle of a pandemic of course, so social distancing should be observed in the church, and hygiene precautions taken. Hand sanitiser is available in the church and should be used on entry and exit. Please only use the rear four pews in the church - these are clearly signed - as they will be cleaned every day after the church closes. Similarly please don't touch anything like hymn books or service sheets - these have been covered up anyway - to minimise the risk of inadvertently spreading the virus. We are still not allowed to conduct public worship, but are looking forward to the day when we can. Meanwhile weekly services are held on Zoom at 10am each Sunday - if you are not already getting details and would like them please get in touch through A Church Near You or contact one of the churchwardens. Local Bible readings for the week, read by members of the congregation, are also available on these pages.Welcome back!
Dear Friends,Bishop Christine has this afternoon sent a mailing to all Clergy, Churchwardens and Deanery Officers. In her message Bishop Christine said that Steve’s funeral will take place on Wednesday 15th April at 10.30am in St.Michael’s churchyard, Wark. As we are all aware, due to the coronavirus, only immediate family will be able to attend the funeral. However it would be wonderful if at the same time we join the family in prayer and light a candle in our own homes. Some prayers for that occasion are being written by Rev. Frances Dower which will be circulated by early next week.To show our gratitude and pay our respects for all that Steve has been to us and to celebrate his life in a visible way, each of our three Parishes are decorating a significant tree with colourful ribbons. So we invite you to find a ribbon, or a strip of colourful cloth and if you wish, write your name and any message with a permanent marker on the ribbon. Then come and tie it on one of the branches of the tree, which in Humshaugh is the Weeping Cherry Tree just on the left of the church path near the entrance. Please respect the social distancing rules if there are others placing ribbons at the same time and do be careful of the leaf buds, so they are not damaged. The idea is that over the next week we have a wonderful tree of colour as a sign of our gratitude for Steve's life and work by the time of his burial. If you can't get out to tie a ribbon yourself, please ask someone to do it for you.With best wishes and stay safe.
The Churchwardens sadly have to to let you know that Steve passed away on Saturday 4th April. He was with his wife Melanie and very peaceful, listening to his favourite worship music at the time. Arrangements for his funeral will follow. As you will be aware this will have to be for family members only, due to the Corona Virus restrictions but the plan is in due course to have a celebration service in one of our churches at a later date when all will be welcome. Melanie thanks everyone for their prayers and support during Steve’s illness which have been a great support to them both. “Remembering Steve” These are some prayers from Rev’d Frances Dower: You may like to light a candle at home, and sit quietly with these prayers.A Prayer for SteveHeavenly Father,into whose hands Jesus Christcommended his spirit at the last hour:into those same hands we now commend your servant Steve,that death may be for himthe gate to life and to eternal fellowship with you;through Jesus Christ our Lord. AmenA Prayer for Melanie and her familyMost merciful God,whose wisdom is beyond our understanding,surround the family of Steve with your love,that they may be comforted in their loss,have confidence in your goodness,and strength to meet the days to come.We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
