A prayer for all those affected by coronavirusKeep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy.Sustain and support the anxious, be with those who care for the sick,and lift up all who are brought low; that we may find comfortknowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord.The Church of England has published a range of prayers and resources for churches and individuals to use (https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-liturgy-and-prayer-resources )
Things are changing day by day and we are absolutely committed to making sure we follow the guidelines from the government and from the Church of England. As such we are will still be gathering for all our usual happenings. However, we will not be able to serve any food or drinks. This means that our Tuesday mornings with Tiny Tunes (please note change of name) will happen but without any refreshments. Please bring some food if you wish and your own drinks and please, no sharing! This is all so contrary to our usual ethos it will take a bit of getting used to but at the moment this is how it is. We will still be meeting for prayers each day. Our church wardens have worked really hard to make sure that all hygiene rules can be strictly followed. We really hope to see you see you soon and will keep you updated of all developments. Please share this message, in particular feel free to pass on to those who don’t have Facebook or check this web page.
At the moment we are living in really difficult times, not just here but across the world, as we deal with all that is happening with covid-19. At St Edmund’s we are, of course, following the government guidelines and the directives from the Church of England. This means that there will be some changes in our communion services tomorrow and will not be having coffee afterwards. We will, however, be gathering together and hope to see you.Instead of coffee after the 10.30 service we will gather to specifically pray in regard to all that Is going on and hope you will stay to join us at this time.We are praying for God’s wisdom, healing and protection and for an end to this virus.We encourage you, when you wash your hands, to pray the Lord’s Prayer which takes about the length of time recommended for thorough washing and give us many opportunities during the day to pray for those who are unwell, those who are fearful, those working on the front-line in medical professions.The church building will continue to be open each day from 9am - 5pm.We will keep you updated as to what changes are happening.
“Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him. Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving” Colossians 2 : 6 – 7A prayer for Lent 2020Holy God,As a Pilgrim I journey with you,I reflect on my life;Aware of my weakness,Aware of my vulnerabilities,Aware of my sin,I look to Your Son, through whose deathI receive healing,I receive wholeness,I receive fulness of life,For life itself is a gift from you.Help me hold out that life to others.Amen. Church ArmyA Thought for Lent“Lent is not an event.It is not something that happens to us.It is at most a microcosm of what turns out to be a lifelong journey to the centre of the self.The purpose of Lent is to confront us with ourselves in a way that’s conscious and purposeful, that enables us to deal with the rest of life well.It is not a “penitential season.” It is a growing season.It requires us to determine what is worth dying for in our own lives and what it may be necessary for us to become if we really want to live. Joan Chittister, OSB, A Growing Season
