Dear Friends,
Welcome to this week's All Saints bulletin and we begin with some wonderful news......
VOCATIONS
Phillippa Taylor and Chris Knight have been recommended for training for ordained ministry. This is the culmination of many months reflection, prayer and study culminating in interviews with national Bishops' Advisors. Training commences in September so over the next few months we shall prepare to say goodbye as they set off on this next stage of life and ministry. We are delighted for them although we will miss them both greatly! Please keep Phillippa and Jim, and Chris, Esther and Oscar in your prayers as they prepare for this next step. Chris and Phillippa will be joining me for Conversation & Compline tomorrow evening, reflecting on their journey and sharing something of how God has been at work in their live, see below for details.
MUSIC
All Saints Children's Choir have now had 2 rehearsals on Zoom, having previously rehearsed via YouTube videos. The children enjoyed seeing each other, chatting and catching up with a 'Show and Tell' (this week was 'Pets')! They love learning new songs and singing together (albeit with microphones muted because of the time delay.) However, they managed to sing and sign their special 'Grace' together as they do at the end of each rehearsal, ignoring the slight sound delay! As part of these rehearsals, they have embarked on a choral skills course called 'Voice for Life' from the Royal School of Church Music. On completion of the first level of the course, the children will receive a certificate! If you know of any children aged 7 who like singing and would like to join in with our Zoom rehearsals, please email Director of Mission through Music: Emma Trounson: [email protected] for more information.
ECO CHURCH
A group of people from All Saints inspired by the sermon series on the climate crisis have started the Green Christian course Radical Presence. The course engages with questions and ideas around how we respond to climate change as we leave lockdown. We have been focusing on the positive changes made while we have been under lockdown and what we would like to encourage to continue, and what we can build on together as community. This seven week course will be starting again in July if anyone would like to join with others from across the country in thinking about our responses to significant social change and the climate crisis through the lens of Christianity. Please contact Rev Emily [email protected] to sign up or find out more.
EASTER CANDLE
You may recall our new Easter Candle remained undecorated this year and on Easter Sunday we were unable to process it into the church building. Whilst worshipping together in All Saints remains some way off, the candle has now been decorated. Michelle Barnett who is an illustrator by profession has turned her hand to decorating the candle and has done a fantastic job. It was the first time Michelle had painted on wax so it wasn't an easy task but I think you will agree from the photos attached she has done a fantastic job. Alongside the traditional imagery found on Easter Candles, Michelle drew inspiration from the crocusses in the churchyard and in the Covid Cross that is now in the churchyard.
PENTECOST SUNDAY
Do join us tomorrow for a celebration of the Feast of Pentecost. As usual there will be Morning Prayer live streamed on our Facebook page at 9.00am and then from 10.00am tune in to our Youtube Channel for a very special service.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNymtzHV8G_EfZprXch9RIg
This week instead of a separate Little Saints service, the Thornhill family will be presenting the Pentecost reading from the book of Acts so do join in with the interactive story telling. We shall also be treated to two anthems recorded by individual choir members from their own homes and brought together by Emma Trounson. You can view and download the liturgy from our website here:
http://allsaintsloughborough.org.uk/jml02/images/hereld/Pentecost_2020FINAL.pdf
If you are able do bring a candle to the service tomorrow morning and get ready to light it to take it outside for the end of the service if this is practical. This might not work in your home but I hope you are able to join in with the meaning of the symbolism nevertheless. After the service everyone is invited to join a Pentecost Party at our Zoom social. The Little Saints invite us all whatever our age to come and join in the fun. Click on the link from 11.15am onwards:
Join Zoom Meeting by contacting us for joining details
If you aren't able to use Zoom on a computer or tablet you can also join us by using your phone just like you would make a normal phone call. You wont be able to see us but you will be able to hear everyone and we will be able to hear you! Just contact us for joining details
At 6pm I shall lead a 'Conversation & Compline,' live streamed on our Youtube Channel.
WORSHIP THROUGH THE WEEK
Morning Prayer continues everyday at 9.00am on Facebook and Evening Prayer is at 7pm Monday to Friday via Zoom contact us for joining details
You can join Revd Mark on Wednesday morning at 10.00am on Facebook for a live streamed service of BCP Holy Communion and on Tuesday at 12.15pm tune in to our Youtube Channel for more reflection on on the Sunday scriptures at 'Ministers Muse.'
AND FINALLY....
Thank you to everyone who has donated to our Easter Gift Campaign. I will write again in the week with the final total as some gifts have come in offline as well but for now do go and have a look at the page, there are some lovely comments there which alongside the generosity that people have shown has warmed my heart. https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/AllSaintsEasterGift
As with Easter, Pentecost feels very strange this year, separated as we are and in this time of great uncertainty. The words of the commission in the liturgy tomorrow that bring the Easter season to a close have never been more relevant. We may not know what the future holds but we go forward trusting the Holy Spirit to be our guide.
Yours in the light and peace of Christ
Reverend Wendy Dalrymple
Rector of All Saints with Holy Trinity
01509 268362