Dear Friends,

Here is my weekly reminder of what's happening at All Saints this weekend, in particular this week in the light of Charnwood moving into tier two and the rise of coronavirus cases, a bit of a long email but please read on for I hope some clarity and reassurance......

Church services in the building or outside on the Parish Green

Gathering for worship is still permitted under tier two and tier three as long as covid secure measures are in place and that all reasonable measures have been taken to limit the spread of the virus. Having met with the Church Wardens and Standing Committee last night we are content that we have a robust approach to managing this, therefore unless we become unable to staff this with sufficient numbers of stewards and ministers, services and open church will continue to go ahead as planned.

This weekend that means:

Open Church today (Saturday) from 10.00am - 12pm

A new service of Prayer Book Holy Communion at 12pm today

Celebration Communion on Sunday at 10.30am

The plan is for all the Sunday services this month to be lived streamed on YouTube as we have been doing so if you are in any way worried about coming to the building or are aware you have been exposed to someone who has had a positive test, or is even self-isolating and awaiting their results, you can stay at home to join in.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNymtzHV8G_EfZprXch9RIg

For those coming to the building we all need to be extra vigilant and remember hands, face and space. Please follow the directions of the stewards at all times, this includes sitting where you are asked and once seated remaining so unless using the toilet. We also need to remind everyone of the importance of not gathering after the service but to disperse promptly. It will still be possible to speak to a minister or one or two other people as you leave but please do not remove your face covering until after you have left the church grounds, ensure you remain two meters from the person you are speaking to and do not cluster in groups of more than six.

Living in Tier Three

Some of our church community live just over the border in an area that has now been classified tier three. We ask all those coming to the church to take heed of the advice about not making unnecessary journeys, however it is possible to attend a place of worship and for those who have a leadership role (i.e. warden team, clergy, volunteer leader) this would be considered 'work' as those roles are helping us to deliver our charitable services.

I hope this clarifies the current situation although I'm aware that even as I write this there is news this morning of possibly a national 'lock down' being brought in again next week. We will of course stay up to date with any new measures that are brought in and advise everyone accordingly. Please don't hesitate to get in touch by phone or email if you are unsure of if you are simply in need of some support and connection with your church family. I am very aware that some of us have a good network in our neighbourhood or through friends and family but others of us live alone and are feeling particularly isolated and maybe fearful of what lies ahead. Please reach out. We shall continue to do our best to keep us connected through various means and of course the ongoing prayer of the church never ceases. If you have a particular prayer request for our ministry team leading public prayers each day on Facebook you can email [email protected] indicating if your request is confidential. You can also call me to ask for prayer.

All Saints and All Souls

Tomorrow is the celebration of All Saints which is of course the dedication of our church building. Our all-age service tomorrow will feature both our children's and adult choirs who are singing under a strict covid risk assessment to bring that gift of music to our worship. Tomorrow will be particularly special as it is Emma Trounson's last service with us in an official capacity before her maternity leave begins. Emma and Mark's baby is due any day now so please keep them in your prayers as we celebrate with them the new life that is coming in to the world. The order of service should be up on the website later on today. It is a specific order of service for the celebration of All Saints not the normal Parish Communion.

https://allsaintsloughborough.org.uk/jml02/on-line

Music making continues and we are delighted that Motje Wolf will be covering some aspects of Emma's work over the coming six months. Motje will be with us tomorrow and if you would like to know a little more about her do watch last week's Conversation and Compline which featured Emma and Motje in conversation about music and faith.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAg9xP1lu5I&t=484s

On Monday evening I shall live stream on Facebook a simple service for All Souls - the day when we remember those who have died. I shall be reading out the names of all those whose funerals we have led as a church over the last year but I am also happy to read out the names of others. If you would like to hear your loved one's name said allowed and to be remembered in this public way please email me directly before Monday evening. The service will be at 8pm. If you have a candle at home you might like to light it as part of the service, as we keep All Souls together. You do not have to have a Facebook profle to view the service, just clik on this link to be directed to our church Facebook Page.

Your in Christ

Reverend Wendy Dalrymple