Dear friends
Church is Changing
I am writing to let you know about our response to the recent Corona virus (COVID 19) outbreak in the UK. You may have heard that the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued guidelines for Church of England Churches and a copy of their letter is posted as a separate item.
For everyone in Sapcote and the surrounding area this is an extremely worrying and challenging time. Most people are ‘social distancing’ with some self-isolating at home. The local churches (All Saints and Methodists), in partnership with the Good Neighbour Scheme and the Parish Council will be offering assistance via a letter to all village residents in the next few days. Having recently recovered from a respiratory virus, I am all too aware of the importance of receiving help from others in a time of need. Please ask for help whenever you need it, and encourage others to ask too.
We will be following the Church of England guidance at All Saints Church by postponing Sunday worship until further notice. However, we will be opening All Saints Church building for private prayer. This will be each Thursday, 9.45 am – 10.30 am and each Sunday from 11.00 am – noon, for the time being. There will be prayer stations available. The Foodbank collection point will be open by the font. Handwashing facilities will be available and we will be asked to keep our distance from one another. If you are self-isolating, have a cough, or are not sure whether to come along, please stay at home. You might like to consider setting aside these times for prayer at home. There will be more resources available to help us to pray at home. BBC TV and radio will be broadcasting more Christian worship – so please check for re-arranged schedules, especially this Sunday. Also, if you have access online there will be live broadcasts, including podcasts from the Archbishop of Canterbury. Please check the main Church of England website – https://www.churchofengland.org for more details and for updated advice and information.
All Saints Church Hall will be closed for the time being so that it can be exclusively available for the doctor’s surgery. Furthermore, all other Church meetings/activities cease for the time being including Little Saints, Bellringing, Annual Meeting and Lunch, Parochial Church Council, etc. You may also be aware that All Saints Church of England Primary School is closing today, Friday, 20 March.
During these unusual times, which coincide with the Season of Lent, I hope that we will spend plenty of time in prayer, reading and reflection. We may discover new ways of being Church that will last far beyond the current crisis. Jesus comes to bring love, health, peace and hope to a fearful, anxious and despairing world. Jesus never gave anyone a virus or disease, rather he healed people. Therefore I hope that we can follow His example by keeping healthy, by being compassionate to those who become ill and by praying for, and giving our fullest support to, our health-workers on the frontline.
Things are changing quickly and I will keep you updated when there is further significant change. Thank you for all your support, keep in touch and keep healthy.
With love and prayers
Rev Mick Norman