The Church of St. Peter, Milton Bryan

An Important Update and Message

Wednesday 18 March 2020

Dear All,

In the light of the fast-moving coronavirus situation, there will be no surprise of the decisions taken and the need to postpone or cancel a number of Social and Fundraising events in alignment with progressing instruction, guidance and advice:

• All Social & Fundraising events for March, April, May and June are now postponed or cancelled.

• The probability of postponing or cancelling all Social & Fundraising events for July and August is 'Almost Certain' at this time of writing.

• The probability of postponing or cancelling all Social & Fundraising events for September is 'Possible' at this time of writing.

• October, November and December at this time of writing is too early to assess until further assessment and guidance is received.

Whilst it would be easy to write the full year off, it would be unwise to react in such a way unless guidance and advice leads in this direction. Churchwardens have consulted regularly with the support of the Rector as the days have passed and these decisions haven't been taken lightly.

You may have noticed that The Church of England released a statement yesterday putting public worship on hold until further notice. We expect a further notice to follow in due course concerning our Church and Benefice with comment and prayer from the Rector.

The launch of the new 'Breakfast and the Bible Service' planned from June will naturally be postponed and launched at time when our church is back in full operation.

The Hour of Peace is also postponed until further notice.

We will of course update you, as we continually review advice and guidance on public worship, gatherings and activities in our church building.

In these difficult and unprecedented times, our aim is to communicate clearly and regularly with everyone as we journey through the coming days, weeks and months.

The St. Peter's Church community; the residents of Milton Bryan; and surrounding villages; the vulnerable - elderly and young; the sick and unable are all in our prayers. Equally important is our 'online community' which spans far beyond Benefice borders are in our prayers.

Now is a time to hold everyone suffering and affected with this progressing coronavirus situation in prayer; for each other; holding firm to biblical values. And to pray into the continued business, mission and ministry of St. Peter's, Milton Bryan and for our Benefice.

I also want to take the time, to remind and assure you, that despite the church building being closed, 'Church' indeed is still very much alive and present. The church is where the people are. We are here for you! We also recognise that those often in need, find it hard to ask, so if you know of someone struggling please let us know. If you need to talk, want to exchange messages, need help, request prayer or pray together by telephone or online, we can do just that.

If you live in Milton Bryan you will have received the orange 'Hello! Self-isolation help note' with contact details for three members of the Trustees of Milton Bryan Charity, do please save this.

In addition to this, members of St. Peter's are here to help too. Stacey and I are both here for you. We are DBS cleared via the Disclosure Barring System with practical awareness and knowledge training complete too. I believe Milton Bryan is in really good, caring hands.

Please do not hesitate to contact or seek help from those on the Self-isolation note.

Please do not hesitate to contact or seek support, extra help, sharing and spiritual support from Stacey and myself.

Keep warm, safe and well.

With best wishes,

Kelvin White

Lay Leader of Worship and Churchwarden. St. Peter's, Milton Bryan                 

<span style="font-size: 1rem;">Tel: 01525 210337 [email protected] & [email protected]</span>