Happy feast of the Conversion of Paul! Based on Caravaggio’s artistic portrayal of this remarkable encounter with Jesus, I may bear some physical resemblance to the one after whom I was named: ‘a man of small stature, with a bald head and crooked legs’. Sadly, in terms of character, I fear that I possess more of Paul’s weaknesses than his strengths. But what a great role model for an archdeacon: travelling from place to place, encouraging the people of God, and walking alongside them in their trials. Paul doesn’t mention a pandemic, but it’s a pretty impressive list of challenges that he faces: near death, violence, persecution, imprisonment, shipwreck, starvation, weather, wayward churches (2 Cor 11). This year, as we reflect upon Paul’s life and conversion, I give particular thanks for his endurance, perseverance and witness to the God whose grace is sufficient for us and whose power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor 12:9). As we face the trials of our own day, let us pray for that same power in our lives and for the faith, hope and love which it generates.
The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, has thanked front line workers, parishes, and all who have made sacrifices to help protect one another from Covid-19, as England prepares to move away from ‘plan B’ restrictions on Thursday.<div>Bishop Sarah, who chairs the Church of England’s Covid Recovery Group, was speaking as new advice was published by the Church of England ahead of Thursday’s change of national rules.She said: “When the first measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 were introduced in March 2020, few would have imagined that we would still be making adaptations to the way we live our lives – including our worship – almost two years on.“It has been a very challenging time.“People have made huge sacrifices to protect one another – not only those they know and love but strangers they might never meet. We’ve learnt again as society something of what it means to love our neighbour, as Jesus taught.“And it has certainly not been without cost.“The loneliness and isolation many have experienced; the impact on people’s mental health; the lost jobs and failed businesses and strained relationships must not be overlooked. “Yet, terrible as the toll from this virus has been, and continues to be, the actions people have taken have saved lives and prevented countless infections, with all the potential long-term consequences that could go with them.“We may never know what good has been done.“So as we can begin to look forward with cautious hope, we once again thank those who have done so much to protect us all - particularly our NHS, carers and other front line workers.“I want to thank everyone who has made sacrifices for others. I think particularly of younger people who, though often least at risk, have sometimes given up the most.“And I want especially to thank our clergy, parish volunteers and congregations for all you are doing - not simply to keep worship going, but to innovate with bold and remarkable new ways of doing so; reaching new people and, of course, serving your communities.“As ‘plan B’ restrictions come to an end the future remains uncertain and we must continue to be cautious. In our churches government rules have been eased but I would still encourage congregations to consider what mitigation can best protect others.“As we look now towards spring and the vivid demonstration of new life it offers us, my prayer is that we won’t forget what we’ve learnt; that we take this opportunity to thank others and that we look with hope to the future.”
St Paul’s Without the Walls has seen its evening service of choral music and traditional liturgy grow in popularity after introducing a home cooked meal. The idea came to parishioner Michael Keeler-Walker following suggestions the service would be stopped.He said: “We had Choral Evensong once a month, but often it was irregular and sometimes just dropped. “Despite a choir of 18, often the only congregant would be the person doing the reading. So, we decided to go back to basics. It became regular, each month, focussing on good food, good fellowship, good preaching, and good music.”A home cooked meal is now offered after each service and the church has seen a large increase in worshippers. Beginning prior to the pandemic, and despite the Government restrictions over the last few years, the services have continued to thrive following lockdown, with guest preachers attracting more congregants and swelling the choir’s ranks. “People are drawn to our services and even after the pandemic we have had more than 50 people coming to services,” Michael added.“We're interacting with people we never did before and it's been hugely enriching for the parish.”The efforts of St Paul’s Without the Walls has been celebrated online, and dozens of parishes have been in contact to learn to replicate the success. “The Book of Common Prayer is seeing a real revival in churches across the country,” said Bradley Smith, the Prayer Book Society chairman. “New generations are discovering the beauty, depth and majesty of these words, many through services of Choral Evensong such as in St Paul’s Canterbury.”
