In a discussion led by the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, who chairs a group examining how the Church of England might proceed once the current restrictions for COVID-19 are relaxed or lifted, the House of Bishops recognised that there have been some welcome signs of improvement in the current situation, including a reduction in new cases and hospital admissions giving evidence for hope.While church buildings remain closed for public worship, in line with Government advice, the Bishops agreed in principle to a phased approach to lifting restrictions, in time and in parallel with the Government’s approach, with three broad stages as infection levels improve: An initial immediate phase allowing very limited access to church buildings for activities such as streaming of services or private prayer by clergy in their own parishes, so long as the necessary hygiene and social distancing precautions are taken Subsequently access for some rites and ceremonies when allowed by law, observing appropriate physical distancing and hygiene precautions Worship services with limited congregations meeting, when Government restrictions are eased to allow this.Read the full story.
Children and young people are normally seen by lots of different adults every day, like neighbours, grandparents and teachers. But due to coronavirus (COVID-19) we're self-isolating, social distancing and spending much more time at home. This means some families might need extra support with parenting. And if a child is experiencing abuse, there aren't as many opportunities for adults to spot the signs and help. <a href="https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/coronavirus-abuse-neglect-vulnerable-children/">There are help suggestions on their web site</a>.<br>
Church of England launches free dial-in worship phone lineThe Archbishop of Canterbury has launched Daily Hope, which includes music, prayers, reflections and full worship services at the end of a telephone line. It is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 and has been set up to reach people unable to join online church services. Churches are being asked to publicise it to people they know who aren't on the internet.
If you are having difficulty with the cost of purchasing basic food stuffs during the lockdown, you may be able to obtain help through a foodbank. The FoodHub in Lynton,at the old Tourist Centre in the Town Hall, is open from 10 till 2 Mon to Sat,and is staffed by volunteers.If anyone has a need for emergency supplies,or knows anyone who does,the phone numbers to ring are:07398339476 or 07398336621 between 9 and 5 Mon to Sat.or 07398336833 or 07398336634 out of hours.The food order will then be sent through to the Food Hub,where a volunteer will pack it ,and contact a driver to deliver it. In Parracombe, your Zone Captains will try advise you on any other problems.For Parracombe they are Karen Farrington 01598 763296 or 07966486743, Jerry Stampfer 01598 763531 or 07890 438890Debbie Harding 01598 763241 or 077732210101. The Give When You Can box which was in the porch at Christ Church has been moved to support the Lyn Food Hub. Debbie Harding has said she will collect items if anyone locally asks.You may find some useful information on accessing a food bank here.Contact the Zone Captains also if you need help fetching prescriptions.If you are experiencing financial problems and getting in to debt because of loss of employment, you can obtain advice from any of the following organisations. Their advice is free. Please beware of searching online for debt advice, some companies will charge you a fee, you do not need to do this. StepChange Debt Charity on 0800 138 1111*• National Debtline on 0808 808 4000*• Citizens Advice Bureau
