Dear Friends,Right at the heart of the celebration of the Epiphany is the fact that the homage paid by the wise men, opening their treasure chests and worshipping Jesus happens in the house where Mary and Joseph are caring for Jesus. It strikes me this is something to focus on in our slightly belated celebration of the feast this year, because, coming at the beginning of our period of lockdown it is a reminder that our faith offers us the presence of God alongside us in all that we do and that our worship can and should start at home.I also want to add a few words, as I send out this act of worship, about how some deep ideas on our faith can help us practically as we deal with either choosing to stay at home to worship, or coming to church but missing the sense of fellowship that socialising together can bring because of the need to keep in our separate households. We are held in communion, in togetherness by God – the God who made us all, who draws us to share the life of Jesus in baptism, and who inspires us by the same spirit. In God we are held in communion with all who are living and those who have gone before into the closer presence of God; with those with whom we are physically present and those far away. I believe we are held in that unity all the time, but every time we make an act of prayer or worship we open ourselves up to God’s uniting love at work in us. As we worship over the next few weeks whether at home or in church it might help us experience that sense of connection to take time to be still and hold all those we love (those around us in church and those who we know are at home, or in church while we are at home, our loved ones and all for whom we have concern) in our awareness and ask God to help us feel close to them, to know we are physically distant but not alone. If you are at home you might like to co-incide your prayers with those in church at 11am, perhaps marking the time by lighting a candle, so we all share God’s light at love at the same time.God blessSamantha
Dear Friends,As you will probably know, the government have chosen not to suspend public worship in England in the regulations currently in force. The Church of England allows for local decision making based on a revised risk assessment about whether it is wise to continue to offer worship in church. In conversation with the Church wardens and PCC and following a new risk assessment we think it is possible to keep the 11am Holy Communion service on a Sunday morning at Lynton available to those who feel they are able to come.The 11am Holy Communion at St Mary’s Lynton will be offered for the foreseeable future.Clearly, if circumstances change this will be under review.The condition of communal worship continuing is that households do not mingle while attending worship. If you choose to come to church please honour this fully. Please go straight to where you are sitting on arrival and at the end of the service a steward will guide you as to when to leave so that there is an even flow and less temptation to stop and chat.We know this is really hard – but we need to be especially careful if we are to continue to offer the opportunity to be worshipping in person.As has become the norm: face coverings need to be worn whilst in church and please make full use of the hand-sanitiser at the door and prior to receiving the bread at communion. Please maintain 2m of physical distance from anyone not in your household or support bubble at all times.This is how we love God and our neighbour in church at this time.I also totally understand that for many people it is right not to attend services at the moment, and just as each church does a risk assessment to decide whether to open, I think it is wise for each of us to weigh up for ourselves what is wise in our current circumstances. It is really good to know that the vaccines are on the way, and for some, waiting for that additional protection may be wise before returning to church or resuming worship again. You know what is best for you – and God knows that too! I will continue to send out the "you tube" video and sermon for those at home (today it may come out later than I had hoped but it will come!).It may help to know what Bishop Sarah has said as a formal response from the Church of England. I have also added links if you want fuller information about the current guidelines.God bless and guide you as you work out what is best for your health and life of faith right now,SamanthaFrom Bishop Sarah’s statement (she chairs the Church of England’s response group):The Government has chosen not to suspend public worship in England at this time and we will continue to follow the guidance and ensure that churches remain as safe as possible. The Government guidance on the safe use of places of worship makes clear that those attending a place of worship must not mingle with anyone outside their household or support bubble.“However, some may feel that it is currently better not to attend in person, and there will be parishes which decide to offer only digital services for the time-being. Clergy who have concerns, and others who are shielding, should take particular care and stay at home.(full statement: https://www.churchofengland.org/news-and-media/news-and-statements/response-bishop-london-new-covid-19-restrictions )Church of England guidance: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches <div> The Reverend Samantha Stayte</div><div>The Lyn Valley Mission Community</div>
Dear Friends,I hope that however you spent Christmas Day you have glimpsed something of the love that is at the heart of the Christmas message.We will have a Morning Worship Service at Parracombe tomorrow at 9.30 (27/13/20) but there will not be a service at St Mary's Lynton. The next Eucharist there will be at 11am, 3rd January. Next Sunday Marilyn will be providing the Youtube service again too. I am planning to take a week of post-Christmas annual leave from this coming Tuesday. In this quiet time after the celebartion of Christmas Day, there is, perhaps a chance to enter more deeply into the mystery that God chooses to meet us in the birth of a child; that the love of God comes to us in person. I hope you can find time for the things that give you a sense of life and love, and help you to know God is with us as we tentatively enter the New Year which already holds out the prospect of change and the need to continue to take one day at a time! My prayers for health and peace for all in the coming year. The retreat centre I usually visit has produced a series of reflections to help us look at how God's love is reflected in our lives through Christ-mas tide and in daily life, you might like to take a look:https://www.pathwaystogod.org/my-prayer-life/sunday/christmastide-year-b2020God bless, Samantha
Some of you may remember that a while ago, St Martin's was contacted by Mike Powell who is a Worship Leader at the churches of St Hilary and St Martin in the parish of Killay in Swansea having found a link to St Martin's, Martinhoe on the internet. Mike sends best wishes to all in Martinhoe. His message is addressed to Revd Samantha Wishing all at St Martin, Martinhoe and you, a happy and blessed Christmas and good health for 2021 As we look south across the channel we see the twinkling lights of Ilfracombe and think of our fellow Christians in Devon. May God bless you all in this pandemic. Sincerely Mike Powell JP B.Ed, Worship Leader St Hilary/St Martin Killay/Dunvant Swansea https://www.parishofkillay.co.uk/
