Dear friends, tomorrow it will be four months to the day since I was licensed as the Priest-in-Charge of the Parishes of Settle, Giggleswick and Rathmell with Wigglesworth. What a lot has happened since that exciting evening at St Alkelda's Church, when we gathered to mark the beginning of my ministry here.
Today, it was with a heavy heart that I put up signs to tell people that the churches were closed until further notice. But close we must, if we are to overcome the coronavirus pandemic that is sweeping the world. Bishop Nick Baines, in his recent letter reminds us that:
"The worship of the Church continues. It is being done
differently. Through the prayers of clergy and lay ministers, through prayer in
homes and families, via social media and streaming, we still meet, pray, care
and worship."
In these very difficult times, we have to find different ways of 'being church'. So, in an effort to reach out, I thought that I would start a blog to share things with you over the coming days and weeks. It could be anything from news, scripture, a reflection or even just my 'ramblings'...we'll see where it takes us! Importantly, I'm hoping that many of you who are in isolation will feel connected with each other and with God.
Jesus said "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of you" (Matt 18:20). He didn't say it had to be in church and I reckon that it counts just as much online.
So, stay safe, stay strong and may God bless each one of you. Amen
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