Dear friends
I hope that you
are well, staying safe and managing with the new six-person rule. Our churches are
still open and we are still worshipping together albeit socially distanced. Although
there is no limit on numbers for Sunday services, we still have to abide by the
guidelines which means that face coverings are mandatory, hands are washed or
sanitized and we have a one-way system for entry and exit. Oh yes, and there is
still no singing or gathering for coffee afterwards. Regardless of all that, it
is still good to gather to worship God in a sacred place alongside our brothers
and sisters in Christ.
What a treat
this week with the return of some sunshine. There is no denying though that
autumn is just around the corner and my garden is showing all the signs. The
nights are really drawing in and last night I had a meeting at Rathmell and it
was pitch black at 8pm as I walked back to my car. I’ve always liked autumn,
especially the trees and the wonderful colours. In fact, I like each of the
seasons for different reasons. The prospect of winter this year is one of
trepidation and we face the unknown in terms of what coronavirus might bring. Having
such nice weather back in March made lockdown so much more bearable and I’ve
even heard it said by some, that for them, it was a time of peace and even rejuvenation.
Isolation may
suit those who like their own company or who are self-sufficient but there are
many who need additional support at these difficult times. I mentioned in last
week’s newsletter that I intended to say Thursday’s Morning Prayer online so
that people could join in from home if they wished. I’m pleased to say that
several people joined me on Zoom and we used the Celtic Daily Prayer
from the Northumbria Community, which is a quiet contemplative style of prayer.
On Monday this week at Holy Ascension, a Requiem Mass was held in memory of
Elsie Twistleton, after which, her ashes were interred in the churchyard.
So, the rich cycle of church life and worship continues to evolve as we continue on our Christian journey. It may sometimes look and feel a bit different to what it has in the past but one thing never changes and that is God himself –
‘Jesus Christ is
the same yesterday and today and forever.’ - Hebrews 13:8
Blessings
Julie
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