-
Dear Friends,
Perhaps the most asked question I have had since the Covid 19 crisis broke is 'will you be live streaming?' The answer to that is 'not at the moment' and for several reasons. Firstly I'm not sure it is where the congregations in the Benefice are (generally) 'at'. Secondly it is better not done at all than done badly and this area is scarcely my forte -
Do please visit the C of E website and follow the links to find a live-
For this Sunday, 29 March, you may also be interested in:
Radio 4 at 0810: Sunday Worship. A Service for Passion Sunday. 'Reconciliation in Difficult Times'.
A service for Passion Sunday with the Director of the Centre of Reconciliation, Duke University, N Carolina and The Revd Canon Dr Jennifer Smith, Superintendent Minister of Wesley’s Chapel London. The service will reflect theologically on the current world situation in the light of Passion Sunday & the 40th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Oscar Romero.
Lichfield Cathedral at 1030 Holy Eucharist for Passion Sunday.
A live-
At 09:30 in the Rectory the Eucharist will be said for the whole Benefice; St Peter & St Paul's, St Luke's & St Peter's. You may choose this as a time to make your Spiritual Communion, if you do, along with the huge prayer themes of this time, please imagine your fellow worshippers who ordinarily sit around you on a Sunday and pray for them as they pray for you -
Elsewhere on this website is a prayer diary for the week with specific local requests/intents in addition, of course, to our many world and nationwide prayer focus.
I hope this finds you well, bearing up, staying safe and taking care.
Nick
-
Dear All,
In the midst of all the necessary constraints of our present circumstances Pam and I decided we should still have the Apr Mag created and sent to as many as possible, please find attached, time will tell if ever hard copy will be produced (but it is there waiting).
Most of the Mag is as up to date with the current situation as possible; for anything closer to up to the minute please see the C of E website link on page three of the attached copy.
Elaine is working on a plan for those of us who wish to that they can stay more closely in touch on-
With my every good wish and prayers, stay safe and keep others safe too,
Nick
N P Heron
Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-
01939 232550
-
Dear Friends,
It can scarcely have escaped your attention that the fluid circumstance of our national (and worldwide) crisis has moved on with more consequences for our churches.
I will be emailing all nearer the week's end with some thoughts for this coming Sunday, however, for now, consider it important that you have the clearest, most up to date resume of the changes now in force.
In short:
-
-
-
Our Archbishops have written this afternoon:
"These are unprecedented times. We are all having to get used to being the Church differently. It is not easy. However, our belonging to Christ has never been measured by the number of people in church on a Sunday morning (though we long for the day when this way of knowing Christ can return) but by the service we offer to others. Therefore, and despite these very harrowing restrictions, please do all that you can..."
One significant way of 'doing all we can' is to phone those we know or drop a line to those we are distanced from (if possible) and quietly ensure none are left in need. You must, please, contact me if you are alerted to any crises for individuals which I may not know about.
Equally we must unite in praying together, perhaps as never before -
"Tomorrow, Wednesday 25 March, is the Feast of the Annunciation. Pope Francis has invited Christians around the world to join with him in praying the Lord’s Prayer at 11am GMT. I commend this to you warmly."
Let us all do so as one, united in Faith, Hope and Love.
Every good wish, stay safe,
Nick
N P Heron
Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-
01939 232550
-
Dear All,
You will all now, I am sure, be aware of the sad, if essential, direction that Public Worship in the C of E is suspended. This, of course, applies as much to our Benefice as anywhere. However, whilst adjectives for the current situation are futile what is not is the absolute that we very much remain a Church, the Body of Christ and we carry on our Christian Pilgrimage albeit differently for the interim. As our Archbishops have recently written:
"Being a part of the Church of England is going to look very different in the days ahead. Our life is going to be less characterised by attendance at church on Sunday, and more characterised by the prayer and service we offer each day. We may not be able to pray with people in the ways that we are used to, but we can certainly pray for people. And we can certainly offer practical care and support. Please do carry on supporting the local foodbank and buy extra provisions for it."
I will be emailing regularly and writing to all on the Electoral Roll in short order, for now though several things:
-
-
-
-
-
-
Call to Prayer
The five presidents of Churches Together in England (Archbishop Justin Welby, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Revd Dr Hugh Osgood, Archbishop Angaelos and Pastor Agu Irukwu), are calling churches across England to a participate in a National Day of Prayer and Action this coming (Mothering) Sunday, 22 March. They write “At such a time as this, when so many are fearful and there is great uncertainty, we are reminded of our dependence on our loving Heavenly Father and the future that he holds. At 7pm this Sunday, light a candle in the windows of your homes as a visible symbol of the light of life, Jesus Christ, our source and hope in prayer”. Read the full statement at www.cte.org.uk/calltoprayer.
At the risk of teaching you 'to suck eggs' please keep connected to one another through phone call, emails or whatever and if you are able to practical assist others -
Foodbank
Donations for the foodbank can still be left in church, as usual, many thanks to Sue and Mike for continuing with this. If you wish to donate yet are physically unable this link may help: https://www.trusselltrust.org/what-
Lastly, for now, the situation is necessarily fluid so you will find regular updates and a lot of valuable information on:
Please take care, stay safe, every good wish,
Nick
N P Heron
Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-
01939 232550