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Dear Friends,
This is sent, as always, with the very best of wishes, my hopes that you've had the best week possible and that things being as they are this nonetheless finds you in good spirits. Perhaps a slightly shorter bulk email this week with little by way of Covid update or 'parish notices'.
As you will be reading this on St Thomas' Day, or if an owl the eve of, you may well wish to use the following at some point on this major St's Day:
Collect for the Feast of St Thomas Apostle
Almighty and eternal God,
who, for the firmer foundation of our faith,
allowed your holy Apostle Thomas
to doubt the resurrection of your Son
till word and sight convinced him:
grant to us who have not seen, that we also may believe
and so confess Christ as our Lord and our God
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever
UPDATE
Having, quite literally, just double-
Our guidance is that services 'should be kept concise while still consistent with the nature of the occasion,' we are keeping to this, perhaps a very good liturgical habit and principle to foster for all our services?
Again up to date information may be found at Church of England website and latest updates on guidance are also on our diocesan website. Equally as and when more guidance emerges it will be sent to all.
SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP -
Wem Parish Church: 08:00 -
09:45 -
Weston Parish Church: 11:00 -
St Peter's congregation are warmly encourage to join and share with either St Luke's or SS Peter and Paul's congregations.
Our essential precautions we are now so accustomed to continue, of course, to apply:-
* Always sanitise hands on entry, after touching anything 'communal' and before Communion
* Wear your mask whenever attending worship
* At all times keep to physical distancing -
* As you would expect Communion will remain in 'one kind' and as yet we are not able to sing
* Follow any other guidance of the church wardens or sides-
Please continue to leave directly after the service and not 'mingle' in church and when outside adhere to governmental guidelines, especially with regard to keeping appropriate distances apart irrespective of being outside 'space' is still a virtue of the day.
I cannot stress too strongly that it is, very clearly, absolutely fine and in order for any not to resume just yet if we feel individually that the time is not quite right and no one should feel under any pressure to do so; hopefully these continued emails will allow you to feel connected, they will continue providing details of on-
THIS SUNDAY: FIFTH after TRINITY
You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sun by clicking of the above and following the necessary links -
08:00 -
10:30 -
17:30 -
OR
Access the C of E website to find details of this week's service which you can also watch during the week, it is available from 09:00. This week:
09:00 -
Worship led by Rev Dr 'Bunmi Fagbemi from Holy Trinity Tottenham, with words from from the Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton and Chair of Housing Justice.
THIS SUNDAY on BBC
Radio Four: 08:10 -
BBC ONE: 13:15 -
Please find attached the readings, 'Live the Word' and Homily for this Sun (courtesy of Redemptorist Publications). Also find attached our Local Prayer Diary and Diocesan Prayer Diary.
NEXT SUNDAY
Next Sunday, 11 Jul, is The Sixth after Trinity our services will all be at the usual times:.
Wem: 08:00 and 09:45
Weston: 09:30
Lee: 11:15
BENEFICE MAGAZINE
This will be out and circulated on line in the next few days.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Could any of us not be shocked and concerned by the current climate extremes besetting N America realising that these are not passing incidental phenomena?
"Reducing the causes of climate change is essential to the life of faith. It is a way to love our neighbour and to steward the gift of creation." -
"Having faith does not mean having no difficulties, but having the strength to face them, knowing we are not alone." -
So may we all pray with urgency, and having done so, do all we can with equal urgency; expecting those in authority to do no less.
Heavenly Father,
You have taught us, through your servant St Francis,
That all creation is your handiwork.
Grant us your grace that we may
Exercise wise stewardship of this Earth;
Tread lightly upon it;
And cherish its resources;
That our children may enjoy its riches, throughout all generations,
And your name be glorified through all that you have made.
Please keep taking care and exercising vigilance whilst having the very best week you can.
Every good wish,
Nick
N P Heron
Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-
01939 232550
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Dear Friends,
Please find attached the next edition of the Benefice Magazine, unfortunately it was prepped and ready to go but having placed in my saved box did not actually send -
My many thanks to Pam.
Take care
N P Heron
Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-
01939 232550
-
Dear Friends,
Hopefully you are all keeping as well as possible. Doubtless, like myself, you will be wondering what the 19 July will bring for places of worship as well as our wider society. To date there is no update on the National Church guidelines -
UPDATE
As I type the latest, dated Wednesday 7th, from the Church of England's Covid Recovery Group is:
“We will await the new Government advice for places of worship and adapt our guidance to churches accordingly.”
Back copies of all previous emails detailing where we are just at present may be found here. Up to date information may be found on the Church of England website and latest updates on guidance are also on our diocesan website. Equally as and when more guidance emerges it will be sent to all.
SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP -
Wem Parish Church: 08:00 -
09:45 -
Weston Parish Church: 09:30 -
Lee Parish Church: 11:15 -
Our essential precautions we are now so accustomed to continue, of course, to apply:-
* Always sanitise hands on entry, after touching anything 'communal' and before Communion
* Wear your mask whenever attending worship
* At all times keep to physical distancing -
* As you would expect Communion will remain in 'one kind' and as yet we are not able to sing
* Follow any other guidance of the church wardens or sidespeople
Please continue to leave directly after the service and not 'mingle' in church and when outside adhere to governmental guidelines, especially with regard to keeping appropriate distances apart irrespective of being outside 'space' is still a virtue of the day.
I cannot stress too strongly that it is, very clearly, absolutely fine and in order for any not to resume just yet if we feel individually that the time is not quite right and no one should feel under any pressure to do so; hopefully these continued emails will allow you to feel connected, they will continue providing details of on-
THIS SUNDAY: SIXTH after TRINITY
You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sunday by clicking on the above link and following the necessary links -
08:00 -
10:30 -
17:30 -
OR
Access the C of E website to find details of this week's service which you can also watch during the week, it is available from 09:00. This week:
09:00 -
THIS SUNDAY on BBC
Radio Four: 08:10 -
BBC ONE: 11:30 -
BBC TWO: 13:15 -
Please find attached the readings, 'Live the Word' and Homily for this Sunday (courtesy of Redemptorist Publications). Also find attached our Local Prayer Diary and Diocesan Prayer Diary.
NEXT SUNDAY
Next Sunday, 18 Jul, is The Seventh after Trinity our services will all be at the usual times:.
Wem: 08:00 & 09:45
Weston: 09:30
Lee: 11:15
WEM PCC
Advance notice that this next meets, via zoom, at 19:30 on Monday 19th Jul -
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
From C S Lewis, a little to the point yet perhaps no bad thing for that:
'Do not waste time bothering whether you "love" your neighbour; act as if you did.'
Please have a good week, I hope to see you soon, stay safe and every good wish,
Nick
N P Heron
Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-
01939 232550
-
Dear Friends,
What a glorious day this has been! A splendid one for St Peter's School Moving-
UPDATE
I have spent a long time reading the updated guidance prepared in advance of Monday's anticipated announcement that Covid restrictions will be lifted. The full document of some considerable length, requires further reading and I will be working through the implications with each church's church wardens during the coming week ready for next Sunday (25th). In brief if as expected all restrictions are lifted we are in theory allowed to return completely to 'as was' pre-
It does not take the wisdom of Solomon to immediately acknowledge that whatever the arrangements across the benefice are they will not be as everyone would personally wish, this will be nigh on impossible! May I therefore ask at this stage and in advance that we all show sensitivity, understanding and patience in how we work through this stage together -
This afternoon the Bishop of London who chairs the Church of England's Recovery Group, released a statement. Bishop Sarah writes:
“Many will welcome the possibilities now before us, not least increased numbers at life events and a long awaited return of congregational and amateur choir singing.
“However, this is a difficult point in the course of the pandemic. Despite vaccination rates, cases are up, hospital admissions are up and long covid remains an ongoing concern. Therefore our approach needs to be cautious and careful.
“Taking personal responsibility means responsibility for our neighbour, not just for ourselves, and taking precautions to protect those more vulnerable than we consider ourselves to be. Local church leaders know their communities and their own circumstances, and we will support them making local decisions to keep themselves and their community safe. We would ask everyone to support those making local decisions and respect risk assessments, which are in place to protect everyone as we enter the next phase.“
I think the watchwords for ourselves at present with current rates of infection and ongoing individual concerns are 'cautious and careful'.
Up to date information may be found on the Church of England website and latest updates on guidance are also on our diocesan website. Equally once an initial plan is sorted it will be sent to all.
SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP -
Wem Parish Church:
08:00 -
0945. Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)
Weston Parish Church:
09:30 -
Lee Parish Church:
11:15 -
Our essential precautions we are now so accustomed to continue, of course, to apply:-
* Always sanitise hands on entry, after touching anything 'communal' and before Communion
* Wear your mask whenever attending worship
* At all times keep to physical distancing -
* As you would expect Communion will remain in 'one kind' and as yet we are not able to sing
* Follow any other guidance of the church wardens or sidespeople
Please continue to leave directly after the service and not 'mingle' in church and when outside adhere to governmental guidelines, especially with regard to keeping appropriate distances apart irrespective of being outside 'space' is still a virtue of the day.
I cannot stress too strongly that it is, very clearly, absolutely fine and in order for any not to resume just yet if we feel individually that the time is not quite right and no one should feel under any pressure to do so; hopefully these continued emails will allow you to feel connected, they will continue providing details of on-
THIS SUNDAY: SEVENTH after TRINITY
You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sunday by clicking of the above and following the necessary links -
08:00 -
10:30 -
17:30 -
OR
Access the C of E website to find details of this week's service which you can also watch during the week, it is available from 0900. This week:
09:00 -
THIS SUNDAY on BBC
Radio Four:
08:10 -
BBC ONE:
13:15 -
Please find attached the readings, 'Live the Word' and Homily for this Sunday (courtesy of Redemptorist Publications). Also find attached our Local Prayer Diary and the Diocesan Prayer Diary.
NEXT SUNDAY
Next Sunday the 25th July, is the Feast of St James the Apostle as well as the Eighth after Trinity our services will be at:.
Wem: 08:00 & 09:45
Weston: 09:30
Lee: 11:15
WEM PCC
The Wem PCC next meets, via zoom, at 19:30 on Monday (19th) -
ST MARY MAGDALENE -
Thursday is the celebration of one of the great and remarkable saints, Mary Magdalene
John chapter 20 verses 1 to 18
Where Mary is the first to the tomb on Easter morning. She is the one to tell the disciples earning her the sobriquet ‘Apostle to the Apostles’ and then recognises Jesus subsequently, as in the most moving of scenes he speaks to her simply by name, ‘Mary’.
A prayer for us all to join in saying on this great feast day:
Almighty God,
whose risen Son first entrusted to Mary Magdalene
the good news of his resurrection:
grant that we may serve you in the power of him
who has ascended to you,
his God and Father,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit
be all honour and glory,
now and forever.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
'No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.' Nelson Mandela
Let's hope the sun keeps shining so gloriously and that all of us may have the best week possible -
Nick
N P Heron
Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-
01939 232550
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Dear Friends,
How unusual to begin by saying I hope it has not been too hot for you over the past few days! Nonetheless my best wishes re the heatwave could not be more meant, let us hope we may have some more glorious days in the next week -
UPDATE
We now have considerable 'guidance' apropos where we stand as places of worship in relation to this phase of the pandemic. This may be summarised as follows:
-
-
-
-
-
This is a heavy responsibility for incumbents, church wardens and all and as I well remember writing last week: "It does not take the wisdom of Solomon to immediately acknowledge that whatever the arrangements across the benefice are they will not be as everyone would personally wish, this will be nigh on impossible! May I therefore ask at this stage that we all show sensitivity, understanding and patience in how we work through this stage together -
I have spent more time than you need to know reflecting and talking through with others our options, and have also kept a close eye on the rising infection rates for not only our parishes but also those places which many habitually visit to shop, work or meet friends and family. In brief, or this could be a very long email, we will proceed, for now, across the benefice as we have done over the past months and all will be kept under the most regular review. This means we will:
-
-
-
-
We will now though relax our social distancing protocol, it will be fine for folk to sit with whoever they wish (too clearly as long as the other is comfortable and feels safe with this) and encourage people to keep to 1m from any others at other times and when sat in the pews.
I would like you to note again the words of the Bishop of London who chairs the Church of England's Covid Recovery Group:
“...this is a difficult point in the course of the pandemic. Despite vaccination rates, cases are up, hospital admissions are up and long covid remains an ongoing concern. Therefore our approach needs to be cautious and careful."
I think the watchwords for ourselves at present with current rates of infection and ongoing individual concerns are 'cautious and careful'. At the Wem PCC, sadly the only one which was scheduled to meet post 19 July, the above approach was unanimously supported. Ruth Empson who was asked to distil some of what she brought to that meeting has kindly agreed that her precis may be shared with all -
For all weddings, funerals and baptisms I will be carefully talking matters through with the families involved to ensure our principles of care, concern and caution are understood and will continue to respectfully expect that masks will be worn throughout services and advising that singing will (for now) be best avoided during these Occasional Offices.
Up to date information may be found on the Church of England website and latest updates on guidance are also on our diocesan website.
[NB. As of today (24th July), although the stats are of necessity a week behind, the area covering Weston & Lee stood at a rate of 362/100k and for Wem at 520/100K]
SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP -
Wem Parish Church:
08:00 -
09:45 -
Weston Parish Church:
09:30 -
Lee Parish Church:
11:15 -
THIS SUNDAY: THE FEAST of ST JAMES the APOSTLE
You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sun by clicking of the above and following the necessary links -
08:00 -
10:30 -
17:30 -
OR
Access the C of E website to find details of this week's service which you can also watch during the week, it is available from 09:00. This week:
09:00 -
THIS SUNDAY on BBC
Radio Four:
08:10 -
BBC TWO:
13:15 -
Please find attached the readings, 'Live the Word' and Homily for this Sunday (courtesy of Redemptorist Publications). Also find attached our Diocesan Prayer Diary, unfortunately, Our Local Prayer Diary is not available at this time.
COLLECT for ST JAMES the APOSTLE
This Sunday our Redemptorist readings and collects don't focus on St James, it would be a shame for you not to have sight of and therefpre the opportunity to join in praying the collect at some point on this special day.
Merciful God,
whose holy Apostle St James,
leaving his father and all he had,
was obedient to the calling of your Son
and followed him even to death:
help us, forsaking the false attractions of the world,
to be ready at all times to answer your call without delay;
through Jesus Christ our Lord
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and forever.
NEXT SUNDAY
Next Sunday, 1 Aug, the Ninth after Trinity our services will be at:.
Wem: 08:00 and 09:45 (also a memorial service for Christine Murray)
Weston: 09:30
Lee: 11:15
CATCH UP LUNCH
Wem Store Cupboard have come up with the brilliant idea of a Catch-
THANK YOU
Our many thanks are so often due to the priests who, whilst 'retired' faithfully celebrate at our Eucharists across the benefice. Quite simply our Sunday rotas would not be possible without them. My especial thanks to Mike and Rob for doubling up this Sunday to enable my local leave (plus conducting a christening on Sunday afternoon!).
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.” – Maori Proverb
Let's hope the sun keeps shining so gloriously, have the best week you can yet continue to take care of one another and all around us. Every good wish,
Nick
N P Heron
Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-
01939 232550