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Dear Friends,
Sometimes I begin this wondering where the past week has 'gone'! Nonetheless another week to come, I hope this finds you in the best health and spirits possible and that the coming week is as good for you in as many ways as possible .
UPDATE
As detailed last week we are now in a very different situation regarding Covid restrictions and guidance these may be summarised as follows:
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The current national Church website puts things rather succinctly:
"As a body we now need to move forward without legal restrictions and as churches decide how best to manage the risk to ourselves and others, recognising we are many members within one body that are called to be responsible to and for one another, respecting the more vulnerable whose suffering is our suffering. "The circumstances in each parish will inform local decision-
We will continue, for now, across the benefice to:
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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 think the words of the Bishop of London who chairs the Church of England's Covid Recovery Group bear frequent revisiting: “...our approach needs to be cautious and careful." As our Church guidance states: "Vaccination cannot be the sole means of containing the spread of the virus.."
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. It has been hugely heartening and encouraging that for all of our recent weddings the couples and their families have not only accepted but wholly 'bought into' this approach
Up to date information may be found on the Church of England website and latest updates on guidance are also on our diocesan website.
SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP -
Wem Parish Church:
08:00 -
09:45 -
Weston Parish Church:
09:30 -
Lee Parish Church:
11:15 -
THIS SUNDAY: THE NINTH 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 -
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 Local Prayer Diary and Diocesan Prayer Diary.
NEXT SUNDAY
Next Sunday, 8th August, the Tenth after Trinity our services will be at:.
Wem: 08:00 and 09:45
Weston: 09:30
Lee: 11:15
CATCH UP LUNCH
Wem Store Cupboard have come up with the brilliant idea of a Catch-
FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION of OUR LORD -
One of the truly great days in our Church Calendar. The story of the Transfiguration is told in Matthew, Mark and Luke and is referred to in 2 Peter. Each time it is made clear that God’s salvation is for all and Christ is the one who brings that salvation. The figures of Moses and Elijah represent the testimony of the Law and the Prophets and the event prefigures the resurrection. It has been described as a ‘hinge’ of the Gospels and one of the five major events in the ministry of Our Lord.
The post-
Holy God,
we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ:
may we who are partakers at his table
reflect his life in word and deed,
that all the world may know
his power to change and save.
This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Two thoughts to go with this week's great Feast day on Friday:
"Listen to Jesus and follow him. That's the message of the Transfiguration." Pope Francis.
"God places us in the world as his fellow workers-
With my every good wish,
Nick
N P Heron
Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-
01939 232550
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Dear Friends,
May this have been a positive week and this find you in the best health and spirits possible. Perhaps, like me, you have buoyed up by some of the moving back stories to the Olympics as they unfold -
UPDATE
As detailed in previous weeks we are now in a very different situation regarding Covid restrictions and guidance these may be summarised as follows:
-
-
-
-
-
"As a body we now need to move forward without legal restrictions and as churches decide how best to manage the risk to ourselves and others, recognising we are many members within one body that are called to be responsible to and for one another, respecting the more vulnerable whose suffering is our suffering.
"The circumstances in each parish will inform local decision-
These words from our national Church website will continue to be our template for how we take things from here.
Whilst things are mercifully hugely easier than they were a short while ago, we will, for now, maintain caution and care and hopefully move into an even more relaxed modus operandi before long. We will, across the benefice, continue to:
-
-
-
-
Our social distancing protocol is now thoroughly relaxed, 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.
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. It continues to be hugely heartening and encouraging that for all of our recent weddings and christenings the couples and their families have not only accepted but wholly 'bought into' this approach.
Up to date information may be found at Church of England website and latest updates on guidance are also on our diocesan website. Past bulk emails may be caught up on by clicking here.
SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP -
Wem Parish Church:
08:00 -
09:45 -
Weston Parish Church:
09:30 -
Lee Parish Church:
11:15. Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music) .
THIS SUNDAY: THE TENTH AFTER TRINITY
You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sun by clicking on 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: "Jesus as the Bread of Life." Led by Rev Saju Muthalaly from St Mark's Gillingham, this online church service explores Jesus as the bread of life, with music, prayer and reflection.
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 Local Prayer Diary and Diocesan Prayer Diary.
NEXT SUNDAY
Next Sunday, 15 August, is the great Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary:.
Wem: 08:00 and 09:45
Weston: 09:30
Lee: 11:15
All except the Wem 08:00 will be Eucharists with homily and hymn music.
CATCH UP LUNCH
Wem Store Cupboard have come up with the brilliant idea of a Catch-
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
This week contains the Commemoration of John Henry Newman (11 August) he was a leading figure in the Churches and religious life of England in the 19th century. You may not know that the beautiful, inspirational and famous prayer for 'Peace at the last' often used in our funeral services and beloved by many is from his pen. Two quotations from this great figure in our faith -
'When you feel in need of a compliment, give one to someone else.'
'To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.'
Enjoy the week as much as you possibly can and keep taking care, with every good wish,
Nick
N P Heron
Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-
01939 232550
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Dear Friends,
I trust this finds you all as well as possible in the middle of an August that seems to be flying by -
UPDATE
Little has changed in the last week save a rise in the local R figures, albeit these are understandably as of 8 August (the Interactive Map always reflecting figures from the week before). A short while ago figures were lower and hopefully (for many obvious reasons) will decrease again so we may return to closer to 'normal' soon.
In this clearly 'one size does not fit all' world we will continue with frequent consultations and checks that we are on the right path for this benefice as we all hope that our 'moving on' can be soon. I strongly suspect that some of the repetition of our current protocols is now unnecessary, these may be quickly accessed by way of reminder at www.wemcofe.co.uk
For all weddings, funerals and baptisms I will continue to carefully talk matters through with the families involved to ensure our principles of care, concern and caution are understood and will continue to gently ask that all respect our care and concern during these Occasional Offices. It continues to be hugely heartening and encouraging that for all of our recent weddings and christenings the couples and their families have not only accepted but wholly 'bought into' this approach.
Up to date information may be found at Church of England website and latest updates on guidance are also on our diocesan website.
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 THE VIRGIN MARY (11th Sunday after Trinity)
You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sunday by clicking on 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: "Celebrating the Festival of the Blessed Virgin Mary." An online church service for the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity, led by Rev Mark Hewerdine. Celebrating the Festival of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the worship comes from St Chad's Ladybarn, exploring The Magnificat as a vision of the Kingdom of God.
THIS SUNDAY on BBC
Radio Four: 08:10 -
BBC ONE: 13:15 -
Please find attached the readings (nb not the same as those set for the Feast of the BVM), '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, 22nd August, is the 12th after Trinity:.
Wem: 08:00 and 09:45
Weston: 11:00
Lee: 11:15
All except the Wem 08:00 will be Eucharists with homily and hymn music
BENEFICE MAGAZINE
After our usual break for August the September edition will soon be compiled. After this break it would be excellent to kick start the Autumn series of magazines with a bumper edition, so please put on your thinking caps and let's have a great edition! Any articles, reflections, poetry, prose -
OUR CHURCH'S RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CRISIS REPORT
I doubt any of us can fail to have been distressed by the scenes of wildfires in Greece over the past week, nor be gravely concerned by seemingly endless climate records being broken. Then on Tuesday we had the UN report which spelled out the stark reality of the peril the planet is in -
The Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, the Church of England’s lead bishop for the environment, said: “The message of today’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report is loud and clear:
‘Wake up world!’ “It is time to stop playing political games and take action now. “We are already seeing the effects of the climate emergency around the world -
As we see and read of events worldwide let us, no matter how small our part, resolve to do our 'bit' in both prayer and action.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
I've just read an article in the 'Church Times' on Christianity and Faith in contemporary football. This details the growth in faith present in leading players of our 'national game'.... and their willingness to be associated with this publicly. It was encouraging and amongst the article's many positive lines were:-
"the faith we have in God is shown by the people we are" Marcus Rashford
I hope to see you soon, with every good wish for the week ahead, take care,
Nick
N P Heron
Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-
01939 232550
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Dear Friends,
Whilst the weather may be somewhat 'unseasonable', whatever that means of late, I trust this finds you in the very best spirits and do hope to see you very soon.
UPDATE
There has been no change over the past week except for a fluctuating R number v locally and seemingly a depressing rise for our nearest larger centres. Let us continue to hope (for many obvious reasons) these will decrease again so we may return to closer to 'normal' in our worship soon.
In this clearly 'one size does not fit all' world we will continue with frequent consultations and checks that we are on the right path for this benefice as we all hope that our 'moving on' can be soon. Repetition of our current protocols is now surely unnecessary, these may be quickly accessed by way of reminder at www.wemcofe.co.uk
For all weddings, funerals and baptisms, I will continue to carefully talk matters through with the families involved to ensure our principles of care, concern and caution are understood and will continue to gently ask that all respect our care and concern during these Occasional Offices. It continues to be hugely heartening and encouraging that for all of our Occasional Offices the loved ones, couples and their families have not only accepted but wholly 'bought into' this approach.
Up to date information may be found at Church of England website and latest updates on guidance are also on our diocesan website.
SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP -
Wem Parish Church:
08:00 -
09:45 -
13:00 -
14:00 -
15:00 -
Please remember India, Amora and Iris in your prayers.
Weston Parish Church:
11:00 -
Lee Parish Church:
11:15. Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music) .
THIS SUNDAY: THE TWELFTH AFTER TRINITY
You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sun by clicking on 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 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 Diocesan Prayer Diary.
NEXT SUNDAY 13th AFTER TRINITY
Next Sunday, 29th August it being the 5th Sunday of the month, a BH weekend and due to clergy availability there will be a Joint Benefice Service rather than three separate parish Eucharists. Both will take place in St Peter and St Paul's, Wem.
08:00 -
09:45 -
BENEFICE MAGAZINE
I trust plenty have taken to heart the plea in last week's email (and some notices) for input to our September Magazine. The first for a couple of months.....let's make this another fruitful 'bumper edition'. Any articles, reflections, etc etc to Pam or myself as soon as you can please.
ST BARTHOLOMEW THE APOSTLE
Tuesday 24th August marks the significant Feast of one of the Apostles -
It has long been assumed that Bartholomew is the same as Nathaniel who the gospels speak of being brought by Philip to Jesus. One of the Apostles he was unsurprisingly beside the Sea of Galilee at the resurrection appearance. Tradition tells us that Bartholomew, as the other Apostles, became a missionary and was martyred for his faith.
Almighty God,
who gave to your apostle Bartholomew grace
truly to believe and to preach your word;
grant that your Church may love the word which he believed
and faithfully preach and receive the same;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
A day to give thanks for the Catholic and Apostolic Church of which we are part and also to remember all who, like Bartholomew are persecuted, tortured and martyred for their faith (whatever it may be).
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Next Saturday is the day we commemorate St Augustine of Hippo, one of the greatest and most influential figures of the early Church. It would be hard to overstate his impact, especially in the West, but also throughout Christianity -
'Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.'
St Augustine Bishop and Teacher 430
Have the very best week you possibly can, take care,
Nick
N P Heron
Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-
01939 232550
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Dear Friends,
As always my very best wishes to all on this last weekend in Aug, may you have a good BH weekend and week to follow.
UPDATE
The only change over the past week apropos how we conduct our church affairs is a considerably rising R number both locally and for our nearest larger centres. As quite a few have mentioned these are a real concern and higher than at any time to date, thankfully the vaccination programme means these are not translating into dire rates for hospitalisation or worse. Nonetheless it seems to me we should continue as we are in exercising great care and caution. Let us continue to hope (for many obvious reasons) that we may soon return to closer to 'normal' in our worship. Repetition of our current protocols is now surely unnecessary, these may be quickly accessed by way of reminder at www.wemcofe.co.uk
For all weddings, funerals and baptisms I will continue to carefully talk matters through with the families involved to ensure our principles of care, concern and caution are understood and will continue to gently ask that all respect our care and concern during these Occasional Offices. It continues to be hugely heartening and encouraging that for all of our Occasional Offices the loved ones, couples and their families have not only accepted but wholly 'bought into' this approach.
Up to date information may be found on the Church of England website and latest updates on guidance are also on our diocesan website.
SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP -
Wem Parish Church:
08:00 -
09:45 -
It has often been our practice to have joint services for the 5th Sun of the month, which is in itself a very healthy thing, However, the combination of BH weekend and clergy availability lead even more to this. Please make every effort to attend if you are able.
14:30 -
THIS SUNDAY: THE THIRTEENTH AFTER TRINITY
You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sun by clicking on 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 ONE: 13:15 -
Please find attached the readings, Homily and 'Life the Word' (with an informative short element on the authorship of some of the Epistles, as ref to in some recent sermons) for this Sunday (courtesy of Redemptorist Publications). Also find attached our Local Prayer Diary and Diocesan Prayer Diary.
NEXT SUNDAY 14th AFTER TRINITY (Climate Sunday)
Wem:
08:00 -
09:45 -
Weston:
09:30 -
Lee:
1115. Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)
WEM CHURCH -
This will be held at 14:30 on Tuesday 31st August. Ordinarily such services are not mentioned in this email (for most weeks there are such services of one form or another). However, when Peggy passed away it was at the hardest part of the first lockdown, a church service was not allowed and restrictions meant neither her family could travel for her service nor members of her church 'family' pay their respects -
PARISH MAGAZINE
This will be out in the very near future -
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
September signifies the start of the annual season of creation (1 September-
All churches in the diocese are encouraged to register with Eco Church and through this strive to make a difference: from the Eco Church / A Rocha prayer diary the prayer theme for September -
During the Season of Creation (1 September -
With every good wish for the week ahead, may it be the best possible for you -
Nick