5^th July 2020

Dear Friends

As many of us start to move out of lockdown as the relaxation of rules comes about, we are once again able to start seeing our family and friends in our own homes. Very soon we will also have the opportunity to meet again face to face in church, albeit observing ‘social distancing,’ although I prefer the term physical distancing!

Inevitably there will be lots of you who are understandably a bit reticent about going out and mixing with others and have very real concerns about what to do and how to stay safe. As a church, we will of course be doing everything that we can to make things as safe as possible and it will be wonderful to once again join together in worship in August. It is often said that a trouble shared is a trouble halved and I would urge everyone who is understandably worried to talk to somebody about their concerns.

In our Gospel reading Jesus is encouraging us to share those things of which we are concerned with him and he promises to give us rest from these burdens.

‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew 11:28). I find it so comforting to know that whatever happens Jesus is walking with us, even in or especially in these difficult times.

The relentless bad news that is fed to us on a daily basis by all the different sources of the media does undoubtedly affect us all and I for one am becoming a little weary of the constant negative reporting. It is easy in this situation to continually focus on what is wrong and lose sight of all the good things and amazing acts of kindness that are going on all around us.

In last week’s Church Times, there was a brilliant piece written be Jayne Manfredi which I thought I would share:

Beatitudes for a Global Pandemic.

Blessed are those who stay indoors, for they have protected others.

Blessed are the unemployed and self-employed, for their need of God is great.

Blessed are the corner shopkeepers, for they are the purveyors of scarce things.

Blessed are the delivery drivers and the postal workers, for they are the bringers of essential things.

Blessed are the hospital workers, the ambulance crews, the doctors, the nurses, the care assistants and the cleaners, for they stand between us and the grave, and the kingdom of heaven is surely theirs.

Blessed are the checkout workers, for they have patience and fortitude in the face of overwork and frustration.

Blessed are the refuse collectors, for they will see God despite the mountains of waste.

Blessed are the teachers, for they remain steadfast and constant in disturbing times.

Blessed are the church workers, the deacons, priests, and bishops, for they are a comforting presence in a hurting world as they continue to signpost towards God.

Blessed are the single parents, for they are coping alone with their responsibilities and there is no respite.

Blessed are those who are alone, for they are children of God and with him they will never be lonely.

Blessed are the bereaved for whom the worst has already happened, they shall be comforted.

Blessed are those who are isolated with their abusers, for one day-we pray-they will know safety.

Blessed are all during this time who have pure hearts;  all who still hunger and thirst for justice; all who work for peace and who model mercy, may they know comfort, may they know calm and may the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.

Stay safe and I hope to see you all soon.

John x