Benefice
Newsletter
2 July 2020
I am sure that you will have heard that the Government has said that churches may open for worship from this Sunday. What a cause for rejoicing! The promised guidelines, all 15 of them, took a further week to appear following the announcement. The churchwardens and I will be meeting in the coming days to complete the requisite risk assessments and establish exactly what we need to do to prepare for worship again.
I must warn you that it will not be as it was before lockdown, social distancing has to be maintained, not just when seated but during the entire service. However, let that not detract from the joyous reality that we should be able to break bread together and share in the wonderous gift of the Eucharist again soon. I will be able to confirm the exact date next week, so please continue to be the supportive and patient people that you have been in the last months.
In Morning Prayer at the moment we are working our way through the book of Judges – not an easy read. However, underlying the words is wisdom about the faithfulness of God over centuries and a call to trust in Him, to honour Him in all that we do. May we continue to focus on that call of discipleship as we continue through these unchartered waters.
God bless
Although the Summer Fayre was not able to happen this year, tickets were sold for the prize draw. The winning tickets were drawn by Reverend Paula, socially distanced in Dorothy’s garden. The full list of winners will be in the next edition of the magazine. Many thanks to all who supported the draw, a total of £760.00 was raised for church funds – a fantastic effort!
Thank you to Dorothy Knight for her hard work and determination in organising and selling tickets – and of course for hosting the draw in her garden.
Bishop Donald Allister is leading a 10 day pilgrimage to Israel and Palestine, Monday 12 - Wednesday 21 April 2021.
The tour starts with Jerusalem and the south, then moves on to Galilee and the north. There will be daily worship, prayers and Bible lessons. You have to be physically fit to take part, able to negotiate moderate hills, uneven surfaces and many steps. The diet will be that of the Mediterranean / Middle East, special dietary restrictions can't always be met, so do ask about them beforehand. The number of attendees is limited to 50.
See the brochure for prices and more information, or get in touch with the organiser Lightline Pilgrimages (01992 576065, info@lightline.org.uk).
Cereal; sugar; milk (UHT or powdered); fruit juice or squash; instant coffee; jam; marmite;
tinned meals: vegetarian, fish, soup, potatoes, puddings, fruit, custard;
instant packet meals: mash, dessert, jelly, rice, pasta-n-sauce;
baby nappies (sizes 5-6); cat and dog food; toilet rolls; shower gel; shaving cream; deodorant; washing up liquid; washing powder; tin openers, strong carrier bags.
Those who suffer in body, mind or spirit, among them: Paul Skinner, Richard Hole.
The housebound: Ruth S, Doreen A, Margaret O, Diana B, Pat W.
The Church of of Pakistan (United): The Most Revd Humphrey Peters, Bishop of Peshawar and Moderator of the Church of Pakistan; the Porvoo Churches – Saint Albans, Linköping.
If you would like to add a name to our prayer list, please first obtain the consent of the person you wish us to pray for. Then tell Rev Paula or Agnes at the Benefice Office whom to pray for and the reason why. A name remains on the list for three weeks.
Morning and evening prayer on Zoom – call Rev Christine (01933 226730).
Our Prayer and Praise services online
Our film quiz
Ian (phone 01933 274222) can help collect your shopping and prescriptions,
and he and Bob A. (01933 383316) collect Foodbank donations.
Northamptonshire Coronavirus Support Line for getting food, prescriptions and other services – call 0300 126 1000 / option 5.
List of churches with online services
Free worship phone line – call 0800 804 8044
For good mental health
For worship at home
For households with children: Faith at Home
Further resources from Peterborough Diocese