ALL CHURCH SERVICES ARE CANCELLED
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
PASTORAL LETTER AND SOME INFORMATION
Dear All 18/3/2020
Shaila and I with the Ministry Team
members have been praying a lot for all the members of our parish in the light
of Coronavirus. Praying that you all keep safe and
healthy. I’ve shared on Sunday morning in the two services that this
is the time of prayer, trust, and hope in asking God’s help in
faith. No verse in the Bible says, ‘do not ask’ instead
Jesus said, ‘Ask and it will be given to you’ (Matthew
7:7). So, let us ask God to keep us safe.
Some of you have asked is there any
plan of action in the light of the Coronavirus outbreak. I’ve been
following the Diocesan advice updates. The Archbishops of Canterbury and
York have advised this afternoon to cancel all the church services for social
distances. https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/archbishops-call-church-england-become-radically-different-public-worship.
Hence, church services have been
cancelled. All the Lent activities have been cancelled. Regarding
the booking of weddings and baptisms, the information will be sent to the
District Wardens. There are some suggestions made by the diocese on
pastoral care. We are strictly asked to follow the government advice
on the virus outbreak in terms of following the hygiene. Please click here
to get more information on the Church guidance: https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches#na
Pastoral care is given to all who are
in need, especially who are affected by the virus or self-isolated. Please
call me, the office or Viv Rogers and pass on the information of those who need
help. We shall be happy to offer prayers on the phone if you wish to
be prayed for. Please let us know if anyone needs any help in buying
food or have financial difficulties as we can direct them to some charities to
assist.
Ministry Team members
consist of me, Shaila (01773-383703), Viv Rogers (01763-837185), Mel Chandler
(017638382890 and John Wayper (01799-732045) are all available to offer prayers
and help if you need any help. Alison Wilkinson has also very kindly offered to do
the shopping for anyone who is self-isolating in our parish and her telephone
number is 01763-837303 or 07801236026
email: ajwesleywilkinson@waldenrise.com. She also assists in chaplaincy dept. in Addenbrookes hospital. She offered to talk to the elderly people in our parish if they wish to call her.
We are soon setting up a prayer chain in our parish. I'll get back to you on this. If you are interested to be on the prayer chain praying for people please let me know your name.
We are soon setting up a prayer chain in our parish. I'll get back to you on this. If you are interested to be on the prayer chain praying for people please let me know your name.
Meanwhile, please keep safe and
continue to pray. Please read the following Psalms which are
comforting and spiritually refreshing to our souls:
·
Psalm 91 He shall
cover you with his wings
·
Isaiah 43 (esp.
vv.1-7) Do not fear, for I am with you
·
John 14 Do not let
your hearts be troubled
·
27 The Lord is my
light and my salvation
·
Psalm 46 Be still
and know that I am God.
·
Psalm 139 O Lord, you have searched me out and known
me
You may say this prayer with me: O God you made the world and
care for all creation. But the world feels strange right now. The news is full
of stories about Coronavirus. Many people are anxious because of it. Many
people are anxious that they might get ill. Many people are anxious about their
family and friends. Be with them in their worries and help them to find some
peace. We pray for the doctors and nurses and scientists who are working to
discover the right medicines to give hope to those who are ill. Thank you that
even in these strange and worrying times, you are with us. Help us to look for
the signs of your goodness and love towards us. Amen.
Revd.
Nicky Gumble from Holy Trinity Brampton, London has given a very comforting
sermon on Coronavirus outbreak. Please click to hear the sermon: https://www.htb.org/sunday-talks-archive/2020/3/16/faith-not-fear.
Thanks to Susannah VanStaten for sending the link.
With warm wishes and prayers,
Anand
and Shaila
___________________________________________________________________
Revd. Dr. Anand Sodadasi,
Rectory, 1, Hall Lane, Great Chishill,
Royston, HERTS - SG88SG. Tel. 01763-838703
Rectory, 1, Hall Lane, Great Chishill,
Royston, HERTS - SG88SG. Tel. 01763-838703
The
Parish of Icknield Way Villages
