News: Update 17 January 2021

This week

Sadly, very sadly, in light of the increased risk of Covid-19 in this area, the catastrophic strain on the NHS, and the age of most of our congregation we have decided that, for the moment, holding services in multiple locations is not a risk worth taking. This is a temporary measure, due to the current, unprecedented crisis, and it will be reviewed in a few weeks.

The Conference Call/Zoom service will continue as usual at 10am on Sunday morning (see the resources page for details).

A shortened form of Holy Communion (no sermon, one reading) will take place each week at St Catherine's, Withleigh at 11.15am. If you wish to receive Holy Communion please book your seat via the church office - and wrap up warm!

Coffee Morning

Our next coffee morning will be on Wednesday 20 January 2021 at 10.30am. In times when we have restricted social contact, it is good to get together and have a chat. It’s not the same as meeting face to face, but we always have a laugh, I nearly always find out something interesting and new, genuine friendships have been made – and I can have my coffee just the way I like it! Come and join us – even if you haven’t been before.

See the Resources page for details...

Bible Study

The Bible Study starts up again on Wednesday 20 January at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome.

Please find Zoom details on our Bible Studies page.

Online Services

Don't forget you can listen to the Sunday service on the website on the 'Past Services' page. We will be recording every service from now on so you can catch up or listen again.

New Beginnings is our latest online reflection for the start of the new year. Please have a look at it via the website, and encourage others to do so. We are very grateful to all those who have contributed to his project, which is full of hope.

Week of prayer for Christian Unity

You are all invited to join with us and our friends from St Paul's and St George's to say Daily Prayer together during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. We will be meeting every week day between 18 -25 January, at 8.30am-9.00am. Please join us by using our usual Conference Call number or by Zoom.

Click here to join the Zoom meeting each day, or enter the details from below:

Meeting ID: 872 4897 4993
Passcode: 062198

Day of Prayer

To end the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, on Monday 25th January, I am also calling on us to conclude the week by having a day of prayer for our local communities, our nation, the church and the world.

There are many different ways of doing this. Some might like to ‘give something up’ to mark the day, either by eating more simply or going without a meal. Please only do this if it is safe for you to do so. Others might like to take a chunk of time and dedicate that to prayer. For others might find it better to have four shorter prayer slots throughout the day.

Just as fasting focuses some people’s attention on prayer, for others it might be helpful to look at a map of the world, or pray through items that are currently on the news. If you take a daily walk, you could pray as you walk and make it a prayer walk. For others it might be helpful to pray through the Lord’s Prayer, stopping after each significant phrase. Or you might like to light a candle or candles or incense as you pray.

I like to hold my holding cross, but you might have a favourite photograph or picture that draws you to prayer. There is no ‘right way’ – we just need to do it!

James reminds us that ‘the prayers of righteous people are powerful and effective’ and Paul encourages Christians in Philippi to pray: ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.’ Philippians 4: 6-7

With my love and prayers for your continued well-being and safety,

Steph

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News: Update 17 January 2021: News: Update 17 January 2021