Coronavirus - Community updates from the Revd Neil No 5

ST MICHAEL’S COMMUNITY UPDATE

No 5: 29.3.20

INTRODUCTION

• During the present situation we intend to send out an email letter with news, a thought for the day, medical advice and an ‘always look on the bright side’ item.
• If you want to be removed from this mailing list please let me know
• if you have a friend or neighbour who would like to receive this please forward their details.
• If you are able and willing to print these and deliver to someone living nearby without email can you please let me have their names so that I know they are included.
• I also invite you to send in items, especially humorous ones!
• For all correspondence please use, office@stmbsands.org

The word Church comes from the Greek word ECLESSIA which literally means gathering. The one thing we can’t do during this crisis is to gather physically, but there are lots of others ways that we can keep in touch, encourage and look after each other:

• Telephone Care Groups: We have put people into small groups of about 6 to ring one another each week and make sure everything is OK. If you would like to join a group, please let us know.
• Twice weekly newsletters: If you have a friend who would like to be added to our list please let us have their email.
• Candle of Hope, See below. It’s good to be doing things at the same time.
• 8pm Applause: this is not only encouraging to NHS staff and Care Workers but uplifting to us all.
• Church Services on TV and Radio - see below.

RUTH JONES

Ruth died peacefully on Thursday with Debi by her side. Even though she died of natural causes, there can only be a handful of immediate family at her funeral at Thornton Crematorium. Once this crisis is over, we will be burying her ashes in St Michael’s Garden of Remembrance and holding a Thanksgiving Memorial Service.

KEEPING FIT AND ACTIVE

It is so important that we all keep as active as possible during this time. It would be so easy to just sit around without the daily routines that we normally have. This is not good for our physical or mental wellbeing.

Margaret is already sending out regular exercise tips and challenges to those who attend her Wednesday morning classes.

She is also including links to the moveitorloseit website. They have exercises and tips specifically for the over 60s.

If you would like to be included in these mailings, please email Margaret at:
margaret.short@moveitorloseit.co.uk or ring 07950 027395.

CHURCH HALL

Phil Hunter is pressing ahead with work on the entrance hall and small hall. Work is due to begin Monday, 30^th March. We are keen to keep people employed provided it’s safe and legal. Because the 3 windows in the small hall will cost a total of £2,000 to replace, and we have no hall income at the moment, we will not be replacing them at the present time.

8PM APPLAUSE

On Thursday night Margaret and I have joined in by standing outside our house at 8pm to give a one-minute applause for all those working in the NHS and Care Workers during this crisis. It is lovely to see so many in our neighbourhood clapping for 60 seconds and then giving each other a wave. I do encourage you to join in next Thursday.

FREE TO WATCH

The BBC has added lots of new content on iPlayer. Especially old TV series e.g. Spooks, Wallander, French and Saunders and many more.  Most TVs, Sky boxes and digital boxes have access to this catch-up service. Just go into apps then click on iPlayer and you can see what’s available.

Also on iPlayer from The Royal Opera House to watch any time:
The Royal Ballet: Mayerling, Pappano’s Greatest Arias and Darcey Bussell: Looking for Margot.

The Royal Opera House is offering free broadcasts on its Facebook and YouTube channels including:

• Acis and Galatea, The Royal Opera 7pm Friday 3^rd April.
• Cosi fan tutte, The Royal Opera 7pm Friday 10^th April.
• The Metamorphosis, The Royal Ballet 7pm Friday 17^th April.

If you miss any of these, they are available on Facebook and YouTube to view ‘on demand’.

BIBLE STUDIES
In normal times Helen and I run Bibles studies on Monday morning, and Wednesday and Friday evenings. Because we are unable to meet we have produced some Bible Study notes you can do at home once per week. The first series is ‘Pondering Proverbs.’ Nerys will be sending these out to members of these groups every Monday. If you would like a copy, just let Nerys know by emailing office@stmbsands.org or tel: 0151 924 0561 and leave a message.

ST MICHAEL’S MORNING PRAYER

Attached is a short Morning Prayer Service with readings and a thought for today produced by Helen for your Sunday Service at home.

CHURCH SERVICES ON TV AND RADIO

On Sundays:          
8.10am Radio 4 (92.4-94.6 FM) Sunday Morning service every week.
10.45am BBC 1 TV Sunday Morning Service.
1.15pm BBC 1 TV Sunday Songs of Praise.

On Weekdays
3.30pm Wednesday repeated at 3pm Sunday: Radio 3 Choral Evensong.
9.45am Radio 4 Long Wave (198 Long Wave): Morning service (Mon-Sat).

CANDLES OF HOPE

In response to the Archbishop’s initiative many of us placed a candle in our windows on Sunday evening at 7pm. 

We will be repeating this again tonight as a sign of our hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, the light of the world.  Our friends in the fire service have been in touch to recommend we encourage people to do this safely and, if they do use a naked candle-flame, not to leave their candle unattended.  

Bishop Bev, the Bishop of Warrington, has produced a four-minute video of prayers that you could play at the same time at 7pm.

All you need to do is: -
Hover your mouse over the link below
Press control (usually bottom left on your keyboard)
And at the same time left click your mouse.
Have a practice before 7pm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnu9RND9GZE&feature=emb_logo 

If you are unable to do this, here is a suitable prayer to read at 7pm:

God of all hope we call on you today.
We pray for those who are living in fear:
Fear of illness, fear for loved ones, fear of other’s reactions to them.
May your Spirit give us a sense of calmness and peace.
We pray for those needing to make decisions in order to care for others.
For those who feel isolated.

Holy God, we remember that you have promised that,
nothing will separate us from your love.
Help us turn our eyes, hearts and minds afresh to you. Amen

ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE

I’m not breaking up with you, I’m just social distancing.

Knock, Knock
Who’s there?
Nobody!

Together we will get through this.
Revd Neil Short

29.3.20