Coronavirus - Community updates from the Revd Neil No 5
ST MICHAEL’S COMMUNITY UPDATE No 5: 29.3.20
INTRODUCTION
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:
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:
CHURCH HALL Phil Hunter is pressing ahead with work on the entrance hall and small hall. Work is due to begin Monday, 30th 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.
The Royal Opera House is offering free broadcasts on its Facebook and YouTube channels including:
If you miss any of these, they are available on Facebook and YouTube to view ‘on demand’.
BIBLE STUDIES
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: On Weekdays
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: - 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. Holy God, we remember that you have promised that,
ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE I’m not breaking up with you, I’m just social distancing.
Knock, Knock
Together we will get through this. 29.3.20 |