Give thanks

Dear friends,

As the mornings draw in, it is difficult to remain unmoved by  the all pervading sense of global threat. We can learn a lot from how the Jewish people have endured far worse over the course of their history; their nation has survived three attempts at total annihilation – from the Babylonians, the Romans, and the Nazis respectively. The little book of Lamentations in the Old Testament is a wail of grief at the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon, listing catastrophes and disasters far worse than we see today. There are only a few verses of hope in this desperate piece of Scripture. Nevertheless these small verses remain stubbornly there, unedited defiance in the midst of a world of calamity.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lam 3:22-23)

So we take it one day at a time; grateful for the light while we have it, and the “new mercies each returning day.”

Worship for Sunday 4th October

Live Sunday services continue at St Leonard’s Woodcote with Holy Communion at 8.30am, and St Peter and St Paul, Checkendon with Morning Prayer at 9am. Live midweek worship is offered at St Mary North Stoke on Wednesday at 10.30am, and St Mary Ipsden on Thursday at 10.30am with a service of Holy Communion. Should the Government or National Church make any pronouncements that affect us – check the Team website first of all: https://www.langtreechurches.org/coronavirus

If you are wondering about attending any of our live services, we’ve made it as safe as possible to do so. There is room for you. Everyone wears a mask, we don’t sing, and we sit apart. The services are quiet, prayerful, and short. Doors remain open to make sure there is good ventilation. Of course it isn’t the same, and won’t be until there’s a vaccine for everyone, but the welcome is unchanged.  You can also come and pray privately during the week.

Our main worship options on a Sunday remain via Zoom. This Sunday’s online worship options are hosted by Revds John and Kevin and Mr Brian Turner. You will need the zoom app installed on your device (laptop, tablet, phone or PC) – download from https://www.zoom.us.  Just before the appointed time, run the app, click on “join meeting” and enter the meeting number and passcode below for the service you wish to attend.

A Service of the Word with Revd John  10am        188 513 761 and 019797         Readings and prayers to start the day with God.

Morning Praise with Brian Turner 10am    822 5659 7840 and 296625   A service with hymns and a short talk.

Harvest Thanksgiving with Revd Kevin  11am       636 645 195  and 000162.     A celebration of field and garden in prayer and praise.

Family and friends are welcome to join us. It is a great way to stay in touch.  There are also midweek online service options available on Wednesdays and Fridays in the evening. Do check out the worship pages on the Team Ministry website for full details.

To help keep your church’s bills paid, please support Woodcote or Checkendon or Ipsden  or North Stoke churches via their dedicated and secure card donation pages. Just click on the church you wish to help. Please also Gift Aid your donation if you pay any income tax. Thank you !

Checkendon’s AGM

Is going to be held “live” next Sunday (11th October) in place of the 9am service. Please join us for a short meeting for elections, and an update on the church in the current upheavals. No written reports will be produced this year, apart from the statutory accounts.

…and, finally, for Harvest…..

Your Rector                  Canon Kevin