The Back of May

Dear friends,

It has been a cold, wet month. The grass is long, and lush. Footpaths turn to mud, and lanes to rivers. Spring plants which should be romping away are sulking and unsure of themselves. It is hard not to have a dampened spirit, either, despite all the good news on the wider health front. But …. half term is on the way, long postponed church weddings are almost upon us, and cautious reopenings for live worship mean that changes are (once more) afoot. All churches are watching eagerly to see what the social distancing requirements are going to be after the 21st June, because, in our situation, this is the key determinant.

St Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians come to mind: “afflicated but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, struck down but not destroyed……we do not lose heart” (2 Cor 4:7-16)

We have a 5th Sunday chance to gather together (via zoom) for a Team Service hosted by St Leonard’s and Revd Linda and to celebrate as a family of churches. Trinity Sunday is where we remember the community of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. So it is a good day to encourage one another and to reflect upon our life and witness as communities of faith. Do join us on Sunday, and please note the earlier time, and different number!

Worship for Trinity Sunday 30th May

10.30 am TEAM SERVICE, hosted by Revd Linda Smith on 227 415 0550. The speaker will be the Rector.

No passcode required, but note the earlier time, and different zoom meeting number !

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. It is absolutely OK to pass these details onto friends and family, who are very welcome to join us. Other online service options can be found on the Langtree Team Ministry Churches website.

You can support Checkendon church and  Stoke Row churches via dedicated and secure online card donation pages. Just click on the link. Please also Gift Aid your donation if you pay any income tax. Thank you !

Worship for Sunday 6th June

9.30am Short said service at St John’s Stoke Row, led by Revd Angela Linton. Please wear your mask, and remember social distancing is still also required.

11am Morning Prayer (via zoom) with Revd Kevin. 636 645 195 and passcode 000162. A traditional service with prayers, hymns, and a sermon.

Jazz News

Followers of the Checkendon Micro Jazz scene will be interested to know that despite all live music disappearing for much of lockdown, nevertheless there have been moments of light. Last summer Tim won a commision from Jazz South and you can see a performance of his recently recorded work here.  The pandemic has hit the music industry very hard across all sectors; not only the performers, but also their supporting industries. Church musicians and choristers too have suffered. We look forward to the return of live music and the reopening of music venues, both local and national.   Why not give thanks to God for any musician you know, and ask how you can be a blessing to them today.

Lastly, there won’t be one of these from me next week, hence you have two Sundays of service details above. Peace be with you all.

Your Rector, Kevin Davies

(PS In case you are wondering: Micro Jazz is like one of those Micro Breweries; except that music is the product, and not beer.)