Follow the Tortoise
Dear friends,
The Church of England has often been derided for being the “great Tortoise of the nation”, but in these days of uncertainty and unknowing the wisdom of going rather more slowly than the crowd is easily discerned. Across the Team ministry discussions are taking place at a local level about a limited reopening of our buildings, and a partial resumption of “live” services in the autumn. We are watching carefully the patterns of re-emergence of the virus, and assessing what each building may need in the way of signage and cleaning facilities. The important thing to note is that zoom services will continue, at the times below, even after we reopen our buildings.
What is likely to be able to be offered “in church” in the first instance are short, said services, possibly earlier, or possibly on another day. Services in church will need to keep to social distancing rules (2m) which will severely limit the capacity of the building. Face coverings will need to be worn. It is also hoped that we may be able to open some of our buildings for general visitors and prayer on one other day in the week. The decisions to open each church are made by your minister and the Church Council, together, and, again, I will stress that we will only do this when we consider that we can do so safely. It is important to also note that in the current climate, a building may also be closed at short notice.
Watch this space, as they say. News and updates will be published here, and on the Team website.
Sunday Worship for the 9th of August
This Sunday’s worship options are hosted by Revd John, and Revd Kevin. Our service from Woodcote will be led this week by Caroline Older. 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.
Worshipping Together with Caroline Older 10am 899 9892 9503 and 169485 A short and informal service suitable for all ages.
Holy Communion with Revd Kevin 11am 636 645 195 and 000162. Hymns, readings, and a short talk, with a communion from Checkendon Church.
Family and friends are welcome to join us. It is a great way to stay in touch. There are also midweek service options available on Wednesdays and Fridays in the evening. Do check out the worship pages on the Team Ministry website for full details.
Its difficult to take a collection during an online service but please support Woodcote or Checkendon or Ipsden churches via their dedicated and secure card donation pages if you wish. Just click on the church you wish to help. Please also Gift Aid your donation if you pay any income tax. Well done to Ipsden for getting online this way !
Look for the sparks
There have been a couple of moments this week when joy broke through the clouds; Bruce’s return from hospital; Jane discovering its possible for her hug someone on Mondays (ask her about it); the two girls playing tennis with each other across the Italian street three floors up – and their surprise visitor; getting the trampoline out (no, don’t ask for pictures). The UK Blessing still moves, still is needed – you’ll hear it on Sunday at 11am if you have not already. And, as Vanessa says, when there are sunflowers, what else do you need? The love of God has not gone away.
The Lord bless you all
Revd Kevin.
PS There is an astonishng field of sunflowers scattered through oats at Blewbury, right now, just at the junction by the garage. Worth a detour, and five minutes looking.
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