Coronavirus - how are we responding?
Dear Friends,
We are living in exceptional times. The global Coronavirus pandemic has affected all aspects of everyday life, and we are in the early days of trying to adjust to the new normal. In the face of this invisible threat, people have responded in different ways. Some responses have shown how humans can be very selfish creatures - think panic buying. And why so many toilet rolls?! Others have taken a rather British 'keep calm and carry on' attitude to the crisis, seeking to try keep things in perspective. Hopefully all of us are responding to Public Health England reminders about good hygiene practices, including washing our hands often with soap and water. I'm not sure that I can ever remember having washed my hands more frequently!
It has really encouraging to see how folk around our villages are pulling together, and trying to find ways of looking out for each other, including especially those who are most vulnerable. This Village News Lite gives brief information about community care initiatives happening in our villages, and details of who to contact to find out more - whether to ask for help, or else to volunteer to help. This is a real sign of hope in the midst of all the gloom, and it shows what we are truly capable of at our best.
While Ironstone Churches - like all other places of worship - cannot now hold public gatherings for worship, we shall do our best to ensure that the church buildings stay open for everyone in our villages. I shall also be seeking to pray in one of the seven Ironstone churches and villages at 12 noon each day of the week, and we'll put up other resources for prayer and reflection - as well as other information - on our new website (www.ironstonechurches.org).
I close with a prayer for us all at this anxious and deeply challenging time:
Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
With my prayers and all good wishes,
John
(John Barr, Rector)
Dear Friends,
We are living in exceptional times. The global Coronavirus pandemic has affected all aspects of everyday life, and we are in the early days of trying to adjust to the new normal. In the face of this invisible threat, people have responded in different ways. Some responses have shown how humans can be very selfish creatures - think panic buying. And why so many toilet rolls?! Others have taken a rather British 'keep calm and carry on' attitude to the crisis, seeking to try keep things in perspective. Hopefully all of us are responding to Public Health England reminders about good hygiene practices, including washing our hands often with soap and water. I'm not sure that I can ever remember having washed my hands more frequently!
It has really encouraging to see how folk around our villages are pulling together, and trying to find ways of looking out for each other, including especially those who are most vulnerable. This Village News Lite gives brief information about community care initiatives happening in our villages, and details of who to contact to find out more - whether to ask for help, or else to volunteer to help. This is a real sign of hope in the midst of all the gloom, and it shows what we are truly capable of at our best.
While Ironstone Churches - like all other places of worship - cannot now hold public gatherings for worship, we shall do our best to ensure that the church buildings stay open for everyone in our villages. I shall also be seeking to pray in one of the seven Ironstone churches and villages at 12 noon each day of the week, and we'll put up other resources for prayer and reflection - as well as other information - on our new website (www.ironstonechurches.org).
I close with a prayer for us all at this anxious and deeply challenging time:
Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
With my prayers and all good wishes,
John
(John Barr, Rector)