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Candle for Hope and other Church News

Light a candle for hopeCandle for Hope

Presidents of Churches Together in England have issued a call to prayer in the light of the Coronavirus pandemic, read their letter below for more details. This is for all churches and people of prayer to join on Sunday 22nd March, Mothering Sunday.  In other news, the Methodist Church is cancelling activities.  First, the Candle for Hope though:

Churches Together in EnglandLight a Candle of Hope on Mothering Sunday

This Mothering Sunday, 22nd March, Churches Together are calling all churches to a National Day of Prayer and Action.  At such a time as this, when so many are fearful and there is great uncertainty, we are reminded of our dependence on our loving Heavenly Father and the future that he holds.

At 7 pm this Sunday, light a candle in the windows of your homes as a visible symbol of the light of life, Jesus Christ, our source and hope in prayer.

Acts of Kindness

There are already stories being told of wonderful acts of kindness across neighbourhoods. Alongside your prayers, take the opportunity to telephone or email someone who is isolated, buy some additional food for your local foodbank, or offer to deliver shopping for an elderly neighbour. We may not be able to touch physically, but we can make connections in so many other ways.

In the meantime, do please attend to all the government health advice that will be issued, and look out for resources from your specific church governing bodies. At least for those of us in the global North, we do seem to be in unusual times, and wisdom and flexibility about worship gatherings are a key part of our Christian discipleship during this period.

Mothering Sunday

We note that this call to prayer and action comes on Mothering Sunday: a time of thankfulness, remembering especially mothers who have served us, often in very costly ways. It is also a very mixed day for many. For some the remembrance is painful, and for others Mothering Sunday is a reminder of disappointment or loss. In many ways, this period under the shadow of the coronavirus will be prompting
similarly diverse reactions and so it seems especially appropriate that the call to prayer is made this Sunday. At this time of uncertainty join in with the National Day of Prayer and Action, lighting a candle of hope.

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you
1 Peter 5:7

Archbishop Justin Welby, The Archbishop of Canterbury
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster
Revd Dr Hugh Osgood, The Free Churches Moderator
Archbishop Angaelos of London, CTE President for the Orthodox Churches
Pastor Agu Irukwu, CTE Pentecostal President

Methodist Church for saleMethodists Cancel Activities

In the light of the latest guidance, they have sadly decided to cancel all Methodist Church led activities.  This includes services, until further notice. Unfortunately virtually all of their members/helpers are in the “vulnerable” category who are strongly advised by the Government to “social distance” themselves.  They shall of course be keeping in touch with them all by phone, email etc and provide them what support they can.

Anyone with a question/concern about local Methodist Church activities is welcome to contact Andrew Wilks, email: [email protected] 01206 242511.  Their Minister, Rev Ken Chalmers, will continue to make himself available; contact details – email: [email protected] 01206 545253.

Activities cancelled until further notice are:

  • Travelling to “The Well”, Mile End for services
  • Monthly:
    • Mid-week service,
    • Coffee morning,
    • Bible study, and
    • Fellowship Group,
  • March 28th Quiz postponed,
  • April 6th Easter Coffee & Craft.
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