God did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will God not also, along with Jesus, graciously give us all things?’ Romans 8 v32
Dear Friends
I hope you enjoyed a good, if somewhat different, Christmas and a happy plus healthy new year. So we enter Lockdown 3. I hope you are all keeping well and safe as the virus feels very close to our area. Just to let you know I feel like I turned a corner yesterday with COVID-19 after my positive test last week. I’m no longer breathless and the coughing has disappeared. I’m due out of isolation on Friday providing my temperature is ok. Thank you for your concern, prayers and for the offers of help. All are very much appreciated. Our substantial precautions at church have obviously helped because no one else has picked the virus up which has been a big relief for me.
The governments announcement yesterday evening is a big blow. I think we have to err on the side of caution for the moment which is sensible given where we are with the virus and the imminent arrival of the vaccine. After discussions with the Wardens we have decided to keep the church closed for public worship until March when we will review the situation. It’s a decision which goes against all we want to be as a church. We want to be open for worship, to be there for other people when spiritual support can make a big difference.
However, we have to balance that up with keeping people safe and acting responsibly when the virus feels so close. The challenge that comes with closure is maintaining contact, support, and some kind of spiritual input for church members and any others who may look to us for help at this time. It’s been great to see how we are all supporting one another through phone calls, messages and encouragement. I’m sure that will continue.
Hope is an essential part of being a Christian. There isn’t anywhere in the Bible where we are led to believe that life is plain sailing. But it does talk about sacrifice for the sake of others. For us all this new Lockdown is a necessary sacrifice for a particular period.
We have to continue trusting in God and try to hear what the Spirit is saying to us daily as we try and negotiate these dark difficult days into a brighter future.
It will come to an end just as spring will follow winter. I’m sure we’ll be much wiser for it but that’s not underestimating the sadness so many have known and continue to know through loss of loved ones, income, and just being with others in a normal way.
Lockdown 3 Services :
you are welcome to tune in on Wales Parish Church News FB Live at the times below 🙏🏻😎
Sunday Services
10.30am Morning Service – FB Live only
7.00pm Candle Of Hope – FB Live only
Tuesday
4pm Daily Prayer – FB Live only
Wednesday
10.30am Morning Service – FB Live only
Thursday
4pm Daily Prayer – FB Live only
Friday
4pm Daily Prayer – FB Live only
Keep the faith, keep praying, stay healthy and be blessed.
If you or anyone you know needs someone to talk too, my phone 01909 771111 is always on, my messenger is always open and Zoom or Face Time is only a click away. Please, please, please don’t feel you’re alone. I’m always here to listen.
Blessings
Reverend Gary
Welcome to Wales Parish Church 