Dear all,
As we move into lockdown we are back to the full team working on Church at Home. Thanks to them all. This week includes Keith’s sermon he would have given on Sunday. Also attached is a copy of the Archbishops’ letter to us all. I am also printing off hard copies of Church at Home. which I will leave at the back of church.
The government have just announced a change for Remembrance Sunday. The church remains closed for public worship but open for private prayer. However WE CAN GATHER FOR THE TWO MINUTES SILENCE IN THE CHURCHYARD. So we can arrive by 10.50am and scatter ourselves around the churchyard in the vicinity but not close to the memorial. We will then have the act of remembrance, the last post and the reading of the roll of honour. This will be followed by the laying of wreaths, and then an orderly departure. Please ask if that is not clear.
On November 11th we will still have our two minutes silence at 11.00am at Abridge Hall but it will be simplified and with social distancing.
We now have our QR poster for you to click on the test and trace app on your smart phone.
So the Church remains open for private prayer. Please sign the visitors’ book to comply with the government’s test and trace policy.
We are still working on what services we will transmit and how during the further three weeks’ of announced lockdown
Our last clean- up for the year will be from 1.00pm on Saturday 14th November starting as always from the Village Hall. Do join us if you can. We are allowed to do this as exercise and volunteering.
Our next PCC is on 23rd November at 7.30pm which will be Zoomed.
Although Christmas plans are on hold we are planning a Christmas Journey throughout the parish with boards in people’s gardens. Each will represent part of the Christmas story. Each board will be numbered and there will be a Christmas trail sheet to collect the whole story. If you are happy to have a board in your garden, smaller than a for sale board, please let Martin or me know.
A reminder for those wanting to give through the Parish Giving Scheme the direct line is 0333 002 1271 and our reference is 080608032;
I will take any items left in church or at the Vicarage for the food bank to Collier Row each Friday morning.
Thoughts from the Advent Course:
The future belongs to those who know how to wait (Russian proverb)
He who has no vision of eternity will never get a true hold of time (Thomas Carlyle)
Blessings.
Roger
1, The Poplars, Abridge, RM4 1BB
01992-815838 email:
