Thirty-Sixth Emailing - Being Church in the Context of Covid 19

UPDATES AND USEFUL INFORMATION   (16^th December 2020)

 

Dear All

 

As we look to a somewhat different Christmas, may you know the blessings of this season of the year and, as we find ourselves amid the turmoil of a somewhat challenging world, that challenge coming from different directions, may we all know the peace, joy and hope that the nativity brought into this world.

 

We have been pleased to produce these weekly briefings and hope that some of the information and resources have been of use.  We are going to take a ‘Christmas break’ and so there is rather more by way of resources in and through this week’s briefing, and we hope that is useful to you.

 

We will be back in the new year, on January 6^th, and plan to keep the briefing going for the time being, while Coronavirus continues to have a major impact.

 

Of course, personally, I won’t be back with the briefing, as my role finishes with the end of the year.  I confidently leave this in the hands of Lindsey and Nicola who have shared with me the preparation of what we have offered.

 

My formal farewell will be at the March Synod (on the 20^th).  Keir, as Synod Clerk, suggested that to me, and it seemed a highly suitable and sensible suggestion, to which I was pleased to agree.  I look forward to seeing many of you then.  Needless to say, I am disappointed that these last months have been a time in which I have not been able to travel around the Synod as would normally be the case, and so I am sorry it will have been longer since I have ‘properly’ seen many of you than would have otherwise the case.  However, many colleagues are facing similarly strange comings and goings.

 

I don’t want to anticipate what might be said on March 20^th, but I do want to say, through this medium, that I have had twelve and a half great years as your Synod Moderator.  I did think it was going to be a little longer, but God had other ideas.  I am excited about going to Scotland.  That’s where ministry started for me, but I am extremely sorry to be leaving Eastern Synod, though I do so confident in the knowledge that there are good people looking after things until my successor is in place.  God’s blessings on you all.

 

The weekly briefing is posted on the Synod website and on the blog, though won’t appear on the blog until Saturday this week.  However, there is no need to get the reminder email to access it.  All past emailings and related documents remain on the Synod coronavirus blog - https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/

 

Best wishes

 

Paul

 

 

INTERIM ARRANGEMENTS

Until a new Synod Moderator is in post:

Revd. Paul Ellis will be the contact point for ministers;

Revd. Cecil White will be the contact point for churches/pastorates;

Revd. Roy Fowler will be the contact point for ecumenical matters;

Revd. Lis Caswell will be the contact point for any matters in connection with ministerial candidacy;

Revd. Nigel Uden will chair Synod and deal with any disciplinary matters;

Revd. Mark Ambrose and/or Ms. Lindsey Brown can respond to any questions around mission, mission initiatives and mission projects.

 

All contact details are in the Synod Yearbook or contact be made via the Synod Office staff.  Jane Langford-Horder remains the PA to the Moderator (even without a Moderator for the time being.)

 

The work towards appointing a new Synod Moderator is well under way under the leadership of the Synod Clerk, Mr. Keir Hounsome.

 

HOLY HABITS ROADSHOW – OR (AS THEY ARE) ONLINE TRAINING

These are to be found on the Synod YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtYncbpZJ4PKBBrjrcXBHrw?view_as=subscriber

 

Families at home –  Advent 4 & Christmas

Story Time for Under-fives – Nativity Story

A song to listen to

Scripture Lullabies - Emmanuel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2SEeJX87Tc

 

To sing together

A Band of Angels

https://youtu.be/oFPlu-hELTI?list=TLPQMTYxMjIwMjAvBOmI-z2I3Q

 

Candle prayers

4^th Sunday of Advent prayer

Today we light four candles

We light his candle of hope,

We light this candle of peace

We light this candle of Joy and today we light a candle of love.

We look forward to Jesus coming

Help us to share you love in our homes,

our families and in our communities

Amen

 

Christmas Day

Living God all the candles are lit

All our preparations are done

And all our hopes are met

In Jesus Christ today

Hooray

Amen

 

Light a candle , Light a candle

Let it shine, Let is shine

Welcome baby Jesus, Welcome baby Jesus

It’s Christmas time, it’s Christmas time

(Sung to the tune of Frere Jacques)

 

Reading together

Advent 4 Luke 1.26-38

Use some objects to create the scene of Mary’s house. Sit in the space and talk about what you can see. If possible, have different people pretending to be Mary and the angel and to read their lines, and someone else to read the rest of the text. Or you can just read the story aloud.

Mary was alone in her house when suddenly, an angel appeared. The angel said, ‘God has chosen you and is very near!’ Mary was worried and didn’t understand why he said this to her. The angel said, ‘Don’t be scared. God is pleased with you. God wants you to be the mother of his Son. You must call him Jesus.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How will this happen?’ The angel said, ‘The power of God in the Holy Spirit.’ Then Mary said, ‘I will be God’s servant. I will do what he wants me to do.’ Then the angel left her.

 

 In the sixth month after Elizabeth became pregnant, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth. He was sent to Mary. She was engaged to a man called Joseph. The angel came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you!’

But Mary was confused by what he had said and wondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You must call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord God will make him a king like his father David of long ago. King of a kingdom that has no end. King of all God’s people.’

Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, because I am not yet married?’

The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come to you. The power of the Most High God will cover you. So the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. Your relative Elizabeth is also six months pregnant, even though she is old. For nothing will be impossible with God.’

Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let what you have said be done to me.’

Then the angel left her.

 

An Action Story

Teach the following actions: Angel – flap arms like wings. God – raise both arms to the sky. Mary – kneel on the floor. Son – fold arms as if gently rocking a baby in them. Slowly read the story, encouraging the children to join in with the actions associated with the key words, each time they hear them.

 

Watching and listening together

Advent 4 reflection with Nicola

Christmas Day  - Jesus is Born  from CEV bible with illustrations form The Scottish Bible Society.

Christmas Day Reflection with Nicola

All films are available through the website or on the Eastern Synod You tube channel.

 

Praying and creating together

Look at the stars in the night sky and stars in your Christmas decoration perhaps you have star on the top of your Christmas tree. Remember all your family and friends who are under the same sky even if we cannot be together.  God makes us one family.  Ask God to bless and protect all those you care for and all those who care for you.

 

 

Star Craft & Prayer

Cut out the star template and fold along the dotted lines.

 

Fold the long lines upwards and short lines downwards. Once folded glue the tabs and stick to a backing paper.  You could use Christmas paper for this.  Find somewhere to hang your star. 

 

Sing together

(Sing to the tune of Twinkle, twinkle little star)

Twinkle, twinkle star so bright,

guiding us with Gods own light.

Like you shone where Jesus lay

Jesus helps us day by day.

Twinkle, twinkle star so bright,

guiding us with Gods own light.

 

An action prayer

There were angels in the sky (make wings with fingers)

And there were shepherds in the fields (make rolling fields)

There was a star shining brightly (wave your fingers in the air)

But most of all there was a baby lying in manger (rock a baby in your arms)

Thank you for being born as one of us

Amen

 

 

Nativity Figure prayers

God who journeys with us,

as we get ready for Christmas

help us to remember Mary and Joseph

getting ready for their journey to Bethlehem on a donkey

and getting ready for the birth of Jesus in a stable.

Amen.

 

God who continues to delight and surprise us,

when we have surprises at Christmas,

help us to remember the shepherds

who were surprised to hear the angels singing

and find the baby Jesus in a stable.

Amen.

 

God with us,

when we visit family and friends at Christmas,

help us to remember the wise men

who travelled such a long way to visit the baby Jesus.

 

God, the source of all gifts,

as we look forward to receiving presents at Christmas,

help us to remember the special gift of baby Jesus,

who brings hope to everyone.

Amen.

 

Nativity Figure template available from the Eastern Synod Website.

 

Creating together

Christmas tree Manger decoration

Stick two lolly sticks together to form a large triangle at the top and smaller triangle to make the legs of the manger.  Cur a triangle of card to fit  the larger triangle and colour it brown.  Cut an oval shape to make the face  for the baby.  Use some raffia or straw to tuck inside a triangle of  card to make the manger and to make the hanger.

 

SYNOD MISSION AND TRAINING: LOOKING AHEAD TO JANUARY

Exploring Eldership and Church Leadership

Following on from our overview of the role of Elder / Trustee in our churches. Suitable for all those in team leadership: ministers, stewards, deacons, elders and more. Online; max 90 minutes. Please email Lindsey to register.

• Local Church and Mission   January 7^th 7.30pm
• Local Church and Worship   January 13^th 7.30pm
• Local Church and Pastoral Care   January 20^th 7.30pm

·        Church Secretary Training   January 27^th 7.30pm

 

STEPWISE

Stepwise is the URC’s discipleship development programme, which we had planned to launch at last March’s Synod Meeting.  This meeting was cancelled, and the limitations of being online meant that we weren’t able to fit it in in October.  We will now be launching an online Stepwise group in late January as a way of introducing the programme to the Synod.  If you would like to learn more, please watch this film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGMoByaiMUs&feature=youtu.be, or to join us please contact Lindsey.

 

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 18-25 January 2021

There are resources available for you and your local churches to join in praying together for Christian Unity.  Please see the attached documents or the CTBI website: https://ctbi.org.uk/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2021/.

 

A SCAM TO AVOID

Sadly, people will always seek the opportunity to defraud.  Apparently, there are those who are phoning elderly and vulnerable people offering to book their vaccination and asking for their bank details as there is a payment to be made.  There is no such payment needed.  Do avoid responding to any such calls.

 

URC INFO

All the latest information (and links to resources) from the United Reformed Church is on the Coronavirus Advice page of the denomination’s website –

https://urc.org.uk/coronavirus.html

 

 

A PRAYER FROM THE SYNOD MODERATOR

 

Lord, bless us and keep us in these strange times.

May we know the peace that we can find only with you.

Help us to look forward to a less restricted time,

though looking for the benefits of a good ‘new normal’.

May we know the joy that we can find only with you.

And bless those who struggle the most with where we are.

Be with those who face the bigger challenges of these times,

whether those of self-isolation, of being a key worker,

of missing those we cannot see, of having to make difficult decisions.

Guide us in your ways.

May we know the hope that we can find only with you.

So, bless us now and always.  Amen.

 

 

Finally, just a reminder from Lindsey, Nicola and myself that we are still there for you and, if there is anything you think we might offer, or you just want a chat, then do contact us:

 

Our prayers and our best wishes,

PAUL                moderator@urceastern.org.uk         07534 274668

LINDSEY                       training@urceastern.org.uk  07801 352340

NICOLA                        cydo@urceastern.org.uk                   07515 721172

STAY SAFE - PAUL 

Thirty-Fifth Emailing - Being Church in the Context of Covid 19

 UPDATES AND USEFUL INFORMATION   (9^th December 2020)

 

 

Dear All

 

The administering of the first vaccine is surely good news and, though we still have a long way to go, there is, at last, a real sign of something different and of the eventual emergence of that much talked-about new normal. However, there is some considerable way to go.  Please continue to take care and to observe the different precautions that remain critical for the moment – and we will continue to circulate advice and resources.

 

The weekly briefing is posted on the Synod website and on the blog, so there is no need to get the reminder email to access it.  All past emailings and related documents remain on the Synod coronavirus blog - https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/

 

Best wishes

 

Paul

 

 

CWM DEVOTIONAL RESOURCE

 

The CWM (Council for World Mission) resource ‘Sundays with CWM 2021’ is now available at -

https://issuu.com/cwmission/docs/sundays_with_cwm_2021

 

HOLY HABITS ROADSHOW – OR (AS THEY ARE) ONLINE TRAINING

These are to be found on the Synod YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtYncbpZJ4PKBBrjrcXBHrw?view_as=subscriber

 

We are in the process of posting the last three in this series on a selection of ‘holy habits’.  These three are all on the holy habit of eating together, and we hope the full series will be available by the end of next week.

 

ALL AGE WORSHIP

Families at Home - Advent 3

Story time for the under-fives - Almost There

Singing together

All the angels sing by Doug Horley

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j9VXnHC-u0

Singing with the Angels by Vineyard Worship

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6fUpINc-SI

Reading, watching, and listening together

All Age reflection with Nicola – Sharing the Joy

Waiting for joy (Isaiah 61.1-4,8-11)

A story to act out

Act out the roles ns someone tells the story. Someone who is sad, mourning, broken hearted, locked up or feeling weak. End up clothed in royal robes! As the reading progresses, you can act out each part of the reading.

"God’s on his way, just as he said! 

> PAUSE FOR ACTION. 

God’s Spirit works in us and through us. 

> PAUSE FOR ACTION. 

God brings good news to those who only ever hear bad news. 

> PAUSE FOR ACTION. 

God binds up those who have been broken hearted. 

> PAUSE FOR ACTION. 

God gives freedom to those who are trapped and feel they cannot get out. 

> PAUSE FOR ACTION. 

God comforts those who have lost everything and feel they have nothing. 

> PAUSE FOR ACTION. 

God brings joy to those who know only sadness. 

> PAUSE FOR ACTION. 

God gives strength to those who are weak. 

> PAUSE FOR ACTION. 

God does all this so that people will know how good and kind, and generous and gracious he really is. 

We are living examples of God’s goodness. He changes us inside and out. 

It is almost as if God gives us new clothes to wear; clothes that show how kind and gracious God is. 

> PAUSE FOR ACTION. 

When God is at work, goodness grows, just like flowers in a garden. 

God does all this so that people will know how good and kind, and generous and gracious he really is. We are living examples of God’s goodness."

© Copyright 2002-2020, ROOTS for Churches Ltd.

 

A simple verse and response. 

Refrain: God is so good, God is so good to me. 

God’s Spirit helps us. Refrain.
God brings good news to those who only ever hear bad news. Refrain.
God binds up those who have been broken hearted. Refrain.
God gives freedom to those who feel trapped. Refrain.
God comforts those who have lost everything. Refrain.
God brings joy to those who are sad. Refrain.
God gives strength to the weak. Refrain.
God is good and kind and generous. Refrain.

 

Praying together

God of joy,
as we celebrate this third Sunday of Advent,
with three candles lit and December progressing,
we lift up our hands in gratitude
for all that we have.
We turn towards each other – friends, family, community;
young and old – gladly thanking you
for the gifts that are all around us already.
Amen.

Light the Advent candle three,
we are searching, help us to see.
Help us know that you are near,
very soon you will be here.
Light the Advent candle three,
we are searching, help us to see.

 

A heart wrapped with love

You will need: A heart cut from strong card and some red wool. Wrap the wool around you heart.  Think about the people who you love and the people who you want to know that they are loved by God.  Continue to wrap the wool and ask God to come close to them.  Keep wrapping until all the heart is covered with a thick layer of wool.  Put a blob of glue on the end of the wool and tuck it into the heart to make it secure.

Hold the heart when you pray reminding you of God’s love for you   Place the heart in your pocket or by your bed as a reminder.

 

 

 

Creating together

Cone Nativity Set

Here is a Nativity set for you to colour and make or perhaps deign you own figures.

Download and print out the template https://kvisit.com/7wE/1eQG

Colour the shapes and then form a cone shape glueing along the tab on each figure.

Use your nativity to retell the story. 

You could make them into a mobile, tree decorations or bunting for the window.

 

SYNOD MISSION AND TRAINING EVENTS AND NOTICES

 

A Conversation Thursday 10^th December 10am

How are recent and current restrictions affecting you? How are you feeling about other national and global events? How are you approaching Christmas at this time? How are you supporting others who are struggling? Join us for an informal chat to share ideas for managing and thriving in these difficult times. Those who attended the first would be very welcome to join again. Email Lindsey for a link.

 

Exploring Eldership and Church Leadership

Following on from our overview of the role of Elder / Trustee in our churches. Suitable for all those in team leadership: ministers, stewards, deacons, elders and more. Online; max 90 minutes. Please email Lindsey to register.

• Local Church and Mission   January 7^th 7.30pm
• Local Church and Worship   January 13^th 7.30pm
• Local Church and Pastoral Care   January 20^th 7.30pm
• Church Secretary Training   January 27^th 7.30pm

 

Other events

Council for World Mission (Europe) Monday 14^th December 2-3.30pm

The fourth webinar on the theme of Building Life-Flourishing Communities: All welcome.  Register by emailing sainimili.kata@cwmission.org

Also do look at CWM’s Advent resources, which can be found here: https://www.cwmission.org/cwm-advent-reflections-2020-a-voice-cries-out

 

URC INFO

All the latest information (and links to resources) from the United Reformed Church is on the Coronavirus Advice page of the denomination’s website –

https://urc.org.uk/coronavirus.html

 

 

A PRAYER FROM THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

 

Lord Jesus Christ,
you taught us to love our neighbour,
and to care for those in need
as if we were caring for you.
In this time of anxiety, give us strength
to comfort the fearful, to tend the sick,
and to assure the isolated
of our love, and your love,
for your name’s sake.
Amen.

 

 

Finally, just a reminder from Lindsey, Nicola and myself that we are still there for you and, if there is anything you think we might offer, or you just want a chat, then do contact us:

 

Our prayers and our best wishes,

PAUL                      moderator@urceastern.org.uk     07534 274668

LINDSEY                training@urceastern.org.uk          07801 352340

NICOLA                  cydo@urceastern.org.uk              07515 721172

STAY SAFE - PAUL

Thirty-Fourth Emailing - Being Church in the Context of Covoid 19

UPDATES AND USEFUL INFORMATION   (2^nd December 2020)

 

 

Dear All

 

As we move from lockdown to tiers, we doubtless face new and evolving challenges. Blessing as you work out what is right in your church and personal context.

 

The weekly briefing is posted on the Synod website and on the blog, so there is no need to get the reminder email to access it.  All past emailings and related documents remain on the Synod coronavirus blog - https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/

 

Best wishes

 

Paul

 

 

BEING IN TIER 2

 

At the moment, the whole Synod is (I believe) in Tier 2 though, of course, that may change. But what does it mean?

 

A useful poster might help us understand it better.

 

A version for downloading or printing – and that can be read! – is available at:

https://www.keepandshare.com/doc23/110903/covid-19-tier-high-poster-print-pdf-573k?da=y

 

 IT’S CHRISTMAS; CAN WE SING?

 Well, the answer is possibly, but probably not, except in your own space (home car, etc).  But some socially distanced singing is permitted. The Synod Moderators have prepared fairly comprehensive guidance which you will find at:

https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/2020/12/singing-in-worship-guidance.html

If you are planning a carol service, or other event with anyone singing, do check this.

 

HOLY HABITS ROADSHOW – OR (AS THEY ARE) ONLINE TRAINING

These are to be found on the Synod YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtYncbpZJ4PKBBrjrcXBHrw?view_as=subscriber

 

Number 10 will be posted this week – the first of three reflections on ‘eating together’, a Biblical/theological perspective.

 

 

HELPING US WORSHIP WHEN IT’S ONLINE

As mentioned last week, Matt Rigden, who has been doing a placement at Kelevedon and Tiptree, has prepared a ‘tool’ which just might help you reflect on your worshipping in a helpful way when you are worshipping online. A better version for downloading or printing is now available at –

https://www.keepandshare.com/doc23/110898/online-worship-focus-sheet-pdf-88k?dn=y&dnad=y

 

ALL AGE WORSHIP

Families at Home – Advent 2

Prepare the way

Story time for the under - fives – Good News

Link to be added Here

 

A gathering prayer

Prepare the way.

Make room.

In our hearts and lives:

prepare the way for God!

In our homes, schools, and workplaces:

prepare the way for God!

In our life choices and hopes:

prepare the way for God!

In our friendships and families:

prepare the way for God!

In our choosing and planning:

prepare the way for God!

In our joys and our sorrows:

prepare the way for God!

Prepare the way.

Choose.

Let go.

Make room.

For God is close.

Salvation is near.

Amen.

 

Listening together

Hidden In My Heart Volume I - "The Peace of God" by Scripture Lullabies - YouTube

Find somewhere comfortable to sit and listen to this song, knowing that God is with you. You could use this song as a prayer.

 

Watching and reading together

All age reflection – Advent 2, The Journey with Nicola

https://youtu.be/xfQZ2utpz-8

 

Mark 1.1-8

The prophet Isaiah wrote, ‘See! I am sending a messenger, to make the path ready for you. He will be a voice crying out in the wilderness, saying, “Prepare the way of the Lord”.’

And when the messenger came, that was the beginning of the good news of Jesus, the Son of God.

The messenger appeared in the desert, dressed in camel-hair with a belt round his waist. His name was John and he ate locusts and wild honey. He baptized people, telling them that when they said sorry, their sins would be forgiven.

And all the countryside of Judea responded to John. People came pouring out of their homes to the river Jordan. Even people from the big city of Jerusalem came to see him. ‘We have sinned,’ they said. ‘And we’re sorry.’

John baptized the people who came, but he told them, ‘Somebody more powerful than me is coming. I’m not even important enough to take off his sandals. I have baptized you all with water, but he will come and baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’

 

Praying together

Prayer Wreath

Cut out some green circles and join them together to form a wreath.  Make four stars and write on the

words Love, Joy Peace and Hope.

Place a candle in the centre.   Put the hearts on the wreath and think about the four words.   

• Talk to God about your hopes.
• Ask God to bring peace.
• Say thank you to God for the things that bring you Joy.
• Talk to God about the people you love and the people who need to feel loved.

A prayer to say together for the second advent candle

We are a people who seek peace.

We know that God has told us to turn our weapons of war

into instruments that benefit all humanity.

In the name of that Child who was born long ago

to become the Prince of Peace,

we now light the Candle of Peace. Amen

 

Creating together

Stained glass candle

Cut out a rectangle of black or dark coloured card and cut a smaller rectangle inside it.  Stick cling film to the back or use clear sticky plastic.  Add tissue paper anything you can find at home or you could use Christmas paper.  Tear of small pieces and stick them to the film or plastic.  Make a flame out of paper or using pipe cleaners and stick it to the top of your candle.

Place the candle in the window so the light can shine through and others can see it from the outside.  You could make four candles one for each Sunday of advent.

 

 

 

MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS

One of our ministers, Revd Anne Sardeson minister in Maldon, Burnham-on-Crouch and Southminster, has written a new song for Christmas as it is this year, the words of which also work well as a poem or prayer.  When I saw it I asked if we could share it here.  We give thanks for her gifts and look forward to hearing the tune soon, Anne!  If anyone would like a recording of it sung please contact Anne directly.

 

God remains 

It’s hard to hear the angels sing

when everything is different,

It’s hard to take in any news that’s good.

But Christmas is still here,

and God is very near,

for God remains when everything is strange.

 

It’s hard to come all faithfully

when we can’t sing together,

the shining lights will sing our songs this year.

So Christmas is still here,

and God is very near

for God remains when things are not the same.

 

O come o come Emanuel,

we need you more than ever.

We mourn because of everything that’s been.

And Christmas is still here,

for God is very near,

and God remains in everything that is.

 

In silent nights and busy wards

and homes where someone’s missing,

in lives where jobs have gone and hope is sparse,

Christmas is still here,

and God is very near,

for God remains when so much has been lost.

 

 

SYNOD MISSION AND TRAINING EVENTS AND NOTICES

A Conversation Thursday 10^th December 10am

For those who were not able to make the first date, we have scheduled another Conversation: How are recent and current restrictions affecting you? How are you feeling about other national and global events? How are you approaching Christmas at this time? How are you supporting others who are struggling? Join us for an informal chat to share ideas for managing and thriving in these difficult times. Those who attended the first would be very welcome to join again.  Email Lindsey for a link.

Exploring Eldership and Church Leadership

Following on from our overview of the role of Elder / Trustee in our churches. Suitable for all those in team leadership: ministers, stewards, deacons, elders and more. Online; max 90 minutes.  Please email Lindsey to register.

• Local Church and Mission                           January 7^th          7.30pm
• Local Church and Worship                          January 13^th        7.30pm
• Local Church and Pastoral Care                 January 20^th        7.30pm
• Church Secretary Training                          January 27^th        7.30pm

 

Local Church responding to the Climate Crisis

A young member of Downing Place URC in Cambridge has launched a petition to ban outdoor heaters and air conditioning units, because of their impact on climate change. She would love your support in sharing it: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/553328

 

More Christmas activities from our churches

• Chappel URC are recording a Carol Service to be given to local care homes and played on their big screens in common rooms, as one way of maintaining their contact and care at this time
• The leadership at Melbourne URC are preparing gift bags for all their congregation with thoughtful treats, sourcing sustainably wherever possible.
• Many churches have decided to send a Christmas card / message to every member and friend this year

 

Other Events (please also check the Synod website https://www.urc-eastern.org.uk/events)

 

Council for World Mission (Europe) Monday 7^th December 2-3.30pm

The third webinar on the theme of Building Life-Flourishing Communities: Life on the Breadline: Christian discipleship and the violence of poverty, led by Revd Dr Chris Shannahan.  All welcome.  Register by emailing sainimili.kata@cwmission.org

Also do look at CWM’s Advent resources, which can be found here: https://www.cwmission.org/cwm-advent-reflections-2020-a-voice-cries-out

 

REGISTERING WITH THE CHARITY COMMISSION

A useful piece of information ………….Last Friday the Government announced their intention to extend the deadline for churches with an annual income exceeding £5,000 to register with the Charity Commission. Originally, this requirement was due to come into force in April 2021 but that will now be extended by 10 years, probably with provision for the phasing of new registrations within that period. More information on that phasing will be available early in the 2021.

 

A SMALL APPEAL FOR ZAMBIA

As some of you know, I (Paul) have made a couple of visits to Zambia, while on my way to or from Zimbabwe, to offer pastoral support to Alison Gibbs who serves as a teacher-missionary from the URC.

I have just been asked by one of my contacts there if there might be a chance that one of our churches might offer a small amount of support to one of the school chaplains (not, I should say, where Alison is working.)  The Chaplain at the Senga Hill Schools needs some (English) Bibles and (Chibemba) Hymnbooks.  For 40 of each (which is what is being sought) it is going to cost just £176.

If anyone thinks they might like to help with that, please contact me (Paul) directly.

 

 

 

Picture is from a different school, but when I spoke at the Sunday service at Mabel Shaw School, Mbereshi in December 2019.

 

URC INFO

All the latest information (and links to resources) from the United Reformed Church is on the Coronavirus Advice page of the denomination’s website –

https://urc.org.uk/coronavirus.html

 

 

A BLESSING FOR ADVENT from the ARTHUR RANK CENTRE

 

May you hear the gentle voice of the One who speaks to you saying,

‘well done, [your name!], good and faithful servant’.

May you feel the loving arms of the One who assures you that

‘I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

May you see the light that shines in the darkness,

that the darkness cannot overcome.

In this time of uncertainty, confusion, pain and waiting,

may you experience the hope that comes from knowing that

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Amen.​

 

 

Finally, just a reminder from Lindsey, Nicola and myself that we are still there for you and, if there is anything you think we might offer, or you just want a chat, then do contact us:

 

 

Our prayers and our best wishes,

 

PAUL                      moderator@urceastern.org.uk     07534 274668

LINDSEY                training@urceastern.org.uk          07801 352340

NICOLA                  cydo@urceastern.org.uk              07515 721172

 

STAY SAFE - PAUL