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