Health and Healing Report - August 2020

REPORT OF HEALTH AND HEALING ADVOCATE – 

Dr Christine Anne Macleod. August 2020.

I am nearing the end of my second term as Health and Healing Advocate with the Eastern Synod. Since May 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been recalled to work as a Consultant in Health Protection with Public Health England. I had finished studying at Glasgow University for the Diploma in Hygiene and Tropical Medicine at Glasgow University in April 2020 and so became eligible for this post, still holding my GMC registration and being on the Specialist register for Public Health.

During this work I became involved in the production of the internal documentation of the Public Health Management of COVID-19 in a place of worship as I was representing the East of England.

Since 10^th August 2020 there is  enhanced recording of settings exposures including documentation of places of worship in the history of individuals with COVID-19. Also, there are co-incidence reports by postcode. Our own church for example has Wetherspoons, a hotel and our church all in the same postcode. Some churches have a unique postcode.

When a setting is identified the Local Authority may inspect the premises to ensure that they are COVID-19 secure. Individual contact tracing is done by the track and Trace system which has three Levels. Level 1 is Public Health England. This is by telephone enquiry. Three local authorities in East are also in the “lost to follow up” pilot study, following up people locally who fail to respond to Track and Trace.

I have been impressed by the Synod office ability to keep up to date with the government guidance and to keep local churches briefed.

Our own church has a service of worship on 23^rd August 2020 and I did the foyer duty taking a note of attendees for the purposes of track and trace.

In the event of somebody being in the church with a positive COVID-19 test, there are definitions of contacts. Therefore, social distancing is important. Two metres is important for various reasons.

Direct close contacts are direct face to face contact with a case for any length of time, including being coughed on or talked to. This will also include exposure within 1 metre for 1 minute or longer.

Proximity contacts are extended close contact (within 1 – 2m for more than 15 minutes) with a case

Contacts also include those who travelled in a small vehicle with a case or bigger van/transport where social distancing was not maintained.

Confirmed cases are those people with a laboratory positive case of COVID-19 with or without symptoms.

A suspected case is somebody with a new continuous cough or high temperature or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).

Therefore, we ask that people with symptoms do not attend.

Each day the Eastern Field epidemiology service produces a report by lower tier local authority on the incidence of new cases, the numbers of cases in the last 14 days, and any exceedances in terms of unexpected rise in cases. Reviews with explanations are shared with the Director of Public Health teams, with local follow up. We often hear on the news when outbreaks occur in factories and pubs etc. So, there is a system for surveillance and public health intervention.

An outbreak in a place of worship is defined as two or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 among individuals associated with the place of worship with onset dates within 14 days,

AND ONE OF:

·       Identified direct exposure between at least two of the confirmed cases in that place of worship (e.g. within 2 metres for over 15 minutes) during the infectious period of the index case OR

·       Absence of alternative source of infection outside the setting for initially identified cases.

When an individual is being followed up by Track and Trace, they will be asked to identify their contacts and can let them know. However, the contacts are followed up by track and trace through their contact numbers. Where a place of worship is identified the church will be asked if they are willing to share their information to help Track and Trace.

In the event of a place of worship becoming involved, there is a public health action checklist. This checks against the guidance that has been issued to make places of worship COVID-19 secure.

To help with such a situation there are template letters to go out to those identified as close contact advising them to self-isolate for a period of 14 days and when the last date of isolation will be, along with advice. There is also a “warn and inform” template letter to attendees who were there but do not need to take extra precautions, along with advice.

I had an antibody test through work recently and this was negative implying that I have not had COVID-19. However, I now keep a diary as in the event of contacting COVID-19 the period of infectivity is 48 hours before symptoms until 10 days afterwards. With enhanced tracing questions are now asked up to 10 days before symptoms, and I would find it hard to recall where I had been.

We are now recruiting more staff into the Health Protection Team as we also must prepare for seasonal flu and to be staffed adequately in the event of a second spike of COVID-19.

Life has certainly become more restricted, and I have the kit for home working, but do have to go into the offices at Fulbourn in Cambridge periodically as we continue to induct new staff.

Please remember all the staff who are now also involved in the reconfiguration into the National Institute for Health Protection while they continue to staff 24/7 rotas protecting the public’s health. Their rotas are extremely busy. Remember also patients who need to apply for hardship funds to allow them to self-isolate and also handle job insecurity.

 

Christine MacLeod

26^th August 2020.

Twenty-Second Emailing - Being Church in the Context of Covid 19

UPDATES AND USEFUL INFORMATION   (9^th September 2020)

 

 

Dear All

 

As we hear news of spikes, the need to isolate and so on, and as restrictions are reviewed and change, do keep an eye on what needs to happen as we engage in church in all sorts of ways.

 

We will keep this weekly emailing going until – at least – the end of the calendar year. If you have good news or anything you want to share, do let me know – though inclusion cannot be absolutely guaranteed.

 

Meantime, be careful and stay safe.                           Best wishes

 

Paul

 

 

SYNOD MEETING

 

The October Synod meeting is moving online as it is clear that we would be able to gather sufficient people in one geographical location.  However, it is going ahead – by Zoom – on the designated date, Saturday 10^th October, and will run from 10am to 1pm.  All welcome, as Synod meetings are not restricted to those who are members of the meeting.  More information, including how to join the meeting and what’s going to be happening as we get closer to the day.

HOLY HABITS ROADSHOW – OR (AS IT WILL BE) ONLINE TRAINING

 

… Starting next week – with some Biblical thoughts on the Holy Habit of Fellowship – presented by Paul.  The first of this series of twelve mini-videos should be uploaded to the Synod YouTube channel by early (9am) on Thursday 17^th September.

  

MINISTERS ONLINE

Just a reminder for ministers of the online gathering with Susan Durber next week, Monday evening to Wednesday lunch-time.  If you haven’t registered, it’s not too late – and if you want another form or more information, contact Lindsey or Paul.

 

SAFEGUARDING TRAINING

Face to face Safeguarding training is still not possible in our church buildings. However, it is possible for it to be delivered via Zoom.  It is available in three 1.25hr sessions that can be delivered either during the day or in the evening over a three weeks period or on consecutive days in a week.  For more information please get in touch with Nicola Grieves cydo@urceastern.org.uk  (Synod Safeguarding Officer)

  

WELCOMING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE:

CONVERSATIONS WITH NICOLA VIA ZOOM

Welcoming Children when Junior Church and youth groups are not possible

Wednesday 23^rd September 2.30pm

 

Connecting and staying in touch with Toddler groups

Thursday 24^th September 2.30pm

 

Messy Church

Wednesday 30^th September 2.30pm

 

If you are interested in joining Please contact Nicola Grieves cydo@urceastern.org.uk to book a place and Zoom links will be sent out for each event.

  

ALL AGE WORSHIP RESOURCES

 

Families at home

Story time for the under fives

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRqn1g6j1-k&t=50s

Singing together

A Little Bit of Love by Graham Kendrick

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auwgDr2BA7E

Praise God who forgives us.
Praise God who loves us.
Praise God who is kind and merciful.
Praise God now and for ever.
Amen.

Reading watching and listening together.

The story of the unforgiving servant – Nicola

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

Matthew 18:21-35

As you read the story, encourage everyone to cheer loudly when someone is kind or forgiving, and to boo when someone is not.

‘How many times should I forgive someone who has done something bad to me?’ Peter asked Jesus. ‘As many as seven times?’ This seemed very forgiving to Peter. ‘Let me tell you a story about two slaves,’ Jesus replied. ‘The first slave owed his king 10,000 talents, more money than he could ever pay back. The king came to him, saying, ‘It’s time to pay up. If you don’t have the money, you’ll have to sell everything you own – your house, your possessions, even your wife and children.’ The slave fell to his knees and begged him for more time. Seeing his distress, the king said, ‘I have changed my mind. You are released from the debt.’ (Cheer!) ‘Straight away, the man went out and met another slave. This second slave owed him a smaller amount, just 100 denarii. ‘Pay up what you owe me,’ the first slave demanded. ‘The second slave begged, just as the first one had, ‘Please have patience. I need more time to pay.’ There was no pity in the first slave, though. He had the man who owed him money thrown into prison, saying he wouldn’t be set free until he had paid his debt. (Boo!) ‘Of course, all of this was reported back to the king, who was extremely angry. ‘I had mercy on you!’ he shouted at the first slave. ‘Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow slave?’ Then the king handed over the man to be tortured until he had paid everything he owed. (Boo!) Jesus looked at Peter and his other disciples. ‘So you must forgive more than seven times. Let’s say seventy-seven times. (Cheer!) You really have to forgive people with your hearts, not just your mouths. If you don’t, my heavenly Father will punish you, like the king punished his slave.’

At the end of the second paragraph Imagine that they are the first slave. How do you feel? Now read to the end of the third paragraph and imagine you are the second slave. How do they feel? At the end of the fourth paragraph, ask the children to imagine being the king. How do they feel?

 

Exploring forgiveness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWWIzCg0bhA&feature=youtu.be

 

Praying together

 Saying Sorry

Water Painting is great fun especially if the sun is shining as you paint with water your picture is transformed and then disappears as the water dries.

God wants us to talk to him and we can say sorry to God for things that we have done. 

Write, draw or make hand prints and as you watch the image disappear say sorry to God and know that God hears you and forgives you because he love you and takes away those things that you are sorry for.

 

Loving one another

This activity will help to pray for those we find it hard to love.

Jesus taught us ‘Love one another as I have loved you’ even those we find it hard to love.  

You will need some

• strips of kitchen paper
  
• water soluble pens
• A  small glass with about an inch of water in it

On the strips of paper about two inches from the bottom draw a heart and above the heart write the initials or draw the face of someone you want to know Gods love and  who you find hard to love.

Put the end of the strip in the water and pray that God will help you to show that person that you love them, and that God loves them.  

 

 

Watch as the water slowly climbs up the paper and the ink in the heart spreads out to cover and absorb the initials.  This is a symbol of how you want your love and God's love to reach out to that person.

 (Adapted from an Idea from the Flame creative kids Blog)

 

 Letting Go

Sometimes we need to be able to let go of the things that stop us forgiving one another.

Write on a piece of A4 paper the things you need to let go of and the people you need to say sorry to.  From the A4 sheet of paper make a paper aeroplane

Holding your paper aeroplane say together

Help us to let go of the things that keep us from focusing our hearts more fully on you.

Help us to ...

let go of fear,

let go of anger

let go of jealousy

let go of lying

let go of hatred

let go of selfishness

Help us to let go and say sorry

Amen

 

Draw a heart on your place and get ready to let go of your plane ask God to be close to you.  Watch you plane fly as an Amen!

 

Creating and playing together

Pollock painting

Take a plain piece of paper and place it inside a tray/box lid

Choose your paint colour and put a marble in the paint (you can use anything that rolls such as playdough, grapes or sprouts)

Using a spoon, life the marble out of the paint and place it on your paper

 Now start to roll your marble around the page making lines as you roll

 When you are ready, pass your tray to the next person

They will add their lines in their colour

Continue until you have drawn on every paper with your colour

Sit back and look at your creations, Notice how the lines cross over and mix.

Can you follow the line of your paint?

What do you notice?

Whose line did you cross?

Did it go messy anywhere?

Notice when the lines cross and the paint mixes, it might even make a new colour.

How did you feel about other people’s paint crossing your picture?

Consider how this relates to forgiveness and have a chat.

 

 

URC ADVICE

Just a reminder that the coronavirus advice page on the URC website is being updated with resources and advice on a regular basis:

https://urc.org.uk/latest-news/3365-urc-issues-coronavirus-advice-to-its-churches

 

A HYMN WRITTEN FOR (AND IN) THESE TIMES

 

We are sailing in the darkness

 “We are sailing in the darkness” is a quotation from Thomas Traumann,

a Brazilian commentator on the Covid-19 crisis, cited on The Guardian website, 17/4/20

tune: Battle Hymn (John Brown’s body / Glory, glory, hallelujah)

 

We are sailing in the darkness

and our captains have no charts,

and so much is still uncertain

it sits heavy on our hearts;

though our boats feel very flimsy

and we’re forced to sail apart,

our God sails with us all.

May Your love reach out in caring,

keep us active, kind and sharing,

keep us cautious, yet with daring,

Great God, sail with us all.

 

Some are struggling with a fever,

some are locked down all alone,

some are risking all for others

well outside their safety zone;

yet no matter our own trials,

we can try to live as one,

our God sails with us all.

 

You have battled with the darkness,

You have sailed on angry seas,

and you struggled in a garden

with the weight of sin’s disease;

yes, you came to share our troubles,

You’re the God who never leaves –

our God sails with us all.                                                     John Campbell 17/4/20

                               John is the minister of Tottenham URC

 

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 

Colouring Template for Family

 

Twenty-First Emailing - Being Church in the Context of Covid 19

UPDATES AND USEFUL INFORMATION   (3^rd September 2020)

  

Dear All

 

Hoping you have had a good August. Things continue to change, and relatively quickly. Blessings as you engage with all that is happening in both the covid and the non-covid world, both personally and as church communities.

 

As previously indicated, this weekly briefly will continue through September now, and very probably beyond – we are reviewing that over the next week or so.  Because of the Bank Holiday and holidays, this comes a day later in the week than has been our practice, but we anticipate reverting to posting it, and sending a reminder email, some time on a Wednesday from next week.

 

Best wishes

 

Paul

 

 

PASTORAL LETTER FROM THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MODERATORS

 

Revd. Clare Downing and Mr. Peter Pay, Moderators of General Assembly, 2020-2022, have written a letter to all of us. Please read it at https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/2020/09/pastoral-letter-from-moderators-of.html

 

 

COVID SAFE BUILDINGS FOR PHYSICAL WORSHIP

 

Guidelines are frequently changing and you are advised to regularly consult the latest government advice - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july

 

What follows now is not necessarily mandatory in every respect, though much of it is.  However, it is all good practice. Please do carefully consider every aspect if you are (or are planning to be) physically open for worship.

 

FACE-COVERINGS – Everyone must wear a face covering when in church.  A person leading worship may remove their faced covering whilst actually leading but must be (at least) 2m away from others, and must wear their covering before and after and elsewhere in the building.  Churches and Worship Leaders are also encouraged to consider Perspex screens and/or face visors in addition.

 

PERSONAL RISK ASSESSMENT – Churches and individuals should continue to consider the personal risks involved in leading worship, undertaking church duties and even attending. If you are high risk, should you be doing any of these at the moment? As a church, please consider carefully before inviting someone who is (or is likely to be, if you don’t know) high risk. For more information and the scoring chart on a personal risk assessment, please go to https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/2020/06/personal-risk-assessment.html

 

OTHER GOOD (OR VITAL) PRACTICE

1) No hymn singing, though there is now some permission for small choirs/singing groups.

2) Only one person should be at the lectern/pulpit during a single service, so probably better for the worship leader to read the lessons and do all the prayers.

3) Keep records of attendees for ‘track and trace’.

4) Please ensure congregants can sanitise their hands on entering and leaving.

5) Please keep greetings/conversations socially distanced.

6) Have a one-way system or ensure people are not going to be going in opposite directions at the same time.

7) Remind everyone (include preachers) to bring their own bottle of water if they wish.

8) If there are any soft fabrics, please ensure a gap of at least 72 hours between uses of the space.

9) Consider whether you need a ticketing system, but certainly do not exceed the socially distanced capacity (remembering folk in bubbles may sit together).

10) Ensure toilets can be used safely.

11) If you are moving (have moved) from Zoom/YouTube etc., consider whether you need a hybrid system to include those who can/should not attend.

 

HOLY HABITS ROADSHOW – OR (AS IT WILL BE) ONLINE TRAINING

 

A reminder that, following the series of worship roadshows in the spring and early summer, we (Paul, Lindsey and Nicola) are going to offer a training series of YouTube videos on four of the ‘Holy Habits’. All the Holy Habits are things we should do, but we have identified four that we think particularly focus on things we joing in together – fellowship, the breaking of bread, giving (or sharing resources) and eating together.

 

We will offer three sessions on each of these four holy habits. Paul will provide a Biblical or ministry basis, Lindsey will offer some practical ‘stuff’ and Nicola will bring an intergenerational approach. As with the worship roadshows, they will (normally) be posted on YouTube each Thursday morning (ideally by 9am.), starting on 17^th September, and running through until 10^th December (with a week’s break at half term.)

 

SAFEGUARDING TRAINING

Face to face Safeguarding training is still not possible in our church buildings. However, it is possible for it to be delivered via Zoom.  It is available in three 1.25hr sessions that can be delivered either during the day or in the evening over a three weeks period or on consecutive days in a week.  For more information please get in touch with Nicola Grieves cydo@urceastern.org.uk  (Synod Safeguarding Officer)

 

CONVERSATIONS WITH NICOLA VIA ZOOM

 Welcoming Children and young people:

 

Welcoming Children when Junior Church and youth groups are not possible

Wednesday 23^rd September 2.30pm

Connecting and staying in touch with Toddler groups

Thursday 24^th September 2.30pm

Messy Church

Wednesday 30^th September 2.30pm

 

If you are interested in joining Please contact Nicola Grieves cydo@urceastern.org.uk to book a place and Zoom links will be sent out for each event.

 

 ALL-AGE HARVEST RESOURCES

 The wedding at Cana - All Age Bible reading and reflection John 2:1-11

https://youtu.be/PXBx8aa_1Rg

 

Harvest Thank you - A Reflection of Harvest thanks following the journey from sowing seed to a loaf of bread.

https://youtu.be/jeYkibSkLwk

 

 EDUCATION SUNDAY - 13^th September - Intergenerational Worship

 

 FAITH WITH UNDER FIVES - 24^th – 26^th November

 

A FREE conference for all those engaging with under-fives in faith settings running over three consecutive evenings.

This conference is sponsored by URC Children and ROOTS for Churches.

Participants may choose to attend one, two or all of the live sessions by registering for tickets.

 

Highlights of sessions will be available to view via YouTube after the event. Read more and book via Eventbrite 

 

7pm to 8.45pm Tuesday 24th November - Faith with under 5s in wider mixed-age groups

Keynote: Becky May with discussion and small group time

 

7pm to 8.45pm Wednesday 25th November - Faith with under 5s in church worship (creche and pew)

Keynote: Gill Ambrose with discussion and small group time

 

7pm to 8.45pm Thursday 26th November - Faith with under 5s in toddler groups

Keynote: Alison Hulse with discussion and small group time

 

Book here to join URC Children and ROOTS for Churchs online for one, two or all of the live sessions. 

 

 ALL-AGE RESOURCES FOR THIS SUNDAY

 For Families at Home

Story time for the under-fives.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwqlUKNJF4w&t=3s

 

Singing together

 Build Your Kingdom Here

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

 

For I am building a people of Power

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtxFK-cmVE8

 

Watching reading and listening together

A story of two brothers – Building Bridges (Nicola)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TI8Kk6TKqs

 

Matthew 18:15-20

Telling the story with sounds/actions

Whenever the phrase ‘don’t listen’ or ‘won’t listen’ occurs in the story, ask everyone to cover their ears and make a ‘la la la la la’ noise. Read the story a second time and invite them to invent sounds and actions for the rest of the story.

Imagine,’ said Jesus, with his disciples gathered about him, ‘that somebody in the church has done something to upset you.’ The disciples had just been asking about who was the most important in the church, and Jesus had shocked them by saying it was the children. Now he was teaching them about relationships. Jesus continued, ‘Speak to the person alone and tell them what they’ve done wrong. If they listen, you’ll have solved the problem and got a brother or sister back.’ ‘What if they don’t listen?’ the disciples asked. ‘Take along one or two other people, who can hear what you say to one another,’ Jesus replied. ‘If the person still won’t listen, then tell the whole church what has happened. If they won’t even listen to the church, then that person is not like a brother or sister to you. They are like a Gentile or a tax collector, and you shouldn’t treat them as family.’ Jesus told the disciples that they would be the ones making judgements in the church. ‘You are in charge of deciding what is forbidden and what is allowed now. Whatever you forbid on earth, will also be forbidden in heaven. Whatever you allow on earth, will be allowed in heaven. And remember, if two of you agree when you ask for something on earth, my Father in heaven will give it to you.’ Looking at the group listening to him, Jesus said, ‘Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’

 

Creating and Praying together

God’s Love Prayer Envelopes

Cut a heart shape out of patterned paper (1)

Turn the heart shape over so that the pattern is facing downwards.  Fold the sides of the heart inwards (2)

Now fold over the top of the heart to make the bottom of the envelope (3).  The point at the bottom of the heart shape now becomes the top part of the envelope (4)

Cut up some small pieces of paper and write or draw pictures or people you love and care about.  Jesus wanted everyone to be able to come close to him. 

The envelope is like God’s heart.   God wants the best for everyone. 

 Put the pieces of card inside the envelope and ask God to look after them and pray that those people will know that God loves them.

 Create your family and friends!

Colour in the template of the family you could make lots of extras to include your wider family and friends.  Cut around the shapes to make a set of cards. As an alternative you could make a group of your friends at school. Think of different ways in which you can use your cards to pray.  If you have some playdoh or blu tack you can use that to make the cards stand up. Take it in turns to create your own family prayer or you can use the prayer below.

Dear God,  You have made us members of your family,Help us to serve and care for one another cheerfully, so that we can show your love to others.

You have made us parents and grandparents,

sisters and brothers and sons and daughters in a human family. Help us to grow in trust and understanding, so that through each other we may see your love.

 You have made us part of a worldwide family of many races and nations. Help us to value and respect our differences, so that together we may bring peace to your world.

 Father God, creator of all, bring us closer together in love. Amen.

You will find the family colouring template at https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/2020/09/colouring-template-for-family.html

 

FILMING AND EDITING WORSHIP: BEGINNERS’ TRAINING   

Nicola and Lindsey will be offering three sessions (on Zoom) in September to support churches who wish to record their worship. We will introduce the sort of equipment that might be useful, helpful features on familiar software such as PowerPoint, and step-by-step help with editing software. You are welcome to join all of the sessions, or dip in as appropriate. 

The three sessions will be held on three consecutive Thursdays (3^rd, 10^th and 17^th) all at 2.30pm, and will be finished by 4pm.

 The programme is as follows:

 3^rd September   Session 1  Introduction: simple start-up equipment; using PowerPoint to enhance services (including incorporating video, music and voice and converting to film)          

 10^th September Session 2  Basic Film Editing

 17^th September Session 3  Enhanced Film Editing

 If you have not already registered your interest, and/or have not received a joining link, and would like to attend please email Lindsey. 

 

 LAY PREACHERS’ CATCH-UP

Our second catch-up for Lay Preachers will take place on Wednesday 9^th September at 7pm, via Zoom.  Whether or not you were able to join us in July we would love to see any Lay Preachers or worship leaders and see how things are going, and would be interested too in what support we can offer going forwards.  Please contact Lindsey for a link to the meeting at training@urceastern.org.uk.

 

 TRANSITIONING FROM LOCKDOWN

 During the summer Lindsey has been working with other Training Officers to put together a document showing how URC churches across the country are managing the transition from lockdown to reopening.  Our goal as churches is to keep including as many from our communities as possible as we continue to change the way we do things.  We hope that it will be useful to you to see how different churches have responded, how combinations can work well together, and how the key to success is continued flexibility.  Please let Lindsey know if your church would like any further information or support related to any of these approaches.

 The document is available at

https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/2020/09/transitioning-from-lockdown-some-models.html

or please email Lindsey if you would like it as a pdf.

 

HARVEST PICTURES

During my local walks earlier this summer I took some pictures of the fields around my home (in Epping).  I thought I’d share them on the Synod Facebook page in case any one wants to use them in Harvest reflections or services: we all know it can be tricky finding copyright-free images online.  I’m not any kind of photographer: the Creator does all the hard work! 

There will be more picture-sharing in coming weeks as we enter the period for celebrating creation.  We have a number of very talented ministers and members and Facebook is a useful way to share photographs (they are too big for the website).

URC ADVICE

Just a reminder that the coronavirus advice page on the URC website is being updated with resources and advice on a regular basis:

https://urc.org.uk/latest-news/3365-urc-issues-coronavirus-advice-to-its-churches

 

 

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:

 

 

A PRAYER FROM THE SYNOD MODERATOR

Loving God, who accompanies us through all the challenges and joys of life, be with us now as we continue to navigate the difficulties of a time of pandemic. Bless especially those caught up in unexpected self-isolating because of changing travel restrictions, those suddenly more restricted because of temporary local lockdowns, those struggling with the development of still somewhat unknown new normals.

You call us to bear one another’s burdens. Help us to remember that call and remember those who are too easily forgotten in a time such as this.

Bless us now, as we seek to be your faithful people, responding to this and every circumstance in which we find ourselves.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

 

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 AND KEEP WELL!  GOD BLESS!                          PAUL