This Sunday we are remembering two important things during our worship. The first is Christian Aid Week which begins this Sunday. The second is the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, which is being remembered across the country on 8th May.
Two very different causes: one a worldwide charity working to alleviate poverty and injustice; the other a tribute to the service and sacrifice of the entire Second World War generation. Yet both are about the human endeavour to build God’s kingdom on earth, and in the words from our Collect this week:
declare your love for the world
We had our first Sunday service on Zoom last week, followed by a time for coffee. We had around 50 people join us, and there was much delight in seeing each other on screen. The sermon was later posted on Facebook, YouTube and here on our website for those who couldn’t join Zoom. I am aware that not everyone wants to join Zoom, and some people do not have an internet connection, so we must do the best we can in these difficult circumstances to stay in contact with all.
I am delighted that the Church of England now has a daily free phone number offering prayers, readings and hymns, and I do hope that those of you without the internet might find spiritual strength and comfort in it. See details below.
The good news is that we are awaiting on Sunday an announcement from the Government about the easing of some of the lockdown restrictions. We will keep you informed on the website and via social media as to how this might affect our life together at church.
Collect
Risen Christ,
your wounds declare your love for the world and the wonder of your risen life:
give us compassion and courage
to risk ourselves for those we serve,
to the glory of God the Father.
Readings
Acts 7.55-60, Psalm 31.1-5,15-16, 1 Peter 2.2-10, John 14.1-14
Christian Aid Week 10th - 16th May, 2020
A Message from our Christian Aid Co-ordinator Jill Charlish:
‘In this week's notices I would usually be reporting on the success of the Big Brekkie last Saturday and I would be encouraging people to take the last roads to cover on Shoreham Beach with the envelopes for Christian aid Week 2020! With the lockdown due to the coronavirus we have all had to change our ways of communicating.
Christian Aid Week 2020 has come up with some innovative ways of raising our awareness of the needs of those in the poorest parts of the world, especially at this time of the pandemic. https://www.christianaid.org.uk/christian-aid-week/virtual-fundraisers
You will find an eEnvelope online which you should be able to open and share with others. There is a direct link for donations from the e-Envelope. No more knocking on doors! Well not this year, anyway. All the donations will be recorded against our Church's Christian aid group number.
You will also find links to opportunities for daily prayer and live daily reflections from Christian aid staff and partners overseas.
Our service this Sunday will include a message from Rowan Williams which he has recorded for Christian Aid .
Stay safe and well during these difficult times and we look forward to a delayed Big Brekkie in the autumn. Watch this space. God Bless.’
Church Magazine
The May issue of ShoreLine is now available. If you reading this on paper, one will have been delivered to you. For others it will attached to your email, or you can view it on the church website. Thanks to all for contributing and especially our editor, Adam.
Afternoon Study and Fellowship Group on Zoom
What is Prayer?
Friday, 15th May, 3.30pm- 5pm
We continue with our afternoon group watching a talk together recorded at St Paul’s Cathedral, followed by conversation and prayer. This week we are looking at prayer with Bishop Stephen Cottrell. He describes himself as ‘an experienced beginner’ at prayer who has never got much beyond this, but says his long apprenticeship has taught him that the beginning and end of prayer is the longing to know God and to be known by God.
But for many people profound questions remain.
- Is God really listening?
- Does what we pray affect what God does?
- Also, why is it that everyone struggles with prayer; shouldn’t it be easy?
Stephen Cottrell will reflect on what prayer is and how we might begin, or begin again, to pray more authentically. Note that the link is not the same as previous weeks. Email Rev’d Jane if you’d like to join.
10 o’clock Rock
An activity sheet is attached. Thank you, Daisy.
Telephone Worship
The Church of England has launched a telephone line which offers daily readings, reflections, prayers and even hymns. It’s a free phone number, and may be especially valuable for those who are at home without the internet. Ring 0800 804 8044 if you would like to hear it each day.
VE Day – 75th Anniversary
Some members of our congregation are remembering VE Day with stay at home street parties in their front gardens. Here is a photo of the bunting that Sheila has made for the celebrations in her road.
There are also decorative CDs painted in red, white and blue made by Sandy for her neighbours.
We give thanks for peace.
A Prayer for VE Day
From the Act of Commitment for Peace
Lord God our Father,
we pledge ourselves to serve you and all humankind, in the cause of peace, for the relief of want and suffering,
and for the praise of your name.
Guide us by your Spirit;
give us wisdom;
give us courage;
give us hope;
and keep us faithful now and always.
Amen.
Services This Week
Sunday, 10th May, 10am - Parish Communion live on Zoom
We ask you to join 15 to 30 minutes before the service if you are new to Zoom. You will need a laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone with built in camera and to be connected to the internet. You don’t have to buy any new software or register for Zoom services. You click on this link and then follow the prompts.
Please note that once the service begins at 10am we can’t admit any latecomers as it might disrupt the worship.
Tuesday, 12th May, 9.30am - Informal Holy Communion live on Zoom
Or telephone 0203 4815240 and follow the prompts, using Meeting ID: 843 7389 6633, Password: 901329.
Please note that for those who aren’t joining us on Zoom the sermons will be available to view later on Facebook and the church website.
Thursday 14th May, 7pm – Celtic Evening Prayer
Please email Rev’d Jane for joining details. Those who have been before, please note it is the same link as last week.
Friday 15th May, 8am – Meditation with Morning Prayer
Please email Rev’d Jane for joining details. Those who have been before, please note it is the same link as last week.
Please do get in contact if you’d like any support, either practical, in prayer, or simply a friendly chat on the phone.
With blessings,
Rev’d Jane