The Baptism of Christ, 10th January 2021
‘He saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him’ Mark 1.10
Happy New Year to you all! Welcome to the first newsletter of 2021, sent out a little earlier than usual because we need to share with you important news about changes to our worship this month. The PCC has decided that we should return to online worship for the rest of January. Although the Government permits public worship in the current lockdown, we have taken the view that our church is physically small, it is cold keeping the doors open for ventilation, and it is safer for us to meet only online at this time of heightened risk. Good numbers of people joined our Zoom services in the last two lockdowns, and this is likely to be the best way for us to sustain our community whilst so many prefer not to attend in person. Elements of the service will also be available to watch later on You Tube and Facebook for those who don’t join Zoom. The PCC is meeting at the end of the January to decide how to proceed in February. This was not an easy decision, and other churches are responding similarly or differently, depending on their unique circumstances. Do contact me if you have any views to share about this and how we best gather next month. This Sunday we celebrate the baptism of Christ with a service of the Word on Zoom, followed by coffee and fellowship. Our Tuesday Holy Communion will also be on Zoom, with coffee to follow.
The church remains open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Drop in whilst out for a walk to light a candle and pray for better times to come.
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Collect Heavenly Father, at the Jordan you revealed Jesus as your Son: may we recognize him as our Lord and know ourselves to be your beloved children; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Readings Genesis 1.1-5 , Psalm 29, Acts 19.1-7, |
Children
Sadly there is no Sunday school or Messy Church whilst we are in lockdown. We are really sorry not to be able to offer provision for children at the moment.
Tea and Fellowship at 4pm starts up on January 14th, to help us stay in touch during these winter months of January and February. Thank you to Judy Short for hosting these gatherings – just what we need during lockdown. Make yourself a cuppa and join on this Zoom link.
Join Tea and Fellowship - CLICK HERE
Meeting ID: 876 6771 6499
Passcode: 843226
And finally…
Pop into church to see another beautiful seasonal banner on loan to us from Chris Diebel. Do get in contact if you need any support during lockdown or just a chat. My hours as Associate Vicar are half time and my working days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and also Sunday mornings.
Blessings and prayers for you all this week. Revd Jane Email: bartlett.jane@ntlworld.com.
Tel: 079355 38085.
Church website: www.goodshepherdshorehambeach.org.uk
Services this Week
Sunday, 10th January
10am – The Baptism of Christ on Zoom A service of the Word with Canon Tony.
We ask you to join 15 minutes before the service if you’re new to Zoom. You’ll 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 prompt. This is the same link each week. Click here LINK
Meeting ID: 839 0035 2820
Password: 057057
There is a second option to join by dialling in on a telephone, either landline or mobile. You won’t have video connection, but you will be able to hear the service and speak. You dial 0203 4815240 and follow the prompts. The meeting ID and password are as above.
Alternatively from 3pm you can watch parts of the service later on Facebook or our You Tube page.
Our You Tube page CLICK HERE
Our church Facebook page CLICK HERE
Tuesday, 12th January
9.30am - Informal Holy Communion on Zoom with Revd Pat. Click link here.
Meeting ID: 843 7389 6633
Passcode: 901329
Thursday 14th January 7pm – Celtic Evening Prayer on Zoom
Meeting ID: 835 3982 3953
Password: 589147
Friday 15th January
8am – Meditation with Morning Prayer on Zoom
(No password is needed for this one) Click here LINK
Evening Prayer
This is said at 5.30pm at St Marys on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, no need to book. It is via Zoom on Monday and Wednesday, at 5.30pm. If you want to attend contact Canon Ann for the link. Email: annwaizeneker@gmail.com
If you’d like to donate to the Church of the Good Shepherd online CLICK HERE Thank you!