The Place to Be & Meet Together

A National call to prayer re. the Coronavirus pandemic

A National Day of Prayer and Action has been announced by the presidents of Churches Together in England, re. the Coronavirus epidemic, for this Sunday 22nd March.

In an excerpt from a joint letter issued today, they wrote:

"At such a time as this, when so many are fearful and there is great uncertainty, we are reminded of our dependence on our loving Heavenly Father and the future that he holds.

Therefore, at 7pm (GMT) this Sunday, light a candle in the windows of your homes as a visible symbol of the light of life, Jesus Christ, our source and hope in prayer."

Wherever you are in the world, we invite you to join with us in prayer to see an end to the Coronavirus pandemic.

10 ways to worship together even if not gathered

Today, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby and Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu called for all Church of England churches to suspend public worship to help stem the spread of Coronavirus.

In light of today's announcement, we have created a list of 10 ways churches can worship even if they cannot be gathered together. Go here for the list of ideas.

Let us pray for one another during this difficult time.

"Cast all your cares on to Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

FULL STATEMENT ABOUT THE CALL TO PRAYER

Presidents of Churches Together in England have issued a call to prayer in the light of the Coronavirus pandemic. This is for all churches and people of prayer to join on Sunday 22nd March, Mothering Sunday.

They write….

We mark 'new beginnings' in a rich variety of ways, from simple acts to elaborate ceremonies - from sending a card or planting a tree to a wedding banquet. The key aspects of however we mark our new beginnings are joy and celebration.

A fundamental part of following Jesus and building a relationship with him in the here and now, is marking the commencement of this new relationship, this new life, with the act of baptism.

I'd like to invite you to our service at 10.15 on 8th March when we'll be holding a baptism service for adults. This is a celebration where someone makes a public declaration of their relationship with Jesus. It is rich with the symbolism of dying to oneself and rising to new life in Jesus, as the person allows themself to be covered in water. We'll have a special pool of water for the service.

For anyone wishing to take part in the service we're running a series of baptism preparation sessions through January and February.

Jesus said, "I've come so that people might have life, abundant life!"

However you started this New Year, I want to assure you that Christians across the village are praying for your personal well-being and the health and strength of all parts of our community. For we believe and know that our loving heavenly Father is deeply interested in transforming the lives of each person here.