Dear Friends
Good morning everybody, I hope you remain well. It’s been a glorious weekend, particularly enjoyable with the induction of the Reverend Martin Ferris at Abbotts Rd to the South and East Leicestershire Resource Area. For those who missed that inspirational service, it may be found on the Synod’s new YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDkjek60zW4 . We are all most grateful to A T Mills our technical expert who is guiding much of our virtual activity.
I know a number of our churches opened for the first time yesterday, and I trust all went well with them. There are an increasing number of virtual meetings both on Sunday and during the week, and we must be grateful for the new technology which is making remote fellowship a real possibility for those who feel at present that they cannot attend worship in person within our church buildings.
Still some of our churches, continue to be centres of hope for their community, in the distribution of needful supplies, both to the deprived, and to those still isolating.
As our churches begin returning to Sunday Worship within their buildings, we need to remember that many in our congregations are elderly, and some may not be prepared to return to normal church meetings with complete confidence, until vaccination has taken place. In this respect I would refer you to the URC East Midlands Synod Web Site https://www.urc5.org.uk/ , and the ‘Latest URC Covid-19 advice – Emerging into the New Normal’, found at https://www.urc5.org.uk/content/latest-urc-covid19-advice-emerging-new-normal. This document, is prepared by the Synod Moderators.
Please consider the Personal Risk Assessment Form which will be found in the documentation mentioned above: note that for those scoring 6 or above the advice is:- ‘A score of 6 or more suggests a high risk and indicates that you should continue to work or participate in church life from your home’. It is also important, if your buildings are being opened up, to ensure that our Synod Property Officer, Mr Geoff Milnes, is informed prior to Church Building opening. This can be done, through the Synod office using [email protected]. Further good advice is available in the latest Synod E-Letter 325 – 23rd July 2020.
As usual, with this email, I attach the service for next Sunday 13th September, at this early opportunity. The service is in the form of low level technology, so that those who have access to simple emails may receive it, and may forward it on to our other brothers and sisters whose email addresses I do not have, with minimum effort, should it be felt appropriate. The pdf contains the hymn words, largely from ‘Rejoice & Sing’, so that you may sing along, as I know you do. Some prayers and the readings for the day, from the Revised Common Lectionary, on which the URC Prayer Handbook is based, are included.
May I once again remind you of the very excellent services and devotions which the URC is providing at: https://devotions.urc.org.uk/
Every blessing to you all as you remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for all you continue to do.
David