Dear Friends
Good morning everyone, we’ve been most fortunate in the last few days, sun shining as we draw nearer to the equinox. The weather forecast seems to indicate that we will return to more seasonal temperatures towards the end of this week.
I trust I find you well; since the swimming pool opened, and I’ve been able to get back to my normal form of exercise, I personally, am feeling a lot better. Sadly though, the predicted increase in infection from the virus, prevented my first face to face service since lockdown taking place at the South Wigston (Multi Faith Worship Centre), for within 2 minutes of my sending the Order of Service, I was informed that the college had taken the decision to close the Multi Faith Worship Centre.
This morning, I understand we are to have an announcement from the chief medical officer and chief scientific officer of the acute situation which the UK finds itself in regarding the potential spreading of the virus, and the need for stricter restrictive measures to be introduced. I’m sure that a government announcement of those measures will follow shortly.
Many will be disappointed at this set back, but we must brace ourselves to do everything possible to prevent an upsurge of infection during the winter months. There is of course great hope on the horizon for the release of a vaccine in the next few months. Please take every precaution to remain safe during that period as we wait expectantly.
It is likely that Churches preparing for Sunday Worship within their buildings, will wish to revise their thoughts, but what ever decisions may be taken 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 Synod E-Letter 325 – 23rd July 2020.
As usual, with this email, I attach the service for next Sunday 27th 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. Now that folk have established a routine for those to whom they forward a copy of the service, I commit the circulation to Blind Carbon Copy. 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. This service, with certain revisions, would have been the Harvest Festival Service for our Oadby URC.
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
For readings and prayers please click on the blue link below: