LAST UPDATED: 17/03/2020
Dear All
Following on from recent updates surrounding the coronavirus, the Archbishops have indicated that all public worship in the Church of England is to be put on hold until further notice.
This means that there will be no Sunday Services and I am recommending that our midweek groups also stop meeting for the time being.
Please pass this information on to those you know who are not on our email distribution list.
It's worth reading the letter that the Archbishops sent, as it raises some interesting thoughts about how this might reshape the church into the future. You can find the summary and full letter here: https://www.churchofengland.org/
I am waiting for more specific guidance from Southwark Diocese in light of this decision, and will pass on relevant details when they emerge.
As previously mentioned, I will have a detailed meeting with out Communications Team on Thursday for strategies moving forward. It's unlikely that we'll have much lined up for this weekend, but here's another link made by Churches Together in England for a call to prayer this Sunday:
www.cte.org.uk/Articles/569010/Home/News/Latest_news/Light_a_candle.aspx?redirected=1
My suggestion is that we set a reminder/alarm for our usual start time on Sunday, 10am (or 10:10am!) and collectively commit to pray about the things they mention. The lighting of a candle in our windows at 7pm would also be a nice touch.
In a similar vein, I will feed in details of how we are looking to serve our local community as this situation unfolds.
Please also continue to follow the latest government, Public Health England and NHS guidelines.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to be in touch.
With every blessing
Revd Jon Ward