Covid-19 

Dear Friends
Another week has passed in our lockdown countdown. The national news suggests that the social distancing measures whilst difficult for us all are making a real difference in slowing down the transmission of the virus but of course we still have more to do, so following the  guidance  remains really important. Please continue to hold in your prayers all those who have lost their lives from Coronavirus and their families and also the wonderful work of many people who offer care, support, protection and vital services. I am sure many of you are joining in thank you Thursdays when we applaud the efforts of all those working hard in many ways. This is a marvellous opportunity to join together and show others just how much we value their efforts and the contributions they make for us all.
 
Whilst the last few weeks in lockdown have been difficult and I know isolating and lonely for many, please be assured that Christians throughout the world are uniting and praying collectively for the many people affected worldwide. Prayer is powerful and we can all play our part in personal prayer and also in our combined church prayer at 6.00pm daily, wherever we are.
 
You may well have seen the wonderful images of rainbows appearing in posters and drawn by children in chalk on the pavement, these display a visible sign of hope in these uncertain times and remind us that the love of God is with us always. I am sure you will have been touched by the many  acts of kindness which are occurring during this time and I hope that these  may continue long into the future.  Many people are doing extraordinary things and none more so than Captain Tom who at nearly 100 years young and despite his restricted mobility, with courage and determination has raised more than £20 million pounds in a  week by walking 100 laps of his garden. He is real hero but supported by generous donations from around the world. One small act  that will make a huge difference to others and an inspiration to us all.
 
During this time of social distance many of you will be finding ways to communicate with others and this may be a telephone call, use of social media or modern technology or by the friendly wave through the window at a distance to your family or friends. Last week as a Circuit we tried a number of new ways of connecting together for worship on  Easter Day. These included a telephone service held by a number of Churches and an interactive online service using “Zoom” where we could see and hear each other in our own homes using the wonders of technology. These services were valued by all who attended and it is planned to continue them for the next few weeks.
 
If you want to join the phone service tomorrow you can do so at 10.00am by calling the number below and using the codes  as shown. These codes will stay the same each Sunday if you wish to phone into the  service.
Dial: 0333 0110 946
When asked enter the Room number: 47927697 #
When asked enter the  Guest PIN: 1145 #
 
Equally at 11am you can join an online Zoom Service if you wish and the link for this  is   
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83773620304?pwd=SFlmMGJTVlhYQWkyU1FrU0c1ekJRdz09
or simply click here
You will need a Meeting ID: 837 7362 0304 and Password: 025530
 
If you don’t have internet access you can phone into the Zoom service by using any  of the numbers below and then entering the Meeting ID and Password numbers listed  above.
Dial any of the following UK telephone numbers:
       0131 460 1196
       0203 051 2874
       0203 481 5237
       0203 481 5240
 
You will  be welcome to sing  at home during the Zoom Service. The hymn will be ‘Thine be  the Glory’.
 
As you pray this week please hold our friends on the prayer list  in your thoughts and prayers:
Frank & Barbara
Rosemary
Ken & Pat
Rev Alec
Don
Margaret
Ruth
Alan
Doreen
Pat
Danni
Sue (following  the death of her Sister)
 
 You can find reflections and biblical stories on our circuit you tube channel including  new material added weekly at
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBhbVptj0forVkUfmmsvd_w
Copy and paste into your browser or simply click here
Please continue to stay safe and know that you are surrounded by the love and prayers of your Church family.
With every blessing
Ian