Hello Friends,
Can you believe its now October? In a zoom meeting last night, someone mentioned how they couldn’t believe that the Christmas decorations were going up in the garden centres already. Just a few updates for you as we head into this new month.
Mark Hackney Licensed at Reader
This Sunday (4th) Mark will be licensed as a Lay Reader in the diocese based at St Michaels. The service will be take place at Chester Cathedral and will be led by Bishop Mark, Bishop of Chester. If you want to watch the service, we have been told it will be on youtube and the link is https://www.youtube.com/c/ChesterCathedralChoirandOrgan/featured. The service will start at 3pm. The following Sunday (11th), Mark (our reader, not the Bishop) will preach at all three services and will also replicate parts of the licensing service, as required by the Diocese. I do hope, you will be able to join us at one of these services, as we welcome Mark into this ministry.
NHS Test and Trace App
You may have heard much about the launch of the NHS app last week. Part of the system requires public places to display a new type of barcode at the entrance to their buildings. People with the app on their phone can scan the code and register that they have arrived at the building. In line with the request from government St Michaels is now displaying the code we have been assigned. If you have the app, and wish to participate, you can scan in on arrival at church, but nobody will be forced to participate in this system. We will maintain our own booking system which is primarily about making sure we have space for people in our services, and secondly is about making sure we have information for Track ad Trace should it be needed.
On the note of Track and Trace, I think it is inevitable that there will be people in our church over the next few weeks who get told to isolate. Where this happens, I want to ask for your continued love, generosity and care towards them. People don’t choose to get Covid, but to be told to self-isolate brings all sorts of feelings of fear and in some cases shame. Lets continue to build one another up in love and prayer.
Another Step to Normality
I am really pleased to tell you that from next Monday (5th October) the Parish Office will be staffed 5 days a week again. Next week, we welcome Janet Blackshaw back to work, which is another sign of us recovering in the right direction. Karen will work Monday to Wednesday and Janet will work Thursday and Friday.
As the office returns to full capacity we are looking to revive some of the rotas that were in place for our services to assist with some of the planning. If you were already on a rota for bible reading, leading intercessions or being a sidesperson, Karen will have already been in touch. If you would like to be included in these rota’s either contact the office, or use the sign up sheet that will be in church on Sunday.
Technology
With the introduction of the screens for worship, up till now, Mark and myself, with a few exceptions have been controlling what’s on screen whilst also leading or preaching. Whilst this has worked so far, we don’t think this is a long term solution so we are asking for help. If you would be able to help control what’s on screen during a service and be part of a rota, we would both be really grateful. Again there will be a sign up sheet in church on Sunday and we will look to sort out some training and a rota within the next 2 weeks.
Christmas
Christmas is coming. The festivities will look very different this year, but we will still celebrate the birth of Jesus and the celebration of God with us. As I look to plan things in a different way, if you would be interested in being involved in some of the planning and delivery of our Christmas celebrations, there will be a sign up sheet in church this weekend, or you can let me know by email. Where its possible to meet in person we will, otherwise it will be over zoom.
Greetings from Newala
This week we received a message from the Diocese of Newala encouraging us in faith and reminding us of their prayers. Its well worth a read and you can find it on our website at: https://www.bramhall.church/news-updates/newala-message-sept-2020
Over the last few weeks the passage of scripture that has been at the forefront of my mind has been:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Whatever the next few weeks and months hold – the race is a marathon and Jesus is always in sight supporting us, strengthening us, praying for us. Do not be discouraged!
With thanks for your prayers, the assurance of mine,
Calum