Reopening our Churches in Kingswood and Lower Kingswood
On 7 June 2020, the government announced that it is permissible for churches to reopen as of 15 June 2020. In order to ensure that we open our churches safely for individuals to engage in private prayer, we shall need to make a number of adjustments and it is, therefore, our intention to follow the lead of our mother church, Southwark Cathedral in reopening on 4 July 2020. In the interim period we shall be setting up a rota for the supervision of the churches and to ensure that visitors are supported in adhering to the procedures by which we aim to keep everyone safe. It is likely that only one person at a time will be admitted and access will be limited to specific areas of the churches and to designated hours during the week. All visitors will be required to clean their hands with sanitising gel and all access areas will be sanitised with antiseptic wipes after each visit. We trust that you will bear with us whilst we make the necessary arrangements.
Further information will be provided prior to reopening on 4 July, when we look forward to welcoming you back into the churches we have all missed over the past weeks.
Coronavirus – A message for you, from the Parish
On 11th March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus to be a global pandemic. Since its outbreak in January in Wuhan, China, the world has been slowly engulfed by fear of this invisible but deadly threat.
As the virus has spread, so have the efforts of our Governments to slow the virus. Countries are on lock down, and hundreds of millions of people have been told to stay at home. Normal life has shut down for most of us. Businesses, schools, industries, restaurants, sports, theatres and even churches have all been shut.
Every community must now deal with the crisis, in one way or another.
We members of the Parish of Kingswood wish to express our deep concern and sympathy for all who live in our community at this time. We want you to know that we have committed to praying for you, and that we have put in place ways of showing our care and regard for you. This is especially true if you are among the elderly and most vulnerable in our community. If you live in the parish and need help with essential supplies, collection of medication, or someone to talk to, please contact our Parish Administrator and she will make sure you are looked after.
If there was ever a time to turn to God in prayer and supplication, this is it. So, we invite you to join us in praying for:
- Our Government and local authorities who bear the responsibility of confronting this challenge. They cannot afford to get their response wrong.
- WHO and all health professionals who are working to safeguard our public health.
- Industry leaders who must take huge decisions to confront this challenge to our economy.
- The leaders of our local community, who provide care and guidance for those they lead.
- Finally, let us pray for ourselves and our loved ones, for courage and endurance at this most demanding of times.
Christianity is based on hope in a God that does not fail us. We are the Easter People, and know that even in the worst circumstances, God is with us and will hear our prayers. He will answer us.
As Easter approaches, this is a time to let the light of Christ shine His healing rays throughout the world, and throughout our community.
May the Lord, our Chief Shepherd and our Refuge, grant mercy and grace upon the nations of the world in this time of trouble and distress.
We would like to share with you now the following verses which remind us that we are right to trust in God:
Psalm 91:1-4, (NLT)
‘Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
He is my God, and I trust Him.
For He will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with His feathers.
He will shelter you with His wings.
His faithful promises are
your armour and protection.’
Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
Prayer in a Time of Distress
Lord Jesus Christ,
you taught us to love our neighbour,
and to care for those in need
as if we were caring for you.
In this time of anxiety, give us strength
to comfort the fearful, to tend the sick,
and to assure the isolated
of our love, and your love,
for your name’s sake.
Amen.
Quotes of the week:
Misfortune is an occasion to demonstrate character. – Seneca
I am sure I have derived more real benefit and permanent strength and growth in grace, and every precious thing, from the furnace of affliction, than I have ever derived from prosperity. - C H Spurgeon
Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it. - Helen Keller