3rd July 2020

Dear friends,
 
This week we have been thinking carefully this week about how our churches can re-open safely for public worship next week. I am pleased to say most of our churches can re-open in the coming weeks but things may look rather different. We will have to adhere to the 2m social distance rule and this means we may have a reduced capacity in our church buildings. An example of this is that St Mary’s in Saffron Walden may only accommodate 50 people with strict adherence to social distancing! If you think about the size of that church, you can see why that number seems outstandingly small! There will also be no singing, no tea or coffee afterwards and no shared cup for Holy Communion for a while. Services may look rather different but we will be together at last! However, we also hope to be able to offer a live-streamed service from All Saints in Great Chesterford for anyone to join from home if they’d like to do so. 
 
It is strange to think that I often pray for more people to come to church but those who are are vulnerable may still feel that they should still stay at home and this should be encouraged. I hope we have learnt that the church isn’t about a building. It is about the people of God meeting together, praying together and worshipping God together. We will always look to welcome all those who come, virtually or physically so we can share God’s love with them.
 
As God’s Church we have been adapting and changing over the last few months. The Church is often seen as old, fusty and not changing with the times but I don’t think this could ever be said again. We have truly learnt that nothing is impossible for God and how flexible His people can be. 
 
So I look forward to seeing you soon but please don’t feel pressured to rush to church because we are still the body of Christ, united in purpose even when separate in place. We are united by the precious blood of Christ and therefore nothing can separate us from the love of God or each other.
 
With love,
 
Alex.
 
PS. If you want join our livestream when it begins, a good place to starting is to join Facebook and then searching it for ‘Cam Villages Churches’. If you like us, you will get a reminder of when we ‘go live’ and then you’ll be able to join us wherever you are! If you need any help with this just contact me or Gillian (website.camvillages@gmail.com).
 
Rev'd Alex Jeewan
Team Vicar 
Saffron Walden and Villages Team Ministry

As there are a number of procedures that have to be followed before and while they are open, we ask that you read the notices provided and follow the instructions so that all have the opportunity to pray safely. 
 

A prayer for COVID-19

Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen.

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