We are beginning to see our church emerge from lockdown. When it was in full effect life was pretty simple, the guidelines were clear and easy to communicate. We are now entering a stressful and complicated phase, and let’s be clear, the threat of another lockdown if the virus spikes again. Just because things seem to be returning to some semblance of normality this doesn’t mean we can take risks and lose our vigilance.
The big news is that St Michael and All Angels Church Eastington has reopened for private prayer and reflection between Thursday and Sunday 9am-4pm.
Weddings, funerals and baptisms can now take place with up to 30 people in attendance.
This is great news, but it will bring its fair share of complications and challenges. Church services across the Stroudwater Team are being kept limited for the time being for a few reasons; to gauge demand, to limit the number of churches that need cleaning, to obviate the need for calling on older clergy, space considerations and parking availability.
Worshipping together is a blessing and relief for us, but our thoughts are with those who are not able to attend. We do know one thing, and that is God’s love through His Holy Spirit connects and holds us together as His church. Wherever we may be, know that we are the church, meeting in different ways, but no less the means of Christ’s presence in the world.
Thank you for your encouragement, for being part of our worship and for your love and care. Please look after yourselves, do what you can, but don’t be guilty for not doing what you shouldn’t. God is with us and He loves us and He can see the hopes and desires of our hearts.
Rev Steve Harrison – Rector
Digital resources
- There are a range of resources available for people to engage with at this difficult and challenging time in the life of the nation and the world:
- “Time to Pray” app – everything you need for Prayer During the Day, with variations according to the day of the week and the sea son of the Church’s year. Download for free on your mobile and tablet. Alternatively you can visit the resources for each day at www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayer
- Live streaming church services – we invite you to join us at 9.30am and 9pm daily for a simple act of worship between Monday and Saturday on the “Stroudwater Team of Churches” Facebook page.
- Sunday church services – check out the “Stroudwater Team of Churches” Facebook page for details of Sunday services in church buildings, including details of Sunday services via Zoom and Facebook.
- Prayer for the day – each day the Church of England publishes online and via smart speaker apps audio and text of the Prayer for the Day.
The Organ Hymn-A-Thon
Chris Amys is embarking upon the Organ Hymn-A-Thon by playing your requested hymns whilst also raising money for the Stroudwater Team, including St Michael and All Angels Church Eastington.
To get involved could not be easier.
Simply donate and upload your hymn request at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stroudwater.
In return, Chris will endeavour to play all of your requests, with videos being uploaded regularly via Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
With hundreds of hymns to choose from the possibilities are endless.
There is no minimum donation but your generosity will help support the running of St Michael and All Angels Church Eastington and the Stroudwater Team.
Flower Festival
Sadly because of the current situation we had to postpone our Flower Festival, themed British Summertime, which was due to take place in St Michael and All Angels Church Eastington in late June 2020.
However we are pleased to announce that, subject to COVID-19, the Flower Festival will be rescheduled for 2021 during the summer, with dates to be announced in due course.
Fundraising Appeal
Due to COVID-19, we had little choice but to close temporarily, resulting in a significant drop of income from collections. As such, we are appealing for much-needed funds to ensure the church can serve the people of Eastington for future generations.
You can donate via the Parish Giving Scheme, in which donations are made monthly, quarterly or annual basis by Direct Debit. The donation can also be Gift Aided.
For more details about the Parish Giving Scheme, please contact
Jacky Naylor on 01453 822728 or at jacky@mikenaylorsurveyors.co.uk.
Funds from Eastington Yard Sale
There was a good turnout enjoying the sunny weather on Sunday 12th July 2020 and we had a successful day managing to sell most items with takings of over £400 for church funds.
A massive thank you also to Kate and her team of helpers for organising an excellent day which raised £220, which has been split between Great Western Air Ambulance and the church.
With Kate’s contribution the churches total will be in excess of £500. Many thanks to all who donated items for sale and supporting us on the day. It was lovely to see you all.
Mike and Jacky Naylor
If you require any help and support, or simply would like a chat, please do not hesitate to contact any of the following individuals:
Rev Steve Harrison 07466 858975 rectorstroudwater@gmail.com
Rev Liz Palin 01452 741147 tv1stroudwater@gmail.com
Rev Dave Bishop 01453 822332 tv2stroudwater@gmail.com
Mike & Jacky Naylor 01453 822728 mike@mikenaylorsurveyors.co.uk
Chris Amys 07867 482586 chris.amys@hotmail.com
There will be no Harvest Festival service, as the church isn’t open for services.
However the church is still it is open on
Thursday/Friday/Saturday and Sunday
and so food can be donated then and put into the basket just as you come in the door.
I will then collect it all up nearer the date in October when it would have been the service and take it all to the Foodbank.
Jacky.
You must be logged in to post a comment.