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Dear Friends,
These are unprecedented times and a challenge for us all. Some of you will know that Archbishops’ have advised that all Sunday and midweek services and meetings are to cease for a season other than marriages and funerals. This means no normal services can happen for a while.
However, the work and love of Christ and we, the Body of Christ, continue. We are committed to serving the Benefice of Witney in whatever way we can. Our Ministry Team will contact all those for whom we have contact soon – if you haven’t been called by the weekend then please do send your details in to office@witneyparish.org.uk. We intend for members of the ministry team to be in touch on a regular basis where possible, and where you would like this. We will also continue to try to open our churches if possible – do pop in for a quiet prayer and reflection.
The Archbishops’ letter is well worth reading here. In particular they are inviting each of us who is able to light a candle of hope on Sunday evening at 7pm as a sign of solidarity and hope that the light of Christ can never be extinguished.
We want you to be reassured that we are exploring new ways to continue to connect with you all. In the coming days we will share this so we can continue to encourage one another and develop ways to assist our neighbours in need and those who are self isolating.
Some things we are doing currently:
- Morning and Evening Prayer continues to be said for the whole benefice and our world at 9am and 5.30pm. Why not join us at these times if you can. You can join Ross praying it on Instagram (@storytellerross), and find the words through the DailyPrayer App (available on Apple or Google Play), or the Church of England Website - or our website has a link to a simplified daily prayer you can use.
- We are intending to hold a virtual service using Zoom on Sunday at 1030 so anyone who wants to join us can do so through their computer. Details will follow but by clicking this link on Sunday from 1025 you should be able to join in with us (we can have up to 300 people) when you come in please :
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/9321317015
Meeting ID: 932 131 7015
You may need to download something and you can ask for help if you need this (contact kayleigh@witneyparish.org.uk or ross@witneyparish.org.uk ).
- Lots more resources will be coming out through the website so do ensure you are looking there regularly – we hope to have a Thought for the Day Monday to Friday coming out, and other resources too.
Finally, do please continue to pray and keep the Faith!
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
from St Patrick’s Breastplate
There’s a setting of this I offer to you at this time to listen to and comfort you here
May Joy abound and Peace in the struggles,
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