Dear All

I am sure many of you are asking does the Prime Minister’s announcement on Tuesday mean our church will be opening on the 5^th July. The simple answer, at the time of writing, is no because we are waiting for the Government to publish the detailed guidance of what is permitted. Denominational advice and guidance will follow, then the completion of Risk Assessments, signage, PPE etc and as we have observed with schools and shops etc this takes time and resource.

The Circuit Staff will be reviewing our draft plans for reopening the Circuit Churches against the new guidance  and we will update you in due course. Please pray for us in our planning to create COVID Safe churches.

This welcome announcement by the Government comes just before The Methodist Conference, our governing body, meeting virtually from the 25^th June to 2^nd July. This means all our senior staff are attending the Conference and initially it may delay the issue of guidance. Like all of us they only have 24 hours in a day and these matters cannot be rushed. It is important we show patience and pray for wisdom for our leaders.

The Farewell Service planned for 26th July has been cancelled. The Circuit Stewards are asking that anyone wishing to contribute to leaving gifts for Rev Sylvester and/or Caroline indicate to whom they are donating, make cheques payable to South Fylde Methodist Circuit and send them to Katharine Davies, 8 Royal Troon Court, Kirkham, PR4 2TF no later than 10th July 2020. They hope to advise how we mark their leaving a.s.a.p. Sylvester will conclude his work in the Circuit in July and Carolyn in August.

Readings for the week commencing 28th June – Sent by the Father

Sunday	Matthew 10:40-42	Psalm 89:1-8	*STF 695	‘Come, now, you blessed, eat at my table,’
Monday	Matthew 16:13-19	Psalm 125	*STF 322	How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s ear!
Tuesday	John 5:31-18	Psalm 67	*STF 466	Have faith in God, my heart
Wednesday	John 5:19-29	Psalm 26	*STF 364	O for a thousand tongues to sing
Thursday	John 5:30-47	Psalm 27	*STF 55	Immortal, invisible, God only wise
Friday	John 20:24-29	Psalm 31:1-6	*STF 316	When Easter to the dark world came
Saturday	John 6:1-15	Psalm 68:1-6, 32-35	*STF 365	Jesu, the joy of loving hearts

Remember you are never alone. We are never more than a phone call or email away. We Please keep in touch and keep safe.

Peace be with you    Stephen