DIARY DATE

This is an exciting, new five-day online event this Summer – have a look at the launch video online.  https://keswickministries.org/convention-2020/

Virtually Keswick Convention will feature teaching, sung worship and seminars for adults, youth and children.  The engaging sessions will be available free online for everyone.  We’d love you to join us for what promises to be an encouraging time together virtually. 

The theme is hope – chosen because at this time of great uncertainty, in the midst of a global pandemic, there is hope in Jesus Christ.

Dear All

This weekend sees a big easing of the restrictions across the country except if you live in Leicester of course!

In recent months our parting words have been “Stay Safe” those words convey our wish to each other. They are also a reminder that the risk of infection has not gone away. As permission is granted to ‘open up’, if we move too slowly we are deemed cautious, if we move too quickly we are cavalier. Whatever action we take it must be considered.

The guidance from the Government sets the boundaries, the guidelines, but local context determines the detail and so there is variation in interpretation and application. Clarity and consistency not always obvious. Some churches will open, some will stay closed and say “Not yet” and all will be correct.

As we calculate capacity with 2 metre social distancing, consider ‘first come first served’ and/or booked seats, a register of attendees with contact details, one way systems, accept no singing or socialising and a shorter service, it is not opening for worship as we knew it.

The Government in its guidelines remind us that ‘people aged 70 or older, regardless of medical conditions, are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible and to minimise contact with others outside their household.’

Our personal decisions affect those around us, increasing and diminishing risk to ourselves and to each other.

In time, and with the hindsight of history, we will know if we got it right but we ask your prayers and patience as we continue to plan for the safe reopening of our churches.

Readings for the week commencing 5th July – Bread of Life

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

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

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