A Message from the Rector, the Revd Darren McCallig – 20 December 2020
My dear friends,
You will have heard, no doubt, the news that we have moved into the new ‘Tier Four’ of COVID restrictions this morning.
It’s an announcement which will leave many people anxious, others frustrated, and all of us deeply concerned for those most directly affected through illness or through caring for those who are ill – they remain in our prayers.
In his response to the development, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, noted that “Even though attending public worship is permitted, many people may feel it is currently better they do not do so.” He also urged us all to be “exceptionally careful.” (Full statement here: https://www.churchofengland.org/news-and-media/news-and-statements/response-updated-coronavirus-restrictions).
With all this in mind we have, with much regret, felt it necessary to make some alterations to this year’s Christmas service schedule:
- The Festival of Lessons and Carols which was to be held this evening (Sunday 20 December) and tomorrow (Monday 21 December) at 6.00pm is cancelled. It will be replaced by an on-line only service of Lessons and Carols which will be live-streamed on the parish Facebook site at 6.00pm tomorrow (Monday) and available afterwards on SoundCloud. Please find attached the Order of Service (please note that details, such as the list of participants, will now be different from that originally planned).
- The Crib Service, due to be held in Christ Church at 4.00pm on Christmas Eve, will now be held on Zoom only. Please contact the Parish Office for the Zoom sign-in details if you would like to participate.
- The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services remain, for now, as in-person services and will go ahead as planned. If there is any change, those who have booked tickets will be contacted (updates will also be posted on the parish website and facebook page).
I am very sorry that it has been necessary to make these changes. I thank you for your patience and understanding and – in the words of the prayer used as we lit the fourth candle on the Advent wreath this morning – may I wish you the blessing of peace this Christmas.
Lord Jesus, light of the world,
blessed is Gabriel, who brought good news;
blessed is Mary, your mother and ours.
Bless your Church preparing for Christmas;
and bless us your children, who long for your coming.
Amen.
God bless,
Darren.
