Updates & Prayers at St Margaret's Church through COVID19 outbreak

Above are a couple of pictures of the area in the bottom of the Churchyard known as "The Duckery" covered in spring flowers

St Margaret's Church is open for services as follows:

Thursdays            10.00 am to 11.00 am

For those missing Children @ Church  Georgina is now putting together a fortnightly newsletter which can be found on the Ch@Ch page of the website.

Donations to St Margaret's Church

For details of other Digital Resources & Services, click here

9.4.20 - Message from the Vicar, Martin Rutter

Dear All,

Tomorrow, on Good Friday, the 1.00 pm Prayer on the diocesan Facebook page will take the form of a 15-minute meditation called 'Way To The Cross' by Bishop Michael.  It will also be on the diocesan website..

Bishop Michael also invites all in the diocese to join him for an Easter Vigil service at 5.15am on Easter Sunday, which he will be live-streaming from his garden, on the Diocesan website and on the Diocesan  Facebook page.  Whether or not you are able to join him at this early hour, he encourages everyone at some point on Easter morning to light a candle and say the Paschal candle prayer which is also on the card he recently sent to all clergy and licensed ministers:
 
Jesus Christ yesterday and today,
the beginning and the end,
Alpha and Omega,
all time belongs to him,
and all ages;
to him be glory and power,
through every age and for ever.  

Let these days be a strength and blessing to us.

Martin

6.4.20 - for those who would like to access streamed services for Easter and would like more information, please click here.

If it is not possible for people to worship together, the various Church of England apps for Daily Prayer and Reflections are a wonderful resource and unite us in prayer.

Alongside them, we have crafted two simple acts of worship, particularly geared to those who are isolated or housebound, or who are unable to attend church.

In addition, attached is a variety of prayers, and information about access to the digital resources of the Church of England:

1. Prayers about the Outbreak, click here
2. Coronovirus Intercessions, click here
3. Prayers with Children, click here
4. Personal Prayers, click here
5. Compline - an Order for Night Prayer, click here
6. Digital Resources of CofE, click here
7. Prayer Resources from St Chad, click here

From the RSCM — for everyone, wherever you are:

The RSCM website now features, free for all, Hymn of the Day, and Sunday Self-Service — a simple act of worship with music, readings and prayers which will change weekly. Specific resources for Holy Week and Easter will be available in due course. We will shortly be adding a daily vocal warmups video – a short session to keep your body moving, and voice in good shape if you’re a singer. If you don’t consider yourself a singer, do it anyway!

To try to keep people in touch, we are setting up an email group run from the Parish Office - please contact the Parish Office. if you want to be included.

We are also starting a WhatsApp group for those who want to join and have a Smartphone - please let Martin know. 

The Parish Office will continue on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 10.30 am and 3.00 pm. 

We intend to keep the Parish Magazine going plus extra newsletters.  There will be a more detailed version of the magazine on the Parish Magazine page on line.

As the church still has its running costs to meet, can I encourage people to bring their Giving Envelopes or to drop in donations.  If you would like details of the Church Bank account so that you can do a bank transfer, please contact the Parish Office.

We are keen to keep in touch with people even if visiting is restricted, so please let us know if you have needs or concerns that we might help with.

Please be assured of my prayers during this very difficult time.

Martin Rutter, Vicar

"Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5.7