Rev Helkias Mapimhidze
Hebrews 10: 23-25
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.
We are thankful to God that when we couldn't lawfully meet, our benefice conducted Youtube services successfully. However, as edifying as these were, they are not a substitute for meeting in person. Even in this difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we ought not to forsake the meeting of the saints. Our faith is an embodied faith and so we are thankful that we're able to lawfully meet in person, with the full support of the government and the church. Accordingly, we plan to meet in our parishes for Sunday services, strictly observing lockdown guidelines so as to minimise transmission of the virus and to protect the vulnerable.
By no means is this compulsion for anyone to attend gathered worship. If, for whatever reason, you're wary of meeting with other parishioners in church, please do not feel guilty or ashamed for not attending parish services. You have the full support of the staff team and the Bishop of Gloucester.
We will strive to be compliant with the guidance from the diocese and the government and will readjust as required. Please feel free to contact Stephen or Helkias if you have any concerns about this. In addition, Helkias remains available for pastoral support on 01608 658500
However you decide, may we remain people of prayer because our God is faithful to keep his good promises to us. I trust that you will find this prayer useful.
Lord, High and Holy, Meek and Lowly,
You have brought us to the valley of vision,
where we live in the depths but see you in the heights;
hemmed in by mountains of sin we behold thy glory.
Let us learn by paradox
that the way down is the way up,
that to be low is to be high,
that the broken heart is the healed heart,
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
that to give is to receive,
that the valley is the place of vision.
Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells,
and the deeper the wells the brighter thy stars shine;
Let us find your light in our darkness,
your life in our death,
your joy in our sorrow,
your grace in our sin,
your riches in our poverty,
your glory in our valley.
Amen