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Dear Friends,
I trust this finds you well and being able to enjoy this gorgeous Spring weather.
We are on the cusp of the climax of Holy Week and Lent, the Paschal Triduum from Maundy Thursday evening until Easter Day -
Services in St Peter & St Paul's, Wem
MAUNDY THURSDAY
19:30 -
GOOD FRIDAY
10:30 -
All, irrespective of parish are very, very welcome indeed to the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services -
ON-
Very aware that in-
Maundy Thursday: Homily and Eucharist Is available here.
Good Friday: Tenebrae Service is available here.
EASTER DAY
Will be celebrated across the benefice as follows:
Wem:
08:00 -
09:45 -
Weston:
11:00 -
Lee:
11:15 -
ALSO FOR THOSE UNABLE TO ATTEND
As you would expect our diocesan Cathedral has a full array of services across the Triduum, indeed perhaps too many to list here and certainly with all the quality and devotion so many have valued over the past year. Do click here to visit the Lichfield Cathedral web site and feel somewhat spoilt with a wonderful array of options. Of course the Easter Eve and additional services will be of interest to many who are able to attend the limited 'menu' in the benefice so all do take a look.
Similarly a visit to the C of E national Church website will allow you to discover their 'Worship at home this Holy Week' series.
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May you have a blessed few days, keep taking care.
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. Amen.
N P Heron
Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-
01939 232550
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Dear Friends,
Please find attached our April Benefice Magazine.
It is usually a great joy to send this out, however this month is hugely different. Very sadly, as many will already know, Bob Dibben has passed away since our last edition. Bob was a tireless and unsurpassed contributor to our magazine throughout my time here, all will recall his many, many articles all so thoughtful, carefully crafted and assiduously prepared, many has been the time when Pam and I have been spoilt for choice such was Bob's commitment. Most of this you all know, what most will not is that Bob also spent many hours diligently collecting, collating and archiving back copies of our magazine for posterity -
It seems, nay is, inappropriate to pass on greetings for the day soon to dawn -
Keep taking care,
Nick
N P Heron
Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-
01939 232550
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DEATH OF HRH, THE PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH
You may find these prayers helpful at this time of national mourning:
God of our lives,
we give thanks for the life of Prince Philip,
for the love he shared among us,
and for his devotion to duty.
We entrust him now to your love and mercy,
through our Redeemer Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Heavenly Father,
into whose hands Jesus Christ
commended his spirit at the last hour:
into those same hands we now commend your servant Philip,
that death may be for him
the gate to life and to eternal fellowship with you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Most merciful God,
whose wisdom is beyond our understanding,
surround the Queen and the Royal Family with your love,
that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss,
but have confidence in your goodness,
and strength to meet the days to come.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
-
Dear Friends,
Alleluia, Christ is Risen. He is Risen indeed. Alleluia!
UPDATE
There is nothing significant to add to the update in the Parish Magazine or recent emails apropos the status of our public worship or church activities these as always may be found at: www.wemcofe.co.uk,
As always up to date information may be found at Church of England website and latest updates on guidance are also on our diocesan website.
SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP
It was wonderful that the Eucharist was celebrated across the benefice on Easter Day, hopefully we will now be able to continue with our weekly services following our customary pattern, beginning with, this Sunday.
Wem Parish Church: 08:00 -
09:45 -
Weston Parish Church: 09:30 -
Lee Parish Church: 11:15. -
For each service you will be pleased to read that the elementary and essential precautions we are now used to will, of course, apply:-
* Always sanitise hands on entry, after touching anything 'communal' and before Communion
* Wear your mask whenever attending worship
* At all times keep to physical distancing -
* As you would expect Communion will remain in 'one kind' and as yet we are not able to sing
* Follow any other guidance of the church wardens or sidespeople
There is now the caveat that all must leave directly after the service and not 'mingle' in church and outside adhere to the rule of 6 (which does, of course, include social distancing).
Whilst the local R number is now such that a return to our services is quite reasonable should there (though clearly the last thing we would wish), be an increase in the local R number we will have to re-
I cannot stress too strongly that it is, very clearly, absolutely fine and in order for anyone not to resume just yet if we feel individually that the time is not quite right and no one should feel under any pressure to do so.
For any not yet able to resume worship this email with contacts for on-
THIS SUNDAY: THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sunday by clicking on the above and following the necessary links -
08:00 -
10:30 -
17:30 -
OR
Access the C of E website to find details of this week's service which you can also watch during the week, it is available from 09:00. Do visit the site, there are many excellent services saved on here which can still merit a 'watch'.
09:00 -
THIS SUNDAY on BBC
Radio Four: 08:10 -
BBC ONE: 10:30 -
13:15 -
Please find attached the readings, Live the Word, and Homily for this Sunday (courtesy of Redemptorist Publications). Also find attached our Local Prayer Diary and the Diocesan Prayer Diary.
BREAD OF LIFE
The Eucharist could not be more central to our faith and devotion, yet for some of us over the past year it has been painfully unavailable through 'shielding', our voluntary suspension of worship or governmental edict. Also some will have gained from the practice of 'Spiritual Communion' and all except clergy have for a year now not been able to receive in both kinds. Bishop Michael refers to these areas and more in a recent Easter letter in which he encourages and invites engagement in a diocesan teaching series 'Bread of Life' which begins this Tue,11 Apr. +Michael writes:
"I am delighted that my seven brother and sister bishops have all gladly agreed to participate in this through contributing their own perspectives on a number of different aspects of Holy Communion. Certainly between ourselves we will exhibit plenty of variety in thought and practice, but we all rejoice that we share together in episcopal ministry in this diocese, we all count our unity in the fellowship of Christ’s Body a precious thing, and we all want to honour our Anglican patterns of worship even as we explore their range. During the nine weeks from 11th April to 12th June, each of us will be providing a pre-
"The video lectures will be available from 10am on the Tuesday of each week on our Bread Of Life webpage at www.lichfield.anglican.org/bread-
I am very/too aware that for all of the centrality of the Blessed Sacrament to our faith and practice this is an area in our benefice where there has perhaps not been enough teaching or exploration, at least in my time here. The prospect of this programme of reflection which will reflect the breadth of Anglican understanding of the sacrament is exciting, I warmly commend it to you and encourage you to visit the talks as and when you are able. It is highly likely that it will be the focus of a local (zoom) study group, reflecting on the video previous gift from one of the bishops, through the Easter season and beyond.-
WEM PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES
Those of the Wem congregation who take part in the planned giving envelope scheme -
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
This Sunday's Gospel reading, from John chapter 20, is the famous and very familiar appearance of the risen Christ to the disciples, firstly without Thomas the doubter and then subsequently with Thomas who declares in words that have been described as the great climax to John's Gospel: 'My Lord and my God'.
Perhaps doubt is not always a bad thing, it is certainly understandable, ask Thomas(!) and can be creative:
"It is by doubting that we come to investigate, and by investigating that we recognize the truth." Peter Abelard.
.
Have as good a week as possible, please take care of yourself and others and as we continue to celebrate Easter in this season of Spring draw some strength from Martin Luther's wonderful words:
"Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime."
Every good wish,
Nick
N P Heron
Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-
01939 232550
-
Dear Friends,
Alleluia, Christ is Risen. He is Risen indeed. Alleluia!
My very best wishes as we continue to celebrate our joyous season of Easter. May this find you both well and in the best of spirits.
UPDATE
There is nothing significant to add to the update in the Parish Magazine or recent emails apropos the status of our public worship or church activities these as always may be found at: www.wemcofe.co.uk, There is however, advance guidance issued today (16 April) apropos those who are clinically vulnerable:
Certain groups of people may be at increased risk of severe disease from COVID-
Also, whilst very sadly not applicable in our benefice (at present) supervised children's activities in a place of worship (subject, of course to controls) are permitted from 12 April.
It is well worth mentioning both the above to give a flavour as to how things are across our Church ie constantly being carefully reviewed and evolving.
As always up to date information may be found at Church of England website and latest updates on guidance are also on our diocesan website.
SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP
Wem Parish Church: 08:00 -
09:45 -
Weston Parish Church: 09:30 -
Lee Parish Church: 11:15. -
For each service you will be pleased to read that the elementary and essential precautions we are now used to will, of course, apply:-
* Always sanitise hands on entry, after touching anything 'communal' and before Communion .
* Wear your mask whenever attending worship.
* At all times keep to physical distancing -
* As you would expect Communion will remain in 'one kind' and as yet we are not able to sing.
* Follow any other guidance of the church wardens or sidespeople.
There is now the caveat that all must leave directly after the service and not 'mingle' in church and outside adhere to the rule of 6 (which does, of course, include social distancing).
I cannot stress too strongly that it is, very clearly, absolutely fine and in order for anyone not to resume just yet if we feel individually that the time is not quite right and no one should feel under any pressure to do so.
For any not yet able to resume worship this email with contacts for on-
THIS SUNDAY: THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sunday by clicking on the above and following the necessary links -
08:00 -
10:30 -
17:30 -
OR
Access the C of E website to find details of this week's service which you can also watch during the week, it is available from 0900. Do visit the site, there are many excellent services saved on here which can still merit a 'watch'.
09:00 -
THIS SUNDAY on BBC
Radio Four: 08:10 -
BBC ONE: 10:30 -
13:15 -
Please find attached the readings, Live the Word, and Homily for this Sun (courtesy of Redemptorist Publications). Also find attached our Local Prayer Diary and the Diocesan Prayer Diary.
BREAD OF LIFE
In a recent Easter letter Bishop Michael encouraged and invited engagement in a diocesan teaching series 'Bread of Life' which began on Tue,11 Apr. +Michael writes:
"I am delighted that my seven brother and sister bishops have all gladly agreed to participate in this through contributing their own perspectives on a number of different aspects of Holy Communion. Certainly between ourselves we will exhibit plenty of variety in thought and practice, but we all rejoice that we share together in episcopal ministry in this diocese, we all count our unity in the fellowship of Christ’s Body a precious thing, and we all want to honour our Anglican patterns of worship even as we explore their range. During the nine weeks from 11th April to 12th June, each of us will be providing a pre-
"The video lectures will be available from 10am on the Tuesday of each week on our Bread Of Life webpage and will remain posted on our website through the summer. Where written texts of the presentations are provided, these will also be available with the talks."
Last week's focus (with +Michael) was: Life in Unity (Koinonia). This week's is: Thanksgiving (Eucharist) +Clive, Bishop of Wolverhampton.
I am very/too aware that for all of the centrality of the Blessed Sacrament to our faith and practice this is an area in our benefice where there has perhaps not been enough teaching or exploration, at least in my time here. The prospect of this programme of reflection which will reflect the breadth of Anglican understanding of the sacrament is exciting, I warmly commend it to you and encourage you to visit the talks as and when you are able. It is more than likely that it will be the focus of a local (zoom) study group, reflecting on previous gifts from one or of the bishops, through the Easter season and beyond.-
WEM PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES
Those of the Wem congregation who take part in the planned giving envelope scheme -
BENEFICE MAGAZINE
A little advance notice that Benefice Magazine will be compiled in the near future -
ST GEORGE'S DAY
This Friday please make time to join together in our Church's Collect for George, Martyr. Patron of England. c403
God of hosts,
who so kindled the flame of love
in the heart of your servant George
that he bore witness to the risen Lord
by his life and by his death;
give us the same faith and power of love
that we who rejoice in his triumphs
may come to share with him the fullness of the resurrection;
through Jesus Christ, your Son Our Lord.
Also, whilst dispelling all notions of dragons and any such nonsense this is surely a day to remember all who are persecuted for their faith. -
The Eucharist will be said for the whole benefice at 09:30 on this day.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
As we progress through Easter a reflection from Bishop Tom Wright -
"Hope is what you get when you suddenly realize that a different worldview is possible, a worldview in which the rich, the powerful, and the unscrupulous do not after all have the last word. The same worldview shift that is demanded by the resurrection of Jesus is the shift that will enable us to transform the world." N T Wright
.
Do please keep taking as much care to stay safe for your sake and others, even as we progress into a lighter lockdown, vigilance and care are so important. After such a lovely Springtime week I cannot resist, once again, ending with Martin Luther's beautiful words: -
"Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime."
Every good wish,
Nick
N P Heron
Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-
01939 232550
-
Dear Friends,
Alleluia, Christ is Risen. He is Risen indeed. Alleluia!
I hope that in what ever way works for you best at present that you might have been able to safely enjoy something of this glorious Spring weather which we've had over the last few days. May this weekly email find you in the best health possible and still buoyed up by the spirit of Easter
UPDATE
There is nothing significant to add to the update in recent emails apropos the status of our public worship or church activities these as always may be found at: www.wemcofe.co.uk, There is additional guidance issued on 16 April apropos those who are clinically vulnerable:
Certain groups of people may be at increased risk of severe disease from COVID-
As always up to date information may be found at Church of England website and latest updates on guidance are also on our diocesan website.
SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP -
Wem Parish Church: 08:00 -
09:45 -
Weston Parish Church: 09:30 -
Lee Parish Church: 11:15. -
For each service you will be pleased to read that the elementary and essential precautions we are now used to will, of course, apply:-
* Always sanitise hands on entry, after touching anything 'communal' and before Communion .
* Wear your mask whenever attending worship.
* At all times keep to physical distancing -
* As you would expect Communion will remain in 'one kind' and as yet we are not able to sing.
* Follow any other guidance of the church wardens or sidespeople.
There is now the caveat that all must leave directly after the service and not 'mingle' in church and outside adhere to the rule of 6 (which does, of course, include social distancing).
I cannot stress too strongly that it is, very clearly, absolutely fine and in order for any not to resume just yet if we feel individually that the time is not quite right and no one should feel under any pressure to do so; hopefully these continued emails will allow you to feel connected, they will continue providing details of on-
THIS SUNDAY: THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sunday by clicking of the above and following the necessary links -
08:00 -
10:30 -
17:30 -
OR
Access the C of E website to find details of this week's service which you can also watch during the week, it is available from 09:00. Do visit the site, there are many excellent services saved on here which can still merit a 'watch'.
09:00 -
THIS SUNDAY on BBC
Radio Four: 08:10 -
BBC ONE:
10:45 -
13:15 -
Please find attached the readings, Live the Word, and Homily for this Sunday (courtesy of Redemptorist Publications). Also find attached our Local Prayer Diary and the Diocesan Prayer Diary.
BREAD OF LIFE
In a recent Easter letter Bishop Michael encouraged and invited engagement in a diocesan teaching series 'Bread of Life' which began on Tue,11 Apr. Having seen the first two in the series I can unhesitatingly say, that as we would expect, there is great food for thought and faith nurture in these.
These are available, with a precis of the series, from 10:00 on the Tuesday of each week on the Bread Of Life webpage and will remain posted on the website through the summer. Where written texts of the presentations are provided, these will also be available with the talks.
Last week's focus (with +Michael) was: Life in Unity (Koinonia). This week's is: Thanksgiving (Eucharist) +Clive, Bishop of Wolverhampton.
Whilst the Blessed Sacrament is central to our faith and practice this is an area in our benefice where there has perhaps not been enough teaching or exploration, hopefully this series will help to balance this. Starting this Tue (27th) at 19:30 the series will also be the focus of a local (zoom) study group, reflecting on previous talks from one or more of the bishops, this will carry on through the Easter season and beyond.-
WEM PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES
Those of the Wem congregation who take part in the planned giving envelope scheme -
BENEFICE MAGAZINE
The Benefice Magazine will be compiled this week so this truly is to coin a phrase (you might just have heard before) 'Last Orders please!' -
FEAST OF ST MARK THE EVANGELIST
As we do not have the readings and collect for the Feast of St Mark here is the Collect for the Day. Perhaps a prayer we can all join in at some point on Sun, whether in church or at home, thus united together in our acknowledgement of this important day?
Almighty God,
who enlightened your holy Church
through the inspired witness of your evangelist Saint Mark
grant that we, being firmly grounded
in the truth of the gospel,
may be faithful to its teaching both in word and deed;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
ARCHBISHOPS' TASKFORCE
This has attracted quite a lot of media attention throughout the past week. Rather than relying on some second-
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
As part of my prep for Sunday's sermon (yep I do, honest😇!) I've been briskly re-
"writing to reinforce a faith in the God who does not step down from heaven to solve problems but who is already in the heart of the world, holding the suffering and the pain in himself and transforming it by the sheer indestructible energy of his mercy."
.
Do please remember there is still every need to take the utmost care, as you do so have the best week you possibly can and enjoy this weather as long as it lasts.
Every good wish,
N P Heron
Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-
01939 232550