Updates From the Rector - July 2021

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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Week Commencing 4th July 2021 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Dear Friends,


This is sent, as always, with the very best of wishes, my hopes that you've had the best week possible and that things being as they are this nonetheless finds you in good spirits.  Perhaps a slightly shorter bulk email this week with little by way of Covid update or 'parish notices'.  


As you will be reading this on St Thomas' Day, or if an owl the eve of, you may well wish to use the following at some point on this major St's Day:


Collect for the Feast of St Thomas Apostle

Almighty and eternal God,

who, for the firmer foundation of our faith,

allowed your holy Apostle Thomas

 to doubt the resurrection of your Son

 till word and sight convinced him:

grant to us who have not seen, that we also may believe

 and so confess Christ as our Lord and our God

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever


UPDATE


Having, quite literally, just double-checked there is nothing to add by way of update from previous emails.  If you wish for a reminder/refresher do please visit here where you will find links to all (thanks to Mike Farmer's weekly diligence) back copies of all previous emails.


Our guidance is that services 'should be kept concise while still consistent with the nature of the occasion,'  we are keeping to this, perhaps a very good liturgical habit and principle to foster for all our services?


Again up to date information may be found at Church of England website  and latest updates on guidance are also on our diocesan website.  Equally as and when more guidance emerges it will be sent to all.


SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP - THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 


Wem Parish Church:        08:00 - Holy Eucharist

                                               09:45 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)


Weston Parish Church:  11:00 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)  Please nb the change in time due to clergy availability.


St Peter's congregation are warmly encourage to join and share with either St Luke's or SS Peter and Paul's congregations.


Our essential precautions we are now so accustomed to continue, of course, to 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 -  the 2 metre rule

 *  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 sides-people


Please continue to leave directly after the service and not 'mingle' in church and when outside adhere to governmental guidelines, especially with regard to keeping appropriate distances apart irrespective of being outside 'space' is still a virtue of the day.


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-line and media services, amongst which this week are:-


THIS SUNDAY:  FIFTH after TRINITY


LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL


You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sun by clicking of the above and following the necessary links -  many of you do and find this extremely helpful, if you haven't do have a 'visit'.

 

08:00 - Holy Eucharist (traditional language)

10:30 - Choral Eucharist for The Fifth Sunday after Trinity

17:30 - Choral Evensong


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.   This week:


09:00 - 'Thinking about homelessness and rough sleeping'.  For the Fifth Sunday after Trinity, this online church service explores homelessness and rough sleeping.


Worship led by Rev Dr 'Bunmi Fagbemi from Holy Trinity Tottenham, with words from from the Rt Rev Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton and Chair of Housing Justice.


THIS SUNDAY on BBC


Radio Four:  08:10 - 'Tokyo Olympics - Stretching every sinew.'  The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Lead Bishop for Sports, looks ahead to the Tokyo Olympic Games.


BBC ONE:    13:15 - Songs of Praise.  'Chatsworth'.  Brenda Edwards explores Chatsworth House in Derbyshire and introduces a 'feast of Christian music'.  The 70th anniversary of the foundation of our National Parks is celebrated, and walkers and others who find inspiration for their faith in the landscapes of the High Peak met.


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 Diocesan Prayer Diary.


NEXT SUNDAY


Next Sunday, 11 Jul, is The Sixth after Trinity our services will all be at the usual times:.


Wem: 08:00 and 09:45  

Weston: 09:30

Lee: 11:15


BENEFICE MAGAZINE


This will be out and circulated on line in the next few days.


THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK


Could any of us not be shocked and concerned by the current climate extremes besetting N America realising that these are not passing incidental phenomena?


"Reducing the causes of climate change is essential to the life of faith. It is a way to love our neighbour and to steward the gift of creation."  - Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby


"Having faith does not mean having no difficulties, but having the strength to face them, knowing we are not alone."  - Pope Francis


So may we all pray with urgency, and having done so, do all we can with equal urgency; expecting those in authority to do no less. 


Heavenly Father,
You have taught us, through your servant St Francis,
That all creation is your handiwork.
Grant us your grace that we may
Exercise wise stewardship of this Earth;
Tread lightly upon it;
And cherish its resources;
That our children may enjoy its riches, throughout all generations,
And your name be glorified through all that you have made.


Please keep taking care and exercising vigilance whilst having the very best week you can.


Every good wish,


Nick

N P Heron

Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-under-Redcastle

01939 232550



- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  Benefice Magazine - July 2021 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Dear Friends,


Please find attached the next edition of the Benefice Magazine, unfortunately it was prepped and ready to go but having placed in my saved box did not actually send - apologies there for this unusually late delivery.


My many thanks to Pam.


Take care

 

N P Heron

Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-under-Redcastle

01939 232550


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Week Commencing 11th July 2021 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Dear Friends,


Hopefully you are all keeping as well as possible.  Doubtless, like myself, you will be wondering what the 19 July will bring for places of worship as well as our wider society.  To date there is no update on the National Church guidelines - see below.  However, it is clear that the infection rate is rising in our locality and the areas around us so do please keep taking care, I hope also you are able to remain in good spirits.  This is a relatively brief bulk email, it's just how things are sometimes, so no worries and please don't think you have missed anything! ;-)


UPDATE


As I type the latest, dated Wednesday 7th, from the Church of England's Covid Recovery Group is:


“We will await the new Government advice for places of worship and adapt our guidance to churches accordingly.”


Back copies of all previous emails detailing where we are just at present may be found here.   Up to date information may be found on the Church of England website  and latest updates on guidance are also on our diocesan website.  Equally as and when more guidance emerges it will be sent to all.


SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP - THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 


Wem Parish Church:      08:00 - Holy Eucharist

                                             09:45 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)


Weston Parish Church: 09:30 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)  .


Lee Parish Church:        11:15 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)  .


Our essential precautions we are now so accustomed to continue, of course, to 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 -  the 2 metre rule

 *  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


Please continue to leave directly after the service and not 'mingle' in church and when outside adhere to governmental guidelines, especially with regard to keeping appropriate distances apart irrespective of being outside 'space' is still a virtue of the day.


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-line and media services, amongst which this week are:-


THIS SUNDAY:  SIXTH after TRINITY


LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL


You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sunday by clicking on the above link and following the necessary links -  many of you do and find this extremely helpful, if you haven't do have a 'visit'.


08:00 - Holy Eucharist (traditional language)

10:30 - Choral Eucharist, during the Lichfield Festival, for The Sixth Sunday after Trinity

17:30 - Choral Evensong


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.   This week:


09:00 - 'Celebrating Godparent's Sunday'.  Ven Hilary Dawson, Archdeacon of Gloucester speaks in this Godparents' Sunday worship.  For the Sixth Sunday after Trinity, Rev Canon Dr Sandra Millar leads the full online church service from St Mary de Crypt Church at Discover Decrypt, Gloucester, with prayer, music and reflection.


THIS SUNDAY on BBC


Radio Four:  08:10 - 'A New Beginning.'  A service led by Canon Simon Doogan and the Rev Jan Stevenson of the Church of St Columbanus in Ballymeena, County Down.


BBC ONE:  11:30 - 'Sunday Morning Stories.'  Series 1. Courage.  Kate Bottley speaks to people who have found faith and the courage to change their lives.


BBC TWO:  13:15 - Songs of Praise.  'Cheddar Gorge'.  Aled Jones visits Cheddar Gorge to hear the origins of the hymn 'Rock of Ages.' and Gemma Hunt meets worship leader Martin Smith and the new Christian group 'Bright City'.


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 Diocesan Prayer Diary.


NEXT SUNDAY


Next Sunday, 18 Jul, is The Seventh after Trinity our services will all be at the usual times:.


Wem: 08:00 & 09:45  

Weston: 09:30

Lee: 11:15


WEM PCC


Advance notice that this next meets, via zoom, at 19:30 on Monday 19th Jul - invites to follow in due course and any agenda items to Katherine soon please.


THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK


From C S Lewis, a little to the point yet perhaps no bad thing for that:


'Do not waste time bothering whether you "love" your neighbour; act as if you did.'


Please have a good week, I hope to see you soon, stay safe and every good wish,



Nick


N P Heron

Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-under-Redcastle

01939 232550


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Week Commencing 18th July 2021 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Dear Friends,


What a glorious day this has been!  A splendid one for St Peter's School Moving-on (Leavers') Service - it was fantastic to have pupils back in SS Peter and Paul's again, also a lovely day for a wedding in St Luke's.  I really hope this weather has cheered your spirits, that a good weekend is in store for you and you are as well as possible.


UPDATE


I have spent a long time reading the updated guidance prepared in advance of Monday's anticipated announcement that Covid restrictions will be lifted.  The full document of some considerable length, requires further reading and I will be working through the implications with each church's church wardens during the coming week ready for next Sunday (25th).  In brief if as expected all restrictions are lifted we are in theory allowed to return completely to 'as was' pre-pandemic, however, this does not mean we have to nor that we are being made to and one size certainly does not fit all.  Therefore there is considerable emphasis and guidance on local arrangements and the responsibility of the Incumbent stressed:  "The responsibility for making decisions about how to proceed lies with the incumbent."


It does not take the wisdom of Solomon to immediately acknowledge that whatever the arrangements across the benefice are they will not be as everyone would personally wish, this will be nigh on impossible!  May I therefore ask at this stage and in advance that we all show sensitivity, understanding and patience in how we work through this stage together - I have every confidence we can do so.


This afternoon the Bishop of London who chairs the Church of England's Recovery Group, released a statement.  Bishop Sarah writes:


“Many will welcome the possibilities now before us, not least increased numbers at life events and a long awaited return of congregational and amateur choir singing.

“However, this is a difficult point in the course of the pandemic. Despite vaccination rates, cases are up, hospital admissions are up and long covid remains an ongoing concern. Therefore our approach needs to be cautious and careful.   

“Taking personal responsibility means responsibility for our neighbour, not just for ourselves, and taking precautions to protect those more vulnerable than we consider ourselves to be. Local church leaders know their communities and their own circumstances, and we will support them making local decisions to keep themselves and their community safe. We would ask everyone to support those making local decisions and respect risk assessments, which are in place to protect everyone as we enter the next phase.“


I think the watchwords for ourselves at present with current rates of infection and ongoing individual concerns are 'cautious and careful'.


Up to date information may be found on the Church of England website  and latest updates on guidance are also on our diocesan website.  Equally once an initial plan is sorted it will be sent to all.


SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP - THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 


Wem Parish Church:

08:00 - Holy Eucharist

            0945.  Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)


Weston Parish Church:

09:30 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)  .


Lee Parish Church:

11:15 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)  .


Our essential precautions we are now so accustomed to continue, of course, to 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 -  the 2 metre rule

 *  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


Please continue to leave directly after the service and not 'mingle' in church and when outside adhere to governmental guidelines, especially with regard to keeping appropriate distances apart irrespective of being outside 'space' is still a virtue of the day.


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-line and media services, amongst which this week are:-


THIS SUNDAY:  SEVENTH after TRINITY


LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL


You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sunday by clicking of the above and following the necessary links -  many of you do and find this extremely helpful, if you haven't do have a 'visit'.


08:00 - Holy Eucharist (traditional language)

10:30 - Choral Eucharist, during the Lichfield Festival, for The Seventh Sunday after Trinity

17:30 - Choral Evensong


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.   This week:


09:00 - 'Celebrating God our Shepherd'.  An online service will celebrating God our shepherd.   From the Wirksworth Team Ministry, Rev Carla Vicêncio Prior leads our worship for the Seventh Sunday after Trinity, including prayers, music and reflection.


THIS SUNDAY on BBC

  

Radio Four:

08:10 - 'Rebirth and Renewal in Senghenydd.'   From Senghenydd near Caerphilly scene of two of the UK's worst mining disasters.  Bishop June Osborne preaches in a service exploring how after trauma can come rebirth and renewal.  The service is led by Ministry Area leader Father Mark Greenaway Robbins with members of the congregation including former miners.


BBC ONE:

13:15 - Songs of Praise.  'Arundel Cathedral'.  Katherine Jenkins is in Arundel visiting the Roman Catholic Cathedral and castle gardens.


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.


NEXT SUNDAY

Next Sunday the 25th July, is the Feast of St James the Apostle as well as the Eighth after Trinity our services will be at:.


Wem:   08:00 & 09:45  

Weston:  09:30

Lee:   11:15


WEM PCC

The Wem PCC next meets, via zoom, at 19:30 on Monday (19th) - invites and available in short order.


ST MARY MAGDALENE - 22nd JUL


Thursday is the celebration of one of the great and remarkable saints, Mary Magdalene


John chapter 20 verses 1 to 18 

Where Mary is the first to the tomb on Easter morning. She is the one to tell the disciples earning her the sobriquet ‘Apostle to the Apostles’ and then recognises Jesus subsequently, as in the most moving of scenes he speaks to her simply by name, ‘Mary’. 


A prayer for us all to join in saying on this great feast day:


Almighty God, 

whose risen Son first entrusted to Mary Magdalene 

the good news of his resurrection: 

grant that we may serve you in the power of him 

who has ascended to you,

his God and Father, 

Jesus Christ our Lord, 

to whom with you and the Holy Spirit 

be all honour and glory, 

now and forever. 


THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK


'No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.'    Nelson Mandela


Let's hope the sun keeps shining so gloriously and that all of us may have the best week possible - not least by following Bishop Sarah's encouragement above and responsibly taking 'precautions to protect those more vulnerable than we consider ourselves to be'. 




Nick

N P Heron

Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-under-Redcastle

01939 232550


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Week Commencing 25th July 2021 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Dear Friends,


How unusual to begin by saying I hope it has not been too hot for you over the past few days!  Nonetheless my best wishes re the heatwave could not be more meant, let us hope we may have some more glorious days in the next week - even if perhaps a tad cooler. I trust you are all keeping safe and as well as possible


UPDATE


We now have considerable 'guidance' apropos where we stand as places of worship in relation to this phase of the pandemic.  This may be summarised as follows:

 - All 'restrictions' have now been lifted, in short there is now the possibility to proceed exactly as we did before we had even heard of coronavirus

 - However this does not mean we have to jettison how we best protect one another and ourselves

 - The decision as to how this is implemented is down to local decisions, where - 

 - "The responsibility for making decisions about how to proceed lies with the incumbent."

 - However, the above clearly (to me but also critically to our Bishop) requires careful consultation and assessment of our current situation for 'one size does not fit all'


This is a heavy responsibility for incumbents, church wardens and all and as I well remember writing last week: "It does not take the wisdom of Solomon to immediately acknowledge that whatever the arrangements across the benefice are they will not be as everyone would personally wish, this will be nigh on impossible!  May I therefore ask at this stage that we all show sensitivity, understanding and patience in how we work through this stage together - I have every confidence we can do so."


I have spent more time than you need to know reflecting and talking through with others our options, and have also kept a close eye on the rising infection rates for not only our parishes but also those places which many habitually visit to shop, work or meet friends and family.  In brief, or this could be a very long email, we will proceed, for now, across the benefice as we have done over the past months and all will be kept under the most regular review. This means we will:

 - Maintain our policy of receiving communion in one kind, ie refraining from sharing the common cup

 - Keep to the principle of always sanitising hands on entry, after touching anything 'communal' and before Communion 

 - We will not share the Peace and continue to use music devotionally but there will be no congregational singing

 - Continue to respectfully request and expect church attenders to wear masks as 'the government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed settings to protect themselves and others.'


We will now though relax our social distancing protocol, it will be fine for folk to sit with whoever they wish (too clearly as long as the other is comfortable and feels safe with this) and encourage people to keep to 1m from any others at other times and when sat in the pews.


I would like you to note again the words of the Bishop of London who chairs the Church of England's Covid  Recovery Group:

 “...this is a difficult point in the course of the pandemic. Despite vaccination rates, cases are up, hospital admissions are up and long covid remains an ongoing concern. Therefore our approach needs to be cautious and careful." 


I think the watchwords for ourselves at present with current rates of infection and ongoing individual concerns are 'cautious and careful'.  At the Wem PCC, sadly the only one which was scheduled to meet post 19 July,  the above approach was unanimously supported. Ruth Empson who was asked to distil some of what she brought to that meeting has kindly agreed that her precis may be shared with all - please find attached.


For all weddings, funerals and baptisms I will be carefully talking matters through with the families involved to ensure our principles of care, concern and caution are understood and will continue to respectfully expect that masks will be worn throughout services and advising that singing will (for now) be best avoided during these Occasional Offices.


Up to date information may be found on the Church of England website  and latest updates on guidance are also on our diocesan website


[NB. As of today (24th July), although the stats are of necessity a week behind, the area covering Weston & Lee stood at a rate of 362/100k and for Wem at 520/100K]


SUNDAY PUBLIC WORSHIP - THE FEAST OF JAMES the APOSTLE (EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY) 


Wem Parish Church:

08:00 - Holy Eucharist

09:45 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)


Weston Parish Church:

09:30 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)  .


Lee Parish Church:

11:15 - Holy Eucharist (with homily and hymn music)  .


THIS SUNDAY:  THE FEAST of ST JAMES the APOSTLE


LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL


You may follow our Cathedral services for this Sun by clicking of the above and following the necessary links -  many of you do and find this extremely helpful, if you haven't do have a 'visit'.

 

08:00 - Holy Eucharist, St James the Apostle (traditional language)

10:30 - Choral Eucharist, for the Feast of St James the Apostle

17:30 - Choral Evensong


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.   This week:


09:00 - 'Celebrating the Feast of St James'.  An online church service for the Eighth Sunday after Trinity.   Celebrating the Feast of St James, Rev Canon Dr Crispin Pailing leads worship from Liverpool Parish Church, with sea-themed prayer, music and reflection.


THIS SUNDAY on BBC

 

Radio Four:

08:10 - 'Faithful.'  From the Keswick Convention, the theme of which this year is 'Faithful.'


BBC TWO:

13:15 - Songs of Praise.  This Sunday from very near to home, just down the road at the fascinating Boscobel House.   'Generations of Faith'.  The Rev Kate Bottley joins a family discovering the Catholic history of Boscobel House in Shropshire.  There is also a revisiting of Frank Skinners conversation about prayer with Sean Fletcher.


Please find attached the readings, 'Live the Word' and Homily for this Sunday (courtesy of Redemptorist Publications).  Also find attached our Diocesan Prayer Diary, unfortunately, Our Local Prayer Diary is not available at this time. 


COLLECT for ST JAMES the APOSTLE


This Sunday our Redemptorist readings and collects don't focus on St James, it would be a shame for you not to have sight of and therefpre the opportunity to join in praying the collect at some point on this special day.


Merciful God, 

whose holy Apostle St James,

 leaving his father and all he had, 

was obedient to the calling of your Son 

and followed him even to death: 

help us, forsaking the false attractions of the world, 

to be ready at all times to answer your call without delay; 

through Jesus Christ our Lord 

who is alive and reigns with you, 

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, 

now and forever. 


NEXT SUNDAY


Next Sunday, 1 Aug, the Ninth after Trinity our services will be at:.


Wem:   08:00 and 09:45 (also a memorial service for Christine Murray)

Weston: 09:30

Lee: 11:15


CATCH UP LUNCH


Wem Store Cupboard have come up with the brilliant idea of a Catch-up Lunch for any who may have been isolating for the past 18 months and/or found their usual social circle diminished through the pandemic.  This will be held (initially) on Saturday 14th August from 11:30 - 12:30 and from 13:00 - 14:00.  More details are on the attached poster along with a contact number if interested.  If you know anyone else who may be then do please pass this information or the poster on to them.


THANK YOU


Our many thanks are so often due to the priests who, whilst 'retired' faithfully celebrate at our Eucharists across the benefice.  Quite simply our Sunday rotas would not be possible without them.   My especial thanks to Mike and Rob for doubling up this Sunday to enable my local leave (plus conducting a christening on Sunday afternoon!).


THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK


“Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.” – Maori Proverb














Let's hope the sun keeps shining so gloriously, have the best week you can yet continue to take care of one another and all around us.  Every good wish,


Nick


 N P Heron

Rector of Wem, Lee Brockhurst and Weston-under-Redcastle

01939 232550