Following advice received from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York with regard to the Coronavirus pandemic

ALL PUBLIC WORSHIP is suspended and the church is closed until further notice

With prayer and hope in Christ, at this challenging time for us all, Guy Scott

Please do keep in touch via the weekly notices, copy available below.

Weekly Notices (29-Mar) - click here

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LiveLent: Care for God's Creation - Is a 40-day challenge inspired and informed by the Archbishop of Canterbury's 2020 Lent book 'Saying Yes to Life' by Ruth Valerio. For more details visit: chpublishing.co.uk/features/live-lent

Daily Prayer is the first official app to allow easy and elegant access to the hugely popular Daily Prayer feed from the Church of England website. It is published by Church House Publishing, the official publisher of the Church of England. For more information on the range of Apps available, visit  chpublishing.co.uk/apps

Last week Bishop Alan shared some thoughts in relation to the COVID 19 pandemic. A précis:

Golden Rule One: Each one of us can think about how we can protect and support our neighbours. So much of the public rhetoric is sowing fear about the danger of other people. Offer help and reassurance to others – and don’t demonise anyone or any group.

Golden Rule Two: Think about who may be suffering more than me. For those of us who are healthy there is much less to worry about but the elderly, the housebound and those with chronic health conditions may be very anxious. Think about phoning others: a smile can bring cheer, even on the phone. If you visit, follow all the official precautions or don’t go.

Golden Rule Three: Don’t give into panic and start hoarding food. There is plenty to go around, so practise the Christian discipline of sharing. Ask your neighbours what they need and do your best to help them get it.

Golden Rule Four: Live today to the full. None of us ever know what the future holds. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenged his followers to live each day fully and not be afraid. ‘So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.’ Matthew 6.34.

And, don’t forget to pray. Here’s a suggestion by a priest in our diocese:

Dear God our Shield and our Defender, guide and protect my neighbour in this time of health emergency; deliver them from all harm and may your love and care ever grow in this place. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Amen.

Bishop Alan, St Albans