A message from our Rector, Ric Whaite:
"On Tuesday, 17th March the Church of England
announced the suspension of all public worship in its churches and chaplaincies
until further notice. At St Mary's this will include Wednesday evening's School
of Prayer and Compline, our Thursday morning service, Thursday's Confirmation
group and ALL Sunday services.
THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC SERVICES OF ANY KIND AT ST MARY'S HANDBRIDGE
THIS SUNDAY, 22ND OF MARCH.
The St Mary's Handbridge Centre is also closed, and user groups have
been informed.
As the first Sunday where public
worship will be suspended, this Sunday, Mothering Sunday, is a particular
focus. Churches Together in Britain and Ireland are calling all churches to a
National Day of Prayer and Action. At such a time as this, when so many are
fearful and there is great uncertainty, we are reminded of our dependence on
our loving Heavenly Father and the future that he holds.
At 7pm this Sunday, please light
a candle in the window of your home as a visible symbol of the light of life,
Jesus Christ, our source and hope in prayer.
Church will continue to be open as often as possible. Morning Prayer
will be said by the Rector and, where appropriate, Holy Communion also. Holy
Communion is necessary so that consecrated wafers can be distributed to people
in their homes (along with service booklets) when requested. Where appropriate,
Communion may be distributed using an envelope through a letterbox. In other
circumstances, a visit might be possible to share Holy Communion. Please bear
with us as we try this out.
Have you, as a parishioner, yet supplied St Mary's with an e-mail address? If you have not, please do so and send an e-mail to rector.stmaryshester@btconnect.com so you can be included on regular messages to the parish, as well as requests for support."
The Church of England has highlighted a number of resources for people to use in their homes. Just log on to www.churchofengland.org
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