Dear member of the All Saints family,
It was great that, after the 10:45 service, everyone had the chance to sing the hymns and songs from the service outside in the car park. They were still sung in the service by the music group, but everyone could sing out afterwards. Thanks to the music group and especially to Tim who provided a strong lead with the saxophone. The ground was wet this Sunday, so the top end of the car park was sealed off to allow the congregation to gather to sing and also to chat after both services, avoiding contact with cars leaving the car park.
As another initiative, from this Sunday, coffee will be served after the 9 AM service, again outside. Elaine Hemmings has been working with Christina Beveridge to put together the risk assessment. A key point is that, in order to avoid everyone touching the same surfaces, PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN CUP OR MUG – the reusable mugs to obtain coffee from coffee shops would be ideal. It is hoped to extend this to the 10:45 service in future weeks.
At the service, Tina Trevett spoke powerfully about Church unity from Jesus’ prayer for future believers in John 17 and brought it home to us as we work towards adapting church services and activities to the easing of Government restrictions from the pandemic. Jesus prays ‘..that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.’ As Tina said, we must remember that what we share in Christ is more important than any differences we have. Many thanks for all of the responses to the questionnaire seeking everyone’s views on how to move forward with the easing of restrictions, whilst keeping everyone safe. There were more than 100 responses when I last asked, so we will be able to process these after the deadline this week. I’m sure a consensus will emerge that, I hope and pray (and as Tina would challenge us to do), we can all live with for the present.
With best wishes and blessings,
Andy Creeth and John Chester, Churchwardens