Welcome to our newsletter for the Third Sunday of Easter. We hope you are managing to enjoy the beautiful spring weather – so helpful to raise the spirits during lockdown. It seems like a long time since we were last all in church together and there is still no indication as to when we might gather again. Our world situation remains grave and we continue to explore how we can best worship together virtually so that we can draw strength, hope and vision from our faith.
We are reminded of the well known words from Psalm 23:
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me
Sunday this week there will be a pre-recorded Service of the Word, put together by Canon Tony, with Rev’d Peter preaching. Tony also promises an opportunity to sing along to a hymn, which we all might welcome and enjoy.
Collect
Risen Christ, you filled your disciples with boldness and fresh hope: strengthen us also to proclaim your risen life and fill us with your peace, to the glory of God the Father.
Readings
- Acts 2.14a,36-41
- Psalm 116.1-3,10-17
- 1 Peter 1.17-23
- Luke 24.13-35
Planning Ahead
Sunday, 3rd May will be our All Age worship and we are planning to meet up together for a live Zoom service, followed by a time to chat over coffee. Our sister church St Mary de Haura had its first live Zoom service last Sunday and the congregation really appreciated the opportunity to gather and talk to each other, even if only on a screen.
A recording of the sermon part of the all age service will be later available to watch on Facebook and the website for those who can’t access Zoom. John Watters has agreed to be our ‘Zoom Verger’ for the service, an amusing term being used by churches for the person who helps with the digital hosting of things. Additionally we will be running the forthcoming Tuesday Holy Communion as a Zoom service, in part to test out how it all works.
Help with Zoom
Many of you are finding your way onto Zoom, a really helpful virtual platform where we can see each other and talk together on the internet.
Canon Tony is kindly offering ‘Zoom Consultancy’ for those who would like to talk with him, on the phone and learn more. It is also possible to join Zoom from your phone, even a landline (audio only). It really is very easy once you know how.
If you have never used Zoom before and would like help setting things up and even a trial run please contact: Canon Tony Thompson (01273 440182 or 07982 775242) sometime during the week. He will be happy to guide you through the process.
You can find out more too by watching this short film about how to join a meeting.
Lockdown Creativity
Our Facebook group has become a place where people are sharing their lockdown artwork and poems. Do take a look. Here is a dramatic and colourful resurrection picture by Rev’d Jess.
Thanks to all those who are sharing their creativity with us. Do keep it coming.
ShoreLine
Adam is soon putting together the parish magazine for May, so if you have any contributions, please let him know. Email: shorelineeditor@hotmail.com
Afternoon Fellowship and Study Group,
3.30pm-5pm, Wednesday 29th April.
Would you like the opportunity to watch a Christian talk together and then have a group discussion? St Paul’s Cathedral has an impressive archive of talks from its adult education programme. Join our Zoom meeting, where we will be able to watch the 40 minute talk together, then explore it in conversation and prayer. All done virtually from our homes.
The first talk is by Dr Ruth Valerio, an environmental theologian who wrote the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent Book this year. Many people in the congregation received a smaller version in the pamphlet we handed out at the beginning of Lent called #LentLive: Caring For God’s Creation
She challenges us as individuals and as the church to focus on how we can
deal with the major environmental issues of our planet, from climate change, to biodiversity loss, to the plastic problem, and how we can make a difference and be a voice for change.
If you would like to participate in this study and fellowship group email Rev’d Jane.
The Shoreham Foodbank needs donations and money. Their website gives informationabout giving and where donations can be dropped off.
Worship This Week
Sunday 26th April, 10am – A Service of the Word, available to watch on the church website, YouTube and Facebook page.
Tuesday 28th April, 9.30am - Holy Communion with short sermon available this week for thefirst time on Zoom. This will be something of a ‘trial’ for us as we ready ourselves for the All Age Sunday service. Please arrive 15 minute early if you are new to Zoom. Join us here:
Thursday 30th April, 7pm - Celtic Evening Prayer on Zoom (email Rev’d Jane for details)
Friday 1st May, 8am – Meditation with Morning Prayer on Zoom (email Rev’d Jane for details)
10 o’clock Rock
Daisy has put together a lovely short film telling our Bible story for this week. Do take a look at the accompanying attachment and watch the video.
Thank you Daisy.
A prayer for all those affected by coronavirus
Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy.
Sustain and support the anxious,
be with those who care for the sick,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may find comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord.Amen.
Do get in contact if you have any prayer requests, need practical support or would just like a chat,
With blessings,
Rev’d Jane and Canon Ann