Minster Lifeline #20
5 August 2020
Rev. Irene writes:
It is hard to believe that this is the 20th Lifeline! I am not sure how many weeks we thought we would be writing Lifeline at the beginning of this difficult time, but I am sure we did not expect it to be so many. As many of you know the church is open on a very reduced schedule – only one live service a week, however we understand that for many it is too early to return to worship in a closed setting. Feedback so far suggests that the Lifeline has been a good way of keeping people in touch with Minster Life so please do give your feedback to one of the Minster team on whether you would like Lifeline to continue or not. If you are not sure how to do that feel free to ring the church office on 01482 224460 and leave a message for me.
We have covered many areas of the work of the Minster in the previous weeks however if there is an area that you would like an update on, again please let us know and we will do our best to update you.
Last week Becca Alden wrote a little about her life at the Minster and about her recent graduation so today I thought it would be good to go to the other extreme and talk about our toddlers. Would you believe our toddler group has continued throughout lockdown, so to tell you how that has happened I have asked Rachel Turner to tell us more? Rachel runs the toddler group Little Fishes along with our Children, Youth and Families Minister Mandy….
So, how does Little Fishes - a very practical, lively, and fun baby and toddler group - function in lockdown? By the grace of God, some excellent technological support, and the willingness of us all to open our homes via Zoom, we have kept going! Our weekly meetings online have been a comfort, a lifeline, and a marker for the end of the working week at a time when so much of what was normal changed to a 'new normal'. Thanks go to Mandy and Irene for their hosting skills and much needed conversation, and to all the families who joined in the sing along each week.
My role in Little Fishes is a joy: the children request songs inspired by a basket of toys, or indeed challenge me with a toy of their own to sing about, and I belt out an old or new tune! It does not matter how tired I may feel at the start of a song session, I am always uplifted by our children and families joining in with gusto, smiles and laughter!
In addition to our weekly Zoom sessions we have a WhatsApp group chat which has grown into a haven of support, advice, fun and sharing. We have held a scavenger hunt, shared photographs of our baking and crafts, exchanged ideas for play and ways to keep our little ones happy, entertained and learning at home. As lockdown eased and we were able to go out more, we helped each other find deserted beaches on which to play safely, and crucially the location of toilets that were open!
Needing to take my youngest child Micah for his first shoe fitting I was relieved to read of one mum's successful venture to the shoe shop plus two children and face masks. Sharing daily life, snippets of fun, and anecdotes of our children has strengthened friendships as we have walked together through the last few months.
On a personal note, never have I felt so wrapped in prayer by my church family nor so lovingly
supported throughout my Mum's illness and passing by the Little Fishes community. Each kind word written, cards lovingly made by children, prayers by text message and, as restrictions lifted, socially distanced conversations in the park: this truly is the Lord our God loving in action.
Rachel Turner
Mandy adds: Little Fishes continues each Friday at 10am via zoom and is open to all parent/carers of preschool children. Click here for the link to join.
Rev Irene concludes: I am pleased to inform you that the Minster is now open for both
prayer and visitors on Friday and Saturday 12-3 p.m. and Sunday 1-3 p.m.
On Sunday there will be an online service at 10 a.m. and a live service in the Minster at 11 15
a.m. If you would like to be in the Minster for the service at 11:15 please book a place online here or by telephoning the office on 01482 224460.
This Sunday will also be our last ‘The Gathering’ zoom at 6:30pm. Click here for link to join.
As I was in the Minster last Sunday I was reminded that Jesus said in Matthew’s gospel as he
spoke to the people ‘my house shall be a house of prayer’ we give thanks that through the difficult times the Minster opened its doors firstly for prayer.
Readings:
The Collect for this week.
Almighty God, who sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your Church.
Open our hearts to the riches of your grace that we may
bring forth the fruit of the Spirit in love and joy and peace,
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
AMEN
August Prayer Diary
Daily prayer points throughout the month of August can be found here.