Vicar's Letter about Coronavirus

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

It has been with a heavy heart that I have had to introduce restrictions on our worship, as directed by Bishop Rose. I will not mention any of these conditions here as they will probably be obsolete by the time you read this. I have been so inspired and humbled at the way we have treated and ministered to each other. The support I have received has been second to none.

I have found the following scripture a great comfort in these challenging times:

1 Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. 

2 We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. 

3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 

4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 

5 For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake. 

6 For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

7 But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. 

8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 

9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 

10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. 

11 For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh.

12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.

2 Corinthians 4.1-12

Let us pray:

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.

God bless,

Revd Bob Weldon