From the Associate Vicar's Desk
Making the journey together
Welcome to "From the Associate Vicar's Desk" for Friday 9th July
Easing of restrictions
I'm sure that the Prime Minister's announcement earlier this week has raised a lot of questions and stirred a lot of emotions, which will be different for each of us. The Church of England guidance is not likely to be published until later next week.
I very much hope to be able to let you know this time next week what and when our next steps will be in terms of relaxing some of our safety measures at church. However, this is a journey we will make gradually, and make together. We want everyone to feel safe at church, so we will not be reverting "back to how it was" straight away, but will most likely make some adjustments later this month or early August, and then further adjustments at the start of September.
Journey back to church, together - Saturday 17th July 10.30-2.30
Our church pilgrimage, to welcome you back into our church building in a safe, reflective and prayerful way. Timed slots, very small groups, guided prayer activities, tea and cake. This event is suitable for all ages. Please do come along to this important resting place on our journey through this pandemic. Book here.
St Mary Redcliffe Festival - Sunday 18th July 10.00am
This time of year, we usually celebrate the life of our church in a special end of term service. This year it will have a slightly different feel, following on from our pilgrimage on 17th, as we reflect together on all that has happened since we were last able to all meet freely and safely in church. An important opportunity to gather, to lament, to give thanks, to rejoice, together; and to welcome our children's church back to worship indoors at our main service for the first time this year. The booking form will be emailed on Monday as usual.
Prayer and study groups: "Pastoral Principles for living and learning well together"
Over the summer we will be running a 5-week course about how we live and learn together in the face of difference and diversity. The Pastoral Principles identify six 'pervading evils': prejudice, silence, ignorance, fear, hypocrisy and power. These hinder our growth as Christians, hurt other people, and create barriers that stop our churches from growing into Christian communities of welcome and belonging.
Groups will be led by our clergy team and you can "mix and match" to fit around other commitments.
Sundays 11.30am in church, from 18th July
Fridays 2.30pm on zoom, from 23rd July
Wednesdays 7.30pm on zoom, from 28th July
Welcome Stephen
Regular Morning Prayer congregation members will have met a new member of our clergy team, Canon Stephen Spencer, who is joining us as a part-time self-supporting priest. It's a pleasure to welcome him to the team. Read more about Stephen here.
Send on / Contact me
Please forward this email on those who might be interested in SMR and contact me here (rather than using reply please)
With my best wishes
Kat
Rev'd Kat Campion-Spall
Associate Vicar, St Mary Redcliffe
Services this Sunday
8.30am : Morning Prayer
: live streamed only
: live stream here : words here
10.00am : Holy Communion
: live streamed public worship
: live stream here : Order of Service here : weekly sheet here
