News 17th March 2020

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The Parish of St Mary& Christ Church Hendon

 

 

Dear brothers and sisters at St Mary's and Christ Church,

 

You will have seen from the mainstream media that the Archbishops' have issued a statement suspending public worship in the face of the challenge of coronavirus.

 

It is my hope that we will be able to keep St Mary's open as much as possible - as a place of prayer for the community. It is also my intention to maintain a pattern of daily prayer (between the churches). Details of that will follow.

 

In terms of what will happen on Sunday, I am in close conversation with my neighbouring colleagues at St Matthias and St John's: I will keep you updated by email - and we will share news on our website and social media.

 

There will be ways of praying in our homes; there will be ways of supporting those who are vulnerable in our congregations; and we will be collaborating with our neighbours in other churches as we seek to serve and strengthen our community.

 

Some practical steps that we can take: please let me know if you are isolated or in need, and we will find ways to respond; please also ring friends and members of the congregation - keep in touch and pray for each other. 

 

When Paul writes to the church in Rome, he assures us the we are united in Christ: members of one body, united in our differences, our strengths, our gifts and our weaknesses. He also assures us that the Spirit will strengthen us in our uncertainties and questions.  

 

It is because Jesus is with us, who died and was raised to life, that Paul is convinced that nothing in all creation 'will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord'. We share that hope.

 

Grace and peace,

Julie

 

The Rev’d Dr Julie Gittoes