We are in difficult times. The COVID 19 virus is continuing to force each and every one of us to take measures to protect ourselves and others and also look out for those in need. However we are starting now to take the first tentative steps to restoring some normality in our lives.
As you will know all organised church gatherings, whether in churches or house groups were suspended and unfortunately our churches locked. However we are slowly moving to a situation where some of our church buildings may begin to be accessible again in limited circumstances. Subject of course to all the guidance and regulation that are in force and we are in the process of reviewing what the possibilities are in the Walesby Group.
Please remember we continue to be encouraged to change from being a ‘Church of Attendance’ to a ‘Church of Prayer and Service’. Our prayers for God’s world and his people are of great importance.
We are able to physically meet for a communal act of worship from 4th July. However, we feel at this time we are unable to offer this owing to the restrictions still in place. We will continue to stream worship on a daily basis.
For Private Prayer our churches will be open as and when we are able to meet the requirements and assessed the volunteers available. At this time St Mary's, Thoresway will open from 2-4pm every 4th Sunday, and All Saints, Tealby will open 10-midday every Wednesday from 15th July. We will review the situation on 23rd July and every subsequent three weeks.
Baptisms and Weddings are once again permitted. However there are stringent conditions, which may mean they are not feasible in some locations.
Funeral Services can go ahead in church but there are restrictions. All social distancing regulations will be applied. This will also mean no singing. Some churches may not be available.
Revd Elaine is continuing to co-ordinate our pastoral response to all those in our villages that need support. This is also now applicable to those further afield who will undoubtedly need maybe a chat or just a friendly ear to listen. Please let us know if you or someone you know would like us to make contact. All prayer request are confidential.
The Walesby Group, set into the north western edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, consists of 10 parishes, 10 worshipping communities and 11 church buildings. With a population of around 2100 we are a benefice of very small communities, living in the vast open spaces of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As worshipping communities we aim to grow ourselves in our faith and discipleship, support and engage with our local communities and bring new people to Christ.
We are blessed with beautiful buildings and faithful commitment from our congregations. As the group continues to integrate together, we are being enabled to offer a variety of worship and outreach styles. Lay ministry and leadership is key to all we offer, and encouraged as we endeavour to open the Kingdom and its values to all.
The Christian faith is focused on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. We also believe his death achieved something very special: the opportunity to reconnect with the God that we might believe in but might sometimes feel remote from.
We believe that Jesus was not just a human being but, in some way that we cannot fully understand, God as well. We believe in God the Father, the creator of the entire universe, and the Holy Spirit, who is the way we can experience Jesus today. Not three gods but one, who together are described as the ‘Trinity’ – a description not so much of philosophy but of the relationship at the heart of God.
In the most famous Christian prayer we pray ‘Our Father…’ This creator God wants a relationship with us, for us to be his children and to give us, as Jesus says, ‘life in all its fulness’ (John 10.10).
