Dear Friends,
I trust all is well with everyone. This week the Govt. announced, amongst other things, that the restrictions imposed upon those described as ‘shielding’ were finally to be relaxed. Those of us who because of the seriousness of our underlying health condition have been effectively ‘locked down’ at home – confined to house and garden. This is bound to come as an enormous relief to them and while they still have to be extremely cautious, nevertheless they will now be able to venture further afield……There is a sense that for those of us who live locally that all of us have been shielded from the worst of the effects of Covid-19. We may know individuals who have suffered – even died – but by and large we have been spared the worst. Studies already being done suggest that certain sections of the population have been disproportionately affected; sections of the population that we rarely if ever have contact with…
…And even though this country as a whole has experienced relatively large numbers of casualties, we have been shielded from the full horror of what the pandemic can inflict, due mainly to the incredible efforts and expertise of those working in the NHS. As we move out of ‘lockdown’ we are bound to acknowledge that for other countries there is still a long way to go, many more people will get sick, and large numbers will die. And so, as we do find life becoming easier, more normal, we do well to remember our sisters and brothers in Central and South America, much of Africa, and of South East Asia. This is a global pandemic, and just because for us life appears to be getting easier, we cannot ignore the plight of others, ‘Lord, have Mercy’…
…Closer to home, it is good that we have been opened the Free Church for private prayer on Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10am – 12noon, and Sundays, 2.30pm – 4.30pm. To have people enter the building and make use of it has been a great encouragement. Today, 23rd June, Govt has indicated that from 4th July it may be possible to hold worship services – no more than 30 people, restricted in content and delivery – we do not want to rush into anything without making the proper assessments of risk etc but I am hopeful that it will not be too long before we are able to worship together once again. Please, be patient for just a little longer…
The Chief Medical Officer reminded us that the changes coming about in July do not mean that we can all go back to living as we did before the virus struck. There is still a significant risk attaching to everything we might do. So please, continue to stay safe and keep well. Enjoy the sunshine, and whatever else we are now able to enjoy, but do be careful, for all our sakes, and in proper regard for those who in many parts of the world are yet to experience the worst of what is to come.
Ian Tutton