Dear Friends,
I trust all is well. For many of us this time is traditionally holiday time. I realise that for many, holiday plans have at best been disrupted, and at worst have had to be abandoned altogether. Nevertheless, I do hope that all of us will manage to get at least some rest, recuperation and recreation during these few weeks. It is important to take advantage of whatever time we have to recharge our batteries in whatever way we can. Especially as for many people it is only now that they are realising just how draining this whole ‘lockdown +’ period has been: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. Please, if you can, take a break…
…One unfortunate consequence of the pandemic for us as a church has been the enforced need to ‘shut down’ our community focussed activities. As a congregation we can be proud of the different ways in which over the years we have engaged with the wider community. Much of this work has had to be put ‘on hold’ but I am pleased that slowly but surely, we are re-establishing our links…
- We were able to fulfil our commitment to the Dennis Scott Mental Health Unit @ Edgware Hospital by providing a ‘Strawberries & Cream’ tea during Wimbledon fortnight – even though Wimbledon itself was cancelled – thank you to those who made it happen…
- We are once again able to collect for and deliver to our local Food Bank…Thank you to everyone for contributing…
- Our Lunchtime music recitals will be recommencing on August 28th…
- The children’s music group – Eeeny Meeny Music led by Eddie Hayden – is happening every Friday morning…
- Discussions are taking place with various Free Church Hall user groups with a view to their restarting in September, providing activities for all ages…
- We will be participating in the London wide ‘Open House’ Weekend – 19th & 20th Sept, including a table top/car boot sale in the Church car park…
There will be other opportunities as well, even within the restrictions imposed upon us by the current situation. It is vitally important that we do all we can to involve ourselves in community life. It is a very real privilege for us to be at the heart of the local community…
…But I am also aware that even though the church has been prevented from organising community engagement events, many of you have been quietly but effectively getting alongside your neighbours, people you know who have needed help and support. What I often refer to as ‘random acts of kindness’. As Jesus remarked, ‘As often as you do it unto the least of these, you do it unto me’…Thank you, everyone.