Earl Stonham
Parish Council
Parish Council
Parish Council
Updated 12 April 2021
The church will be open this week from 10am if anyone would like to spend some quiet time in reflection or private prayer. It is hoped a bell will toll ahead of the funeral service on Saturday, in accordance with guidelines.
As it will not be possible to clean the church between openings please refrain from touching surfaces whilst following all other Covid guidelines, restrictions and precautions.
The Royal Family have issued the following statement: “During the public health situation, Books of Condolence will not be available for the public to sign.” In respect for these wishes, you may wish to sign the online book of condolence on the Church of England website (click HERE).
Further information will follow as it becomes available and will also be added to our A Church Near You page and the noticeboard.
With all best wishes at this difficult time
Mark Parry
Churchwarden
The Parish Room is still closed.
Please feel free to contact any member of the ministry team - contact details may be found HERE or in The Recorder and Ten Village News.
Earl Stonham church remains open for private prayer on Sundays from 12-4pm and the churchyard remains accessible, though of course subject to government rules prohibiting household mixing. You are very welcome to enjoy this special place to sit quietly, collect your thoughts, pray, or give thanks or seek comfort in these still challenging times.
You should not come to the church if you or anyone in your household has Covid symptoms. Masks must be worn inside the church and you should use the hand sanitiser provided inside and out. If there is anyone from another household inside the church when you come for private prayer, please wait for them to leave. You must observe a 2m distance at all times and not mix with any other visitors inside or out.
Even with limited travel you may have noticed that the church is still lit at night. Usually we just light it over Christmas but this year we thought it might be helpful to keep it lit, as a sign of the brighter days that are to come.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to being able to open our doors and welcome all again soon.
Rev Philip
Our Father, who art in heaven, you do not impose yourself on us, but you promise that when we call to you in faith, you will answer. We come to you now realising we need your help and protection more than ever at this time.
We ask for your forgiveness for the times we have forgotten you and not loved you with our whole heart, as you ask us to do. You also ask that we love our neighbours as ourselves. Forgive us for when we have wronged others and put our own interests first. Please help us to become the people you wish us to be.
We pray now that, as we put our trust in you, you will give us the wisdom, strength, resources and protection we need to overcome the physical, emotional and financial impact of the virus. Help us protect and care for the most vulnerable in our families and community.
We pray for your wisdom, strength, resources and protection for those in authority making decisions and those working in the emergency and care services as they seek to protect and care for us.
In the name of Jesus, your Son, our Saviour, we pray.
Amen.
