Thursday 28th May Sunday 31st May Pentecost Psalms 24, 72 (or) 113, 115 Acts 2.1-21 or Numbers 24 Numbers 11.24-30 Luke 8.26-39 Psalm 104.26-36,37b* Making Christ Visible 1 Corinthians 12.3b-13 or Friday 29th May Acts 2.1-21 Psalms 28, 30 (or) 139 John 20.19-23 or Numbers 27.12-end in Luke 8.40-end

Saturday 30th May Acts 28.16-20, 30-end Psalm 11.4-end John 21.20-25

All church services have been halted and the church is currently locked. Whenever circumstances change we will put detailed information on St. Peter’s Key

our Facebook page: St Peters Church, Bengeworth May 2020 50 pence

and on our website: St. Peter’s Church, Bengeworth bengeworthchurch.co.uk

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Thursday 14th May Thursday 21st May Ascension Day AN EASTER MESSAGE Acts 1.15-26 Acts 1.1-11 or Daniel 7.9-14 Psalm 15 Psalm 47 or Psalm 93 The Bishop of Worcester 1 Corinthians 4.1-7 Ephesians 1.15-23 or Acts 1.1-11 John 15.9-17 Luke 24.44-53 In the week before Easter, Christians reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus. This year has Friday 15th May Friday 22nd May been very different with suffering and death Psalms 138, 149 (or) 55 Psalms 20, 81 (or) 88, (95) surrounding us in these unprecedented times. The Numbers 14.1-25 Numbers 20.1-13 whole world has been transformed in an Luke 6.1-1 Luke 7.11-17 extraordinarily short space of time and the suffering of Jesus finds new resonance in Saturday 16th May Saturday 23rd May everything that is happening around us. Psalms 146, 150 (or) 76, 79 Psalms 21, 47 (or) 96, 97, 100 Numbers 14.26-end Numbers 21.4-9 For some people, the death of Jesus is just one Luke 6.12-26 Luke 7.18-35 among billions across the globe that have taken place in the past two thousand years, but for Christians it is different– different because of what happened on Sunday 17th May Sunday 24th May Sunday after Easter Day, different because Jesus was raised from the dead. Acts 17.22-31 Ascension Psalm 66.7-18 Acts 1.6-14 God brought good out of the horror of the crucifixion through the resurrection. 1 Peter 3.13-22 Psalm 68.1-10,32-35* He brought good out of evil. That is what God does: he turns suffering to joy or Genesis 8.20 – 9.17 1 Peter 4.12-14; 5.6-11 and death to new life. John 14.15-21 or Ezekiel 36.24-28 I pray that he will bring good out of the all the suffering that we are witnessing John 17.1-11 around us now. How wonderful it would be if this extraordinary ‘lockdown Monday 18th May Easter’ led to our society becoming more loving, compassionate, just and free. I Psalms 65, 67 (or) 80, 82 Monday 25th May see seeds of it happening in, for example, new found respect for those who Numbers 16.1-35 Psalms 93, 96, 97 (or) 98, 99, 101 dedicate their lives to caring; resurrection in the here and now. May those Luke 6.27-38 Numbers 22.1-35 seeds grown and blossom. Luke 7.36-end Tuesday 19th May In the end, Christians believe that God’s resurrection love will prevail on earth Psalms 124, 125, 126, 127 Tuesday 26th May as in heaven. As the Book of Revelation puts it: (or) 87, 89.1-18 Psalms 98, 99,100 (or) 106* (or 103) God himself will be with us, Numbers 16.36-end Numbers 22.36-23.12 he will wipe every tear from their our eyes. Luke 6.39-end Luke 8.1-15 Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, Wednesday 20th May Wednesday 27th May Psalms 132, 133 (or) 119.105-128 Psalms 2, 29 (or) 110, 111, 112 So my message to you this Easter is one of hope. Numbers 17.1-11 Numbers 23.13-end Luke 7.1-10 Luke 8.16-25 Happy Easter!

Bishop John 2 19

READINGS FOR MAY A LETTER FROM Martin Gorick ,The Bishop of Dudley

Below you will find Sunday readings for Communion These are strange times. I’m the new Bishop of and weekday readings for Morning Prayer Dudley, and should be living in that area, but I’m writing this letter from under ‘lockdown’ in our old Source: http://www.oremus.org/ house in Oxford, unable to move. You can subscribe and download the resource yourself It feels as though everything is disrupted and where Sunday 3rd May Easter 4 nothing can be taken for granted. Our church Acts 2.42- 47 buildings have been closed, and just when we want to gather together and Psalm 23 Saturday 9th May encourage one another, we cannot. 1 Peter 2.19-25 Psalm 34 (or) 68 We live in a world filled with fear, attacked by a virus we cannot cure. We can John 10.1-10 Exodus 40.17-end fear death and disease, poverty and unemployment; we can fear for loved ones Luke 4.31-37 isolated and far away. We can feel powerless and alone. Monday 4th May Psalm 103 (or) 44 Sunday 10th May Easter 5 When Jesus was taken to be crucified most of his friends ran away, fearing for Exodus 32.1-14 Acts 7.55-60 their lives, afraid that they would be next. But others stayed, mostly women like Luke 2.41-end Psalm 31.1-5,15-16* Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome. And then at the foot 1 Peter 2.2-10 or Genesis 8.1-19 of the cross, James, the disciple whom Jesus loved, and Mary, Jesus’ own Tuesday 5th May John 14.1-14 mother. They must have been filled with grief and fear, but their love for Jesus Psalm 139 (or) 48, 52 was stronger still. Their love was stronger than their fear. They just had to be Exodus 32.15-34 Monday 11th May present with him. Luke 3.1-14 Psalm 145 (or) 71 I thank God for shopworkers, health workers, cleaners, carers, foodbank drivers

Numbers 9.15-end;10.33-end and everyone else who set out to be present for others during this crisis. All Wednesday 6th May Luke 4.38-end those whose love for humanity proves stronger than their fear. Psalm 135 (or) 119.57-80 This is the Easter season when we celebrate Jesus risen from the dead. The fear Exodus 33 Tuesday 12th May and isolation of Holy Week is past and a new age has begun. In these days Luke 3.15-22 Psalms 19, 147.1-12 (or) 73 between Easter and Pentecost we stand confidently in the warm sunlight of the Numbers 11.1-33 resurrection, knowing that suffering and death will never have the last word; Thursday 7th May Luke 5.1-11 Psalm 118 (or) 56, 57, 63 that God’s love is real and unshakeable and in the end will prevail. The bible says, ‘Underneath are the Everlasting Arms’ and that is true for us as Christians, Exodus 34.1-10, 27-end Wednesday 13th May Luke 4.1-13 both in this life and, I believe, when we die. Morning Prayer Psalms 30, 147.13-end (or) 77 As we move towards Pentecost we pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit to bless Friday 8th May Numbers 12 and inspire us for the road ahead. We pray ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ not with big Psalm 33 (or) 51, 54 Luke 5.12-26 gatherings and events this year, but online, in prayer, alone or in family groups. Exodus 35.20-36.7 We pray for God’s kingdom to come on earth as it already is in heaven. A Luke 4.14-30 kingdom of love, compassion, justice and freedom. Where the people we all 18 3 depend on in these days: health and care workers, shop staff, drivers and crop A prayer of Lady Julian of Norwich pickers, cleaners and refuse collectors and all the rest will no longer be seen as In you, Father all-mighty, we have our preservation and our bliss. menial or unskilled, but celebrated members of our society on whom we all In you, Christ, we have our restoring and our saving. depend. We need to find a new way of living in tune with the earth and creation, where global riches can be shared and where all can be fed. You are our mother, brother, and Saviour. In you, our Lord the Holy Spirit, is marvellous and plenteous grace. I am living through the only global pandemic I have ever known. Its effects are You are our clothing; for love you wrap us and embrace us. tragic for some, and far reaching for us all. When all this is over we will need to You are our maker, our lover, our keeper. build a better future. And that is something we can all be part of. Teach us to believe that by your grace all shall be well, and all shall be well,

and all manner of things shall be well. Amen

FROM CMS Pentecost

For the Spirit of Peace Rev Dr Liz Hoare St Augustine that calms our mind Where have all the swallows gone? and stills our life, Almighty God, we give you thanks. whose servant Augustine was sent as the apostle They used to congregate in the rafters of the For the Spirit of Love of the English people: barn but the owner converted it into a ‘des res’ that touches hearts grant that as he laboured in the Spirit to preach and sold it for a big profit. and reaches out, Christ’s gospel in this land, And now they can’t cross the creeping desert of we give you thanks. so all who hear the good news the Sahara, because it’s getting bigger every year For the Spirit of Joy may strive to make your truth known in all the through drought and mismanagement of land. that lifts our soul world; And the climate is in turmoil, so how will they know when to set off or when it’s and gives us faith through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, time to return. Why is the climate so out of kilter? What have we done? who is alive and reigns with you, Lord, have mercy. we give you thanks. For the Spirit of Power, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, Listen for the cuckoo again this Spring as you listen every year, and feel the that gift of grace one God, now and for ever. Amen anxiety in case it doesn’t come. Let the fear and grief and rage grip us because for this your church, we have made it so hard for these iconic birds to bless our woods and fields and we give you thanks. prevented our children from knowing what it means to ‘hear the first cuckoo in Spring.’ Circle us, Lord Lord have mercy. Keep strife without, keep peace within May we walk in the hope of your Let us weep at the loss of beauty and variety in this world. And because we do not even know that we have sinned. Keep fear without, keep hope within kingdom Though some of us have known something was wrong for a long time and Keep pride without, keep trust within Fill us with your light and love chosen not to say anything. We have stayed silent and now the stones cry out. Keep evil out, keep good within Be with us all through this day So we must cry out in company with them. And rage against the dying of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit light that comes when the air is filled with birdsong and the fields with tiny https://www.aidanandhilda.org.uk/prayer-examples.php voles and dappled colour and the ocean teeming with whales. Where have they 4 17 Arundel died on 19th February 1414, having been Archbishop of all gone? And why?

Canterbury twice and Lord Chancellor twice, lived through tumultuous Lord have mercy. times and served under three kings. Creator God, you who delight in abundance and variety, beauty and joy, why Sources: have you allowed us to abuse your world putting all this at risk? How long must https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Arundel it go on before we see the error of our ways? http://www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/archbishoparundel.htm Do we not deserve all we get: the fires and floods, the winds and the famine? https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/thomas-arundel-13531414-archbishop-of-canterbury-87126 But see the hungry eyes of the children, hear the anguished cries of the ones http://www.bible-researcher.com/arundel.html who have lost their homes and feel the fear of those whose lives are in jeopardy. Weep and lament for them all because they have no advocate on earth.

PRAYER SHARE Lord, have mercy. And lament also for those who insist all is well; for those whose lives are still secure and who think it will not touch them; for those who know they should do something and have no idea what. A prayer about the Coronavirus outbreak Lord God teach us to care, help us to change our ways, help us to seek your

Keep us, good Lord, face, your ways and your life-giving rhythms before it is too late for our under the shadow of your mercy wonderful fragile world.

in this time of uncertainty and distress. Lord have mercy. Grant us grace to turn again and change. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low; The Rev Dr Liz Hoare is tutor in spiritual formation and MTh course director at that we may rejoice in your comfort Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and author of Twelve Great Spiritual Writers knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. We heard on 21st Philip and James Apostles April that Celia Almighty Father, Chapman has died. whom truly to know is eternal life: This was not because teach us to know your Son Jesus Christ as the way, the truth and the life; of the virus. Please that we may follow the steps remember Peter and of your holy apostles Philip and James, his family in your and walk steadfastly in the way that leads to your glory; prayers. through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, May she rest in peace in the unity of the Holy Spirit, and rise in glory one God, now and for ever. Amen

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nomination seemed to wish him nothing but success. Yet, within a year, he was WORSHIPPING AROUND THE DIOCESE charged with treason, exiled and replaced by Roger Walden. Arundel spent his exile in Florence, where, at Richard II's request, the Pope Hugh Richards, Chair of the House of Laity Boniface IX in Rome made him Bishop of St. Andrews. This was pointless because Scotland recognised the Pope in Avignon and already had a bishop in I expect many of you, like me, will have place! been ‘upping’ your use of social media and Shortly afterwards, he joined up with his fellow-exile Henry Bolingbroke. They technology during the ‘lockdown’ to access invaded together and forced Richard to yield the crown to the fabulous variety of worship, prayers, Bolingbroke, who became Henry IV. Arundel played a prominent part in the music, reflections and ‘vlogs’ available in uprising and may have been the most determined of all that the king should be the Diocese (see what's happening here). I removed entirely. The new regime secured the reversal of several of Richard's noticed that our Resourcing Churches have acts, including the pope's installation of Walden at Canterbury. So Arundel produced some excellent offerings and returned to Canterbury, while Walden—with the support of Arundel—was parish churches great and small have also taken the plunge. eventually made Bishop of . And so Thomas Arundel became archbishop twice. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been attending services across the Diocese, As the king collapsed into ill-health from 1405, Arundel returned to the sometimes‘ live’ and sometimes at a more convenient time. Easter Sunday forefront of government. At one point, he even took the sick king into Lambeth morning saw me having breakfast at Bishop John and H-J’s house and peeling Palace itself for care. potatoes at Abbey, before retiring to my ipad for an evening gin and In 1405–06 he had to deal with the crisis with the papacy, when the king tonic at Top Church! I am looking forward to visiting other churches over the executed Richard Scrope, Archbishop of York who had participated in the next few weeks and experiencing a variety of forms and expressions of worship rebellion. Under Henry IV, Arundel served twice as Lord Chancellor, first in that I have never experienced before. 1399 and again from 1407 to 1410. When Henry IV's son succeeded as Henry V, But it is not only our church services that have been revolutionised. Church Arundel's influence at court decreased. communities have taken a lead in pastoral care – WhatsApp groups (other Arundel was an opponent of the Lollards, followers of John Wycliffe, who in a media is available!) allow us to keep a benevolent eye on each other, keep treatise had opposed the dogma of Transubstantiation. spirits up and make sure the vulnerable in all sections of our secular King Henry IV passed a law in 1401, which recited in its preamble that it was communities are able to access the food and medicines they need. Those who directed against a certain new sect empowering the bishops to arrest, are not ‘technology savvy’ have not been forgotten– they will have appreciated imprison, and examine offenders and to hand over to the secular authorities. phone calls or a ‘shout out’ through an open window. But if you have an old The condemned were to be burnt "in an high place" before the people. smartphone gathering dust in a drawer, give a thought as to whether it might be In 1407, Arundel presided at a synod at Oxford, which passed a number of just the thing to get someone else onto your WhatsApp group. I have even been constitutions to regulate preaching, the translation and use of the Scriptures, able to talk my mother though setting up Zoom on her tablet which she only and the theological education at schools and the university. In 1410, a body of hitherto used to get emails and photos of the grandchildren! Oxford censors condemned 267 propositions collected out of Wycliffe's writings. These different measures seem to have been successful at least as far In Luke, chapter 10, a lawyer (like me!) asked Jesus: “who is my neighbour?” He as the clergy were concerned, and the Lollards came to be increasingly a lay got the answer we all know in the parable of the Good Samaritan. For us lay- movement, often connected with political discontent. people, important ‘neighbours’ who need our prayers and care are our clergy. Archbishop Arundel had a stroke which left him unable to speak shortly Leadership can be a lonely place, particularly at a time of crisis. Our clergy have afterwards. Henry V, who had had uneasy relations with Arundel, installed shown amazing leadership during Holy Week. As Chair of the House of Laity, I Henry Chichele in his place. have written to them thanking them on behalf of us all . 6 15 1213. The word ‘Maundy’ comes from the word meaning This period of lockdown has some time to run– don’t forget to keep an eye on ‘Commandment’. It was on this Thursday, the day before he died, that Jesus your clergy; and hold them in your prayers. gave his disciples what he described as a new commandment: ‘that you should Our Facebook Page has links to services which you can follow on line. O love one another as I have loved you.’ This year a special film will be released on Maundy Thursday on www.royal.uk to mark the occasion because the Our website also has links to useful material, including a hymn for the day and a simple service itself cannot take place. Sunday service from the Royal School for Church Music.

ARCHBISHOPS OF CANTERBURY

Thomas Arundel

Thomas Arundel, also known as Thomas Fitz-Alan was born, probably in Etchingham, Sussex, England, a younger son of Richard Fitzalan, 10th Earl of Arundel and Eleanor of Lancaster. He studied at Oriel College, Oxford, until he was appointed Bishop of Ely in 1373. This was because of his father's status and financial leverage with the Crown. He was happy to end his student days at Oxford. Being the Bishop of Ely captured the young bishop's genuine interest but his brother's political opposition to the policies of Richard II both at home and towards France grew rancorous and dragged him in. In an extremely A portrait of Arundel, grave crisis, teetering towards civil war, 1386-8, the Lambeth Palace. bishop found himself, at least in formal terms, right at the front of the dangerous attempts by five leading lords to remove the king's advisors and control future policy. On 3 April 1388, Arundel was elevated to the position of Archbishop of York at a time when Richard II was, in effect, suspended from rule. This promotion had much to do with consolidating the conspirators' control in the north. He served Richard II twice as Lord Chancellor. However, the king contrived to assure Arundel of his confidence and Arundel was deceived into bringing his brother out of hiding under a royal safe conduct—to his death. Throughout his ON THE CROSS OF THE MOMENT life Arundel was more trustful than was good for him. We would rather be ruined than changed, We would rather die in our dread Despite being largely absent from York, because of his involvement in national Than climb the cross of the moment politics, he has been credited with sponsoring a lively revival of personal And let our illusions die. (W.H. Auden) religious piety in the north. On 25 September 1396, Arundel was made Archbishop of Canterbury. The king's Narrow Way by David Hayward of nakedpastor.com

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NEW CHAIR OF THE DBF Maundy Money. It is a great honour and I wondered why I’d been selected! It was disappointing when I learned that the service wasn’t going ahead, but I wasn’t surprised. I was going to take my son who is Archdeacon of Malmesbury Sam Setchell – he’d had to get special permission from his bishop to come with me to the service because it’s on Maundy Thursday!” The Revd Andy Todd, Priest in Charge of St Stephen’s Mike Bunclark, 74, member of St Martin’s Church, London Road, Worcester Church in Worcester has been appointed as the next Mike has served the church and local community in Worcester faithfully for Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance. He was many years. He has been churchwarden in his parish church and lay chair of the nominated by Bishop John at the last diocesan synod deanery synod, as well as serving the diocese significantly in its councils. meeting following an application and interview Around retirement, he was delighted to be accepted to train for Reader process. ministry and has relished his ministerial role in the team ministry. Mike has Andy was ordained priest in the Diocese in 2016. Prior been a good friend, confidant and support to a succession of parish priests and to training for ordination, he spent 20 years working as rural deans, with a wisdom, generosity and humour much valued in his an accountant, most recently as a Partner at Deloitte, congregation too- a godly man. the ‘Big 4’ professional services firm, where he provided corporate tax Mike said: “I was incredibly surprised and very humbled when I received the consultancy services at Board level in the domestic and international Financial letter, you never expect it to happen to you! I haven’t told many people about Services sectors. He also advised governments on tax policy. Prior to that, Andy it. I was planning to take my wife with me to the service in Windsor and we are was the Director of Life Tax at Aviva, the insurance group. He has been involved both sad not be going, but I’m still honoured to be one of this year’s in a number of very significant change projects and is a Fellow of the institute of recipients.” Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Dorothy Johnson, 86, member of Road Methodist Church in Bishop John said: "“Andy had a very distinguished career in finance before he Worcester was ordained and I’m delighted that he’s taking this post on. The Diocesan Dorothy attends Ombersley Road Methodist Church, Worcester, where she has Board of Finance will benefit greatly from his experience and wisdom.” been single-handedly responsible for them being and remaining a Jubilee Looking further back, Andy has served as a Churchwarden in a rural parish, and Congregation. She is a friendly person to new people and gives practical help to began his working life as a youth and community worker in several city centre those with difficulties to get them back on their feet. Dorothy is passionate church outreach projects and in rural South Africa. about peace and justice. She attends events all over the locality, and makes jam During his time in the Diocese, Andy has been a member of Bishop’s Council to sell to raise funds. For a number of years, she has been a leading light in the and the Audit Committee as well becoming one of our General Synod reps in local Christian Aid group, continues to lobby her MP and attended their recent 2018. He has served on both Deanery and Diocesan Synods. He is Vice Chair of rally in London. Dorothy wouldn’t want to be thought of as giving “exemplary Governors of Northwick Manor Primary School and a member of the Audit & Christian service”, because she is such a humble person – the salt of the earth. Finance Committee of the Rivers Multi-Academy Trust. Dorothy said: “I felt very honoured and humbled to be considered for such an Andy says: “It has been the experience of serving on a number of diocesan award. We are a very close family in our church and a team. Although I’ve been committees, together with seeing how issues of stewardship impact at the ‘coal given this, I want to share it with everyone – we all work together and -face’ across diocesan, deanery and parish levels, which motivated me to apply everyone deserves it! I was going to take my daughter with me to the service. for this role. As well as being comfortable with numbers, my experience has She has recently recovered from cancer and we were both very excited. We’ve equipped me to think strategically, to work and lead collaboratively, and to got an invite to a reception with the Mayor in September though, so we’ll be offer robust and constructive challenge in a supportive way. Above all though, getting dressed up for that instead!” for me this role represents an opportunity to serve the Church I love, at a time The tradition of presenting alms on Maundy Thursday goes back to at least the of great challenge and opportunity for the DBF.” 4th Century and in this country, the first record of the monarch doing it is in

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MAUNDY MONEY NEWS

Sam Setchell, Diocesan Communications Officer

Funerals: Leslie Major Janet Bailey Elizabeth Cockerton Sheila Ann Phillips Beatrice Ballard

Worcester Trio receive Maundy Money MEN IN SHEDS Three church members from are receiving ‘Maundy Money’ from HM the Queen in recognition of their exemplary Christian service to church and community over many years. APPEAL - UPDATE Owing to the Coronavirus epidemic, the service planned for St George’s Chapel Men’s Sheds can be similar to garden sheds – a place to pursue practical in Windsor was cancelled, with recipients receiving their money through the interests at leisure, to practice skills and enjoy making and mending. The post. The money is distributed by HM the Queen every Maundy Thursday and difference is that garden sheds and their activities are often solitary in nature she is normally assisted by Bishop John in his role as Lord High Almoner. It is while Men’s Sheds are the opposite. They’re about social connections and traditionally given to the same number of men and women as the monarch’s friendship building, sharing skills and knowledge, and of course cups of tea and age. laughter. Bishop John said: “The service for the giving of Maundy money by HM the GREAT NEWS – most of last year we were looking for a place to start up – we Queen is always such a moving occasion and it’s really disappointing for all have now acquired portacabins in Evesham as our base but they do need some concerned that it wasn’t able to take place this year. That doesn’t lessen the work to bring them up to scratch. For obvious reasons the planned inaugural significance of the money given to this year’s recipients, though. The coins are a meeting has been postponed but we still aim to open as soon as we can, and token of appreciation from someone who herself has given such extraordinary when the current situation abates we would like help fitting them out Christian service over a long lifetime.” (electrical, carpentry and decorating skills). Those awarded the Maundy money from Worcestershire were: We are also looking to the general public and local businesses for monetary Janet Bryan, 72, member of St Peter’s Church in Droitwich: donations, also old hand tools, even workshop machines- anything that will Janet has served as lay chair of Droitwich Deanery for many years and has help get us up and running will be gratefully received. brought wisdom and grace to the role. She has been a committed member of If you can help in any way or would like to join Evesham Men in her local church where she has contributed much. She is also a faithful Sheds, or know someone who might benefit, please contact: grandmother to Jonathan, author of Eye Can Write, a poignant memoir by a [email protected] twelve-year-old boy locked in through severe cerebral palsy, which caught the Ring/text Alan on 07771 533399 attention of the Archbishop of Canterbury when published last year. She has Visit & leave a message on our Facebook page balanced support of her family with church commitments over many years in For more information about Men’s Sheds please visit: sometimes difficult circumstances, always with a smile. menssheds.org.uk Janet said: “It was a shock when I received the letter inviting me to receive the 12 9

SCHOOL The catering team at the school is providing hot meals for everyone on site at lunchtime as well as for those who are at St Barnabas CE Primary next door. There are around 4 – 5 members of staff on duty each day on a rota system, Sam Setchell including a first aider and a senior leader each day.“ We asked staff whether they were prepared to come in and were bowled over by the number who At school during the Coronavirus pandemic volunteered,” continued Mark. “We have been careful not to include anyone Although it’s technically the first week of the Easter holidays, many children who is vulnerable themselves or who lives with someone who might be. across the Diocese will remain in school both this week and next as schools Alongside supervising the young people, we’ve also made sure there is always have committed to remaining open for the children of key workers as well as someone answering the phone. We’ve had a range of queries and have become vulnerable children. a bit of a hub to support the community.” Bishop Perowne CE College in Worcester has seen between 12 and 18 children “Staff morale is pretty good, anyone not in school is working from home and is attending each day, depending on parents’ shifts. Headteacher, Mark Pollard, answering queries by email and holding the occasional video conferencing said: “We’ve got the children of a range of different key workers; for example, lesson. We are using social media to communicate regularly with parents and NHS staff, police and probation officers as well as some of our most vulnerable have a list of children that we are contacting regularly to make sure they are children and they’re a mix of ages. In a straw poll of secondary schools across OK. It is the year 11 students who are finding it most difficult. They left devastated and it was too short notice for us to really organise any kind of farewell for them. They are worried about how they will be awarded their grades – something they now have no control over. However, we are working hard to do our best in this area and are meeting regularly and studying spreadsheets to help our young people receive the grades they deserve.”

Schools have been working in the same way in Evesham. Please remember to pray and give thanks for the staff involved in this work as they care for young people at a time of worry, especially those who are children of key workers. Editor

BAPTISMS

Judith Smart

Worcestershire the other day, we had the most young people in.” There were 18 Baptisms in 2019, 11 Girls and 7 Boys. Teachers have been setting work for all their students online, so staff in school Two boys were given Liam as a first name and Matilda was chosen as a first have been supervising the children completing that as well as taking part in a name for two girls. Only two boys were given a middle name. Rose was chosen range of more light-hearted activities. “It’s important to ensure we keep to twice as a middle name for two girls. social distances, but we’ve been having a go at badminton with gloves on, a bit Here are some of the more unusual names chosen: of art and cooking in different rooms. In the afternoon there’s a chance for the For Girls: Amirah & Alayah. young people to have a bit of free time, listen to music or to work on individual For Boys: Henley & Jake. projects.” 10 11