Bolingbroke Deanery Team Parishes Faithful, Confident, Joyful 3rd May 2020 FOURTH SUNDAY of EASTER (Gold or White)

BLESSINGS AND PEACE this EASTERTIDE I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

This week: Weekday Prayer: Daily

Fourth Sunday of EASTER

9.00am Sunday Service at Home - Vocations Sunday with Paula Gooder https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/church-online

10.00am Prayer in our own homes See below

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Bolingbroke Churches on line:

I have managed to publish a short video on YouTube and linked it to our website from our prayers it will win no prizes and makes me wince not a little but it is out there as an offering. Your honest criticism would be helpful.

I have created a YouTube Account Bolingbroke Team Churches

http://lincoln.ourchurchweb.org.uk/spilsby/index.php

I will try to make it a weekly offering and let you know but it will be on the above web site. So watch this space - if you can. PC

FOR MAY

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Bolingbroke Team Ministry

Easter 4 Morning Worship

Day by day, God leads us: to the deep, deep pools of peace, to the green, lush lawns of grace.

Day by day, Jesus calls us: to pour out ourselves in service, to anoint the stranger with hope.

Day by day, the Holy Spirit shows us: the community we could be, the family we are called to become.

Hymn: All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the LORD with cheerful voice; him serve with fear, his praise forth tell, come ye before him and rejoice!

The Lord, ye know is God indeed; without our aid he did us make. We are his folk, he doth is feed, and for his sheep he doth us take.

O enter then his gates with praise, Approach with joy his courts unto; Praise, laud and bless his name always, 4

for it is seemly so to do.

For why? the Lord our God is good: his mercy is for ever sure. His truth at all times firmly stood and shall from age to age endure.

To Father Son and Holy Ghost, the God whom heaven and earth adore, from us and from the angel host be praise and glory evermore. (William Kethe d.1594)

Prayer of Confession Generous God, you offer us abundant life, yet we ask for more; you offer us security and sanctuary, yet we seek our own way – despite the risks; you offer us guidance and direction, and we ignore you and take our own way. We are sorry for our ingratitude. We are sorry for our arrogance. We are sorry that we think we know best. Forgive us, renew us and restore us to abundant life in you, in the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon May the Father of all mercies cleanse us from our sins, and restore us in his image to the praise and glory of his name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Reading: Acts 2.42 – 47 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Reading: John 10: 1 - 10

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Jesus said: Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Homily from the Diocesan Website How strange, with only two Sundays gone since Easter, (both dealing with appearances of the Lord to the disciples, one with the need for personal affirmation by Thomas, and one the encounter on the road to Emmaus) that we don’t seem to stay with resurrection and encounter with the risen Christ, but we return to the question of who Jesus is. Today is often called Good Shepherd Sunday, because each year in the three year cycle the gospel always comes from this chapter of John.

Easter is very much about Christ the lamb that was slain, and there is huge potential for thinking about the relationship between Jesus, the father, the disciples, the new converts in the language of sheep-farming. This is especially true for the people of the rural hill country where the Lord undertook most of his ministry, though maybe not such so for the community for which John’s gospel was written, well after the other three gospels.

Strange also, that today’s gospel seems to offer two suggestions of the Lord’s role – the first, that introduces the idea of a sheepfold, doesn’t place Jesus, but we easily assume he is the shepherd. The people follow the shepherd that they know and can trust, and they avoid the others who would lead them astray – the pharisees, we guess, or maybe the other

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insurgent leaders trying to steer the Jesus movement into a military uprising. They recognise their shepherd by his voice. I wonder what goes through our minds when we think of a sheepfold? It is an area secured by a wall, which keeps sheep together and protects them, and we understand from our text it has only one entrance.

We assume that we, the Christian community are the sheep, but the image is more complex than that. There seem to be many flocks of sheep, each able to recognise and follow the voice of one shepherd or another. Nothing negative in the gospel about them – maybe there is scope in this sheepfold of the wider world, for other types of Christian, even other faith groups, all encompassed by God’s love. Some, however, are ‘thieves and bandits’. They creep in and climb over the walls. It is very clear that there are some who are there for the wrong reasons, as there may be even in a Christian faith community.

There is a trap here for modern readers. The sheepfold, as a safe place, us as the chosen and Jesus as the shepherd. Many great artworks of the Good Shepherd show a benign Jesus, hugging and protecting a needy lamb. It is very easy to allow this image to push us towards believing we are saved to a protected and enclosed world – perhaps one we are all too familiar with during the lockdown. We risk seeing ourselves separated from and insulated from the world. We could sit complacently in a smug, cushy world of righteousness.

Jesus is anxious in extending the story in the second part to show that he is a gate, but one which is inviting, not blocking the way. So being the gate isn’t about sorting and excluding rather than admitting. It is much more like his later saying ‘I am the Way’. The only way into the community and fellowship of the flock is through Jesus. Don’t trust anyone who claims to have got in, or claims to have the answers, that hasn’t passed through Jesus.

This is like the gate in the language of the Psalms. Think of Psalm 118.19-20 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. 8

So what is Jesus telling us? Or perhaps, better, what is he challenging us to think about? Well, “whoever enters by me will be saved”. Careful choice of words here. Entering “by me” – implies the means to enter is being in Christ - not just admitted by him, but transformed by being part of him. Then “will be saved” – the Greek word, ‘sothesetai’, doesn’t mean rescued as we normally think of salvation, it means ‘kept safe’, protected. Then, most surprisingly and most importantly - “and will come in and go out and find pasture” – far from being in a reward hotel for the faithful, the means by which we are drawn in and admitted to the fold is also the means by which we are expected to go out and do the work of the kingdom.

For those who will listen, reflect, turn off their desire to find neat instructions, stop trying to get into the fold by any way other than total trust and immersion in the person of Jesus, the risen Lord – we have here a challenge to recognise the distinctive voice of the Good Shepherd amongst dangerous alternatives, to pass into the company of the church through the transforming person of Christ and only that way, and to go out through the same way of faith and being in him, to do the work of transforming the world. That was Easter; this is the risen Lord; now comes our belonging to and our working in the new creation.

Questions for Reflection 1. How might you learn and deepen your faith through exploring Christ as sacrificial lamb, good shepherd, means of entry to the sheepfold? And your role in the story? 2. How can Christians avoid feeling smug and satisfied by being part of the flock in the sheepfold? 3. Think of some examples of people entering the sheepfold over the walls and not through the Christ/Gate. 4. What would a good, loving, creative shepherd want of us, his sheep, in our present world? Just to cuddle us and tell us it is OK? Or more? 6. What will you do this week in your Monday-to-Saturday ministry in response to what you have heard today? #everydayfaith

Let us declare our faith in God. We believe in God the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.

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We believe in God the Son, who lives in our hearts through faith, and fills us with his love. We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who strengthens us with power from on high. We believe in one God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession Loving God, we pray for those whose lives are empty; for all who feel alone and unloved; for those whose lives lack purpose. Lord of love, bring them abundant life.

We pray for those whose lives are filled with anger and bitterness; for those who cannot let go of the past, and so have no present or future. Lord of love, bring them abundant life.

We pray for those whose lives are filled with anguish and pain; for those who suffer depression; for those who are afraid to go out; for those who cannot see a way forward. Lord of love, bring them abundant life.

We pray for those who live on the edge; for those who watch others enjoy life but are unable to join the group; for those who lack faith; for those whom others ignore. Lord of love, bring them abundant life.

Loving God, may your abundant life fill our world, our church and ourselves, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Hymn Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee; take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise,

Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of thy love; take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for thee,

Take my voice, and let me sing 10

always, only, for my king; take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from thee,

Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold; take my intellect, and use every power as thou shalt choose,

Take my will, and make it thine; It shall be no longer mine. take my heart; it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne,

Take my love; my Lord, I pour At thy feet its treasure-store. Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee, Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)

Lord God, we rejoice in your greatness and power, your gentleness and love, your mercy and justice. Enable us by your Spirit to honour you in our thoughts, and words and actions, and to serve you in every aspect of our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Some items are © ROOTS for Churches Ltd (www.rootsontheweb.com) 2002-2020. Reproduced with permission.

Monday English Saints and Martyrs of the Reformation St Mary Hundleby

Tuesday The South Ormsby Group

Wednesday Setting God’s People Free

Thursday HM Government 11

Friday – St Julian of Norwich All things will be well

Saturday Peoples’ disappointments

Next Sunday – FIFTH SUNDAY of EASTER Christian Aid Week begins

2nd Sunday in the month VE Day Thanksgiving

Sunday 3rd We pray together for opportunities to show the love of God within our Easter 4 communities

Pray for the Nippon Sei Ko Kai (The Anglican Communion in Japan) The Most Revd Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu - Primate of The Nippon Sei Ko Kai & Bishop of Hokkaido

Monday 4th Church schools in Holland Deanery: Augustine Webster Butterwick Pinchbeck’s; Friskney All Saints; Boston St Thomas’; and All Saints of the Boston St Nicholas’; Sutterton Fourfields; Swineshead St Mary’s. Reformation Era (Furthering Holiness Mukono (Uganda) The Rt Revd James William Ssebaggala; Yewa p.33) (form. Egbado) (Nigeria) The Rt Revd Michael Adebayo Oluwarohunbi; Ikara (Nigeria) The Rt Revd Yusuf Janfalan

Tuesday 5th St Botolph, St Christopher, St Thomas, Boston: Revd Alyson Buxton, Team Rector Please pray for the ministry team, congregation and community of Boston as we move forward in supporting each other in the changing landscape of our town.

Multan (Pakistan) The Rt Revd Leo Rodrick Paul; Yirol (South Sudan) The Rt Revd David Roch Angong; Nyang (South Sudan) The Rt Revd Paul Tokmach Lual; Aluakluak (South Sudan) The Rt Revd Isaac Nyaryiel Aleth; Ikeduru (Nigeria) The Rt Revd Emmanuel Maduwike

Wednesday 6th Sibsey & Brothertoft Group: Sibsey, New Bolingbroke, Carrington, Frithville, Brothertoft, Langrick, Kirton Hplme, Wildmore, Holland Fen – Revd Clive Todd Please pray that through our experiences of caring for one another, our future mission may be seen as being joined together as one body in Christ Jesus.

Mumbai (Formerly Bombay) (North India) The Rt Revd Prakash Patole; Yokohama (Japan) The Revd Ignatius Osamu Irie

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Thursday 7th Fishtoft: Revd Marc Cooper Please pray that as we build on ways of being church and reaching our community through our online presence, our church building (when open) will continue to be used as a place of sanctuary and pilgrimage.

Mumias (Kenya) The Rt Revd Joseph Wandera; Yola (Nigeria) The Rt Revd Markus Ibrahim; York (England) The Most Revd & Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu

Friday 8th Frampton with Wyberton: Revd Sudharshan Sarvananthan Julian of Norwich, We thank God for bringing our 3 churches together with Beacon Spiritual Writer, Church as we worship online every Sunday and daily for Morning c.1417 prayer. Pray that God will continue to nurture our friendship and our communities will be blessed through our worship and outreach.

Mundri (South Sudan) The Rt Revd Bismark Monday Avokaya Azumu Ysabel (Melanesia) The Revd Ellison Quity

Saturday 9th Frieston, Butterwick with Bennington & Leverton: Revd Andy Higginson

Mundu Area (South Sudan) The Rt Revd Samuel Lomue Eluzai; Yukon (Canada) The Rt Revd Larry David Robertson; Ikka (Nigeria) The Rt Revd Godfrey Ekpenisi

Sunday 19th Christian Aid Week begins. Easter 5 From the Christian Aid Website: As this virus spreads across the world, love rises up in response. You’ve already shown incredible kindness to your neighbours. Now is the time to reach out to your neighbours both near and far.

Pray for the Anglican Church of Kenya The Most Revd Jackson Ole Sapit - Primate and Archbishop of All Kenya

Prayers to use during the coronavirus outbreak Booklet. These prayers will help Christians to pray in solidarity with one another even when it is not possible to gather together in church. 13

It’s essential at all times – but particularly in times of anxiety and fear – that we continue to develop and strengthen our own habits of prayer. A simple form of prayer to say each morning and evening is included here. It can be shared with all who are at home and unable to worship together, especially those who are unable to access online resources. This booklet can be downloaded in various formats from the Church of England website, where you will also find many other resources and ideas for sustaining our worshipping lives:

CofE.io/ChurchOnline

Or hard copies can be obtained in the Box in the porch of Spilsby Vicarage. You will also find hard copies of May Grape Vine & this Weekly Notice Sheet.

For those who receive this WNS by email you will also receive the electronic copy of the Grape Vine – please let me know if there are email addresses to add to the list?

You are aware that we are not printing the usual number of Grape Vines as we are not wanting people to break the lockdown by making journeys to deliver them but if you are in Spilsby you know they are in the box – if you want greater numbers leave a message on 752526.

As you will all know all Public Worship has been suspended and our Churches have been closed as part of our attempts to slow the progress of the Coronavirus (Corvid 19). There will be no services in our or in our sister Churches 14

(with the exception of grave side or crematorium Funerals with only very close family in attendance) Weddings and Baptisms (with the exception of emergence Baptisms) are not allowed.

However, I am sure that worship and prayer to our loving God is at the heart of what we need to do at all time and especially now. That is why we are asking you to be part of the Churches offering of Worship this Sunday and every day too. Although we can’t be together to worship physically we can in spirit. We are offering in this booklet a service we can pray at Some point on Sunday and through the week. We can join together through the mass media. Please be aware there is also a national service on Sunday at 9am on the Church of England website and Facebook page which you might want to point people to.

Church Times: “CLERGY in the Church of England must not enter their own churches, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have said. On Monday night, the Prime Minister named places of worship as among the buildings that must shut, and banned all weddings and baptisms, apart from emergency baptisms in hospitals in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.”

This Sunday your Ministers will celebrate the Holy Communion/Eucharist in their own homes (we have been asked to not use our church buildings as we are all advised to stay at home. Please join in at home. As you eat and drink spiritually know that you are receiving our Lord. Each day we will be saying the daily prayers. Join in where you are https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service- daily-prayer

The sick at home or in hospital, Leo Seebacher-Hobson, Nigel Worth, Kathleen, Ann, Molly, Veronica, Dorothy, Maggie J. Betty Brawn, Tristan, Joan Abbey, Michael P, Joan T. Mark, Jossie Lee, June, Hilary, Michael, Harriet, Rose L., Kate B. Abby, Sheila Janes, Fleur, Beryl B. Mary, Jeff Mason, Rosie, Jean C. Wendy, Bob, (Baby) Chloe Lear, Lawrence, Kathryn B, Margaret White (Spilsby).

The Departed: Michael Dobson, Nev Chamberlain, Dorothy Haseldon, Thomas Litster.

Anniversary: Carol Tobbias, Geoffery Elphic, Janet Bucknell, Goris Tuplin, Pauline Nash, Mickey Grant, Harold Cresswell, Peter Parr. Daisy Drinkell, Enid Kisby, Beryl Derby, Jean Kelly, Raymond Ward, Graham Moles, Mrs Dean. Madge Gregory, Jacqueline 15

Handcock, David Dawson, Albert Padley, Terry Hill, Andrew Rigarisford, David Ely, Audrey Murden, Margaret Cox (deacon), John Pimperton., Charles Lawie, Edna Reeson Brian Cooley, Peter Howard, Roger Kemplay, Jeffery Coupland, Bessie Eastgate, Jo Dolan, Amy Dodds, Bill Thacker, Mark Bell, Derek Hall, Gill Rymer, Rodney Dodds, June Wilkinson, Lawrence Fenwick, Bill Short, Eddie Sharman, Edna Brammer, Joan Shaw, Arnold Boyall.

Guidance on Spiritual Communion and Coronavirus

The term ‘Spiritual Communion’ has been used historically to describe the means of grace by which a person, prevented for some serious reason from sharing in a celebration of the Eucharist, nonetheless shares in the communion of Jesus Christ. The form of prayer below offers Christians an opportunity to give thanks for their communion with him, particularly at times when they would ordinarily be present at the Eucharist. The Book of Common Prayer instructs us that if we offer ourselves in penitence and faith, giving thanks for the redemption won by Christ crucified, we may truly ‘eat and drink the Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ’, although we cannot receive the sacrament physically in ourselves. Making a Spiritual Communion is particularly fitting for those who cannot receive the sacrament at the great feasts of the Church, and it fulfils the duty of receiving Holy Communion ‘regularly, and especially at the festivals of Christmas, Easter and Whitsun or Pentecost’ (Canon B 15). The Church of which we are members is not defined by the walls of a building but by the Body of Christ of which we are members. In making our communion spiritually, we are joining with Christians everywhere to be nourished by the one who tells us, ‘I am the Bread of Life’. In making a Spiritual Communion, you may wish to pray all or part of the following, as you are able. An act of Spiritual Communion

You may wish to find a space for prayer in front of a cross, a candle, or a special place. You might choose to make your Spiritual Communion at a particular time of day, or after viewing a live streamed service.

Reflect on the day and on your relationships. - What good things have come from God today? - Where have I fallen short? - What might I do tomorrow?

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You may wish to say or pray Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Read the following words from Scripture. If you have access to today’s readings for Holy Communion, you may wish to read and reflect on them.

Jesus said, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’ John 6.35

Pray for the needs of the world, for your local community, and for those close to you. End with the Lord’s Prayer.

Our Father...

Give thanks for the saving death and resurrection of Jesus and ask him to be with you now.

Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits you have given me, for all the pains and insults you have borne for me. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother, may I know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen. after the Prayer of St Richard of Chichester

You might then add one or more of the following prayers:

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your disciples, ‘I am with you always’. Be with me today, as I offer myself to you. Hear my prayers for others and for myself, and keep me in your care. Amen.

O God, help me to trust you, help me to know that you are with me, help me to believe that nothing can separate me from your love revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Lord, in these days of mercy, make us quiet and prayerful; in these days of challenge, make us stronger in you; in these days of emptiness, take possession of us; in these days of waiting, open our hearts to the mystery of your cross. Angela Ashwin

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you most humble and hearty thanks for all your goodness and loving kindness. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And give us, we pray, such a sense of all your mercies that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we show forth your praise, not only with our lips but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Conclude with the following:

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil, and keep us in eternal life. Amen.

Dealing with loneliness and isolation: five top tips Find simple ways to deal with loneliness and isolation.

1. Pray. Light a candle, if safe, and pray for hope, faith and strength to keep loving and caring for each other during this time of struggle. 2. Talk about how you feel. This may be difficult if you are self-isolating, but do use the telephone, internet, and social media. If you need to contact a counsellor this can be arranged by your GP, or via local agencies, or privately. The Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, every day, and it’s free to call them on 116 123. 3. Focus on the things that you can change, not on the things you can’t. 4. Look after yourself - physically, emotionally, spiritually. Plan in things that you enjoy at regular intervals during the day – a TV programme, a phone call, a book, a favourite dish, a game. 5. Look after others. Even if only in small ways, but do what you can: a smile, a kind word, writing a letter or an email.

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A prayer for all those affected by coronavirus

Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy. Sustain and support the anxious, be with those who care for the sick, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may find comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Daily at Noon God of love, turn our hearts to Your ways and give us peace. Amen

From our Bishops In the past few days we have been encouraged to see ways in which congregations are already putting into action new ways to stay in touch with communities. We now have a new Facebook page as a way to stay in touch, which is Lincoln – Bishops’ Office (please click on https://www.facebook.com/lincolnbishopsoffice/? to access the page).

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Clergy Team The Rev’d. Canon Peter Coates The Vicarage, Church Street, Spilsby, PE23 5EF email: [email protected] Tel: 01790 752526

The Rev’d. Ms. Fran Jeffries The Rectory, Horbling Lane, Stickney PE22 8DQ email: [email protected]

The Rev’d. Mrs Joan Thornett email: [email protected] Tel: 01790 754151 The Rev’d Mrs Jean Coates Contact via Spilsby Vicarage – As above email: [email protected]

Rev’d. Mrs Teresa McLaughlin & Mr Paul McLaughlin – Community Chaplain The Rectory, Scremby Road Partney PE23 4PG [email protected] 01790 752344

[Please take this sheet home with you for reference]

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01/05/2020

Dear Participants,

RE: VE DAY 75 - 8TH MAY 2020.

After nearly eighteen months of planning, I find it hard to believe that we are just a few days away from the 75th Anniversary of VE Day, the end of the War in Europe.

However, like so many thousands of communities and individuals throughout our great nation, I am disappointed we are all unable to celebrate this important milestone in history in the wonderful ways we all planned, along with using this opportunity to raise valuable funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity. I will be thinking of you when my wife and myself raise our glasses of refreshment and undertake the ‘Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW II,’ at 3pm on the 8th May, this national moment of gratitude to those that gave so much during the war in Europe, from the safety of our front garden at home. We will also be using the ‘Toast’ to say a big thank you to you too for all the hard work and commitment you have shown and given to VE Day 75.

We both hope that you and your families will also take part in the ‘Nation’s Toast’ at 3pm from the safety of your home linking us all together in this unique tribute to the millions at home and abroad that gave so much to ensure we all enjoy and share the freedom we have today.

I am delighted to announce that Dame Joan Collins has kindly agreed to lead the ‘Toast’ on behalf of the women of the nation from the safety of her balcony from her London apartment. Dame Joan was a young girl 21

living in London during WW II.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the Buglers that have agreed to still play the Last Post at 2.55pm, the thousand plus Pipers undertaking Battle’s O’er and VE 75 years at the original time of 3pm, and the Town Criers who will be ‘Crying out for Peace,’ at 6.55pm. This will all happen from the safety of their homes to ensure we are still remembering the members of our Armed Forces, the Merchant Navy and those millions of others that had to stay at home to keep the “home fires burning" during those extremely difficult times.

As you know, SSAFA were our chosen charity for VE Day 75 and they, like us all, had heavy hearts when we had to cancel many of the VE Day 75 activities because of the Covid-19 pandemic and will not see them fully realised. However, SSAFA is also encouraging everyone to join with their staff, volunteers and beneficiaries in the Nation’s Toast at 3pm on 8th May paying tribute to the heroes of WW II including the 20,000 SSAFA volunteers who during WW II provided welfare support, nursing care at home and on the frontline around the world. If you would like to learn more about SSAFA’s role in WW II, and hear stories of the wartime generation please visit www.ssafa.org.uk/veday75 where you will also find further ideas about how to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day whilst staying at home.

The Royal British Legion is calling on people across the UK to join in a moment of reflection and Remembrance at 11am on Friday 8th May, the 75th Anniversary of VE Day, and pause for a Two Minute Silence. I hope that you will also be able to support this important aspect of VE Day from home too.

"I hope you all remain safe.”

My warmest regards.

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Christian Aid Week 2020 Christian Aid began in 1945 when they were founded by British and Irish churches to help refugees following the Second World War. Christian Aid Week was launched in 1957 to raise extra funds as the charity continued to help refugees from mainland Europe as well as those from Palestine, Korea and China. The week brings communities together in action and prayer. The coronavirus pandemic means that Christian Aid Week 2020 (Sunday 10th May to Saturday 16th) will be different, and churches across all dioceses are being invited to stand in solidarity with the world’s most vulnerable people in new and innovative ways. The charity has organised daily quizzes and there will be live-streamed worship so supporters can be involved from their own homes. You can also take part in the 300,000 steps in May challenge which will be run through Facebook or send an electronic donation envelope - an ‘e-envelope’ – to friends and family. caweek.org/virtualresources Some groups are arranging online plant sales, while others are doing sponsored runs, cycles or walks in their daily outdoor exercise or in their own homes and gardens. Christian Aid Week manager Sophie Brightwell said: “Christian Aid was established after the Second World War when people across this country had lost so much but knew that refugees across Europe were in a desperate situation. As we mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day at the start of Christian Aid Week, my hope is that we can show that same compassion and resolve as we saw in a different time of crisis, as together we show that love never fails.” To explore ideas about how to celebrate Christian Aid Week digitally please telephone its churches support team on 01925 573769 or visit caweek.org/virtualresources

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