19th April 2020
Benefice of Farleigh, Candover and Wield
Dear friends,
Easter Greetings in the power of our Risen Lord.
It was a joy to hear of a number of folk coming to their garden gates across the villages or elsewhere to sing “Jesus Christ is risen today” and “Thine be the glory risen conquering Son.” Somehow the words came with fresh power in the season where death and fear dominates a lot of people’s lives.
We have a risen Saviour who has conquered death, so let us not be afraid, we know what lies beyond, for He has risen and opened the gate of glory to all who trust in Him.
This week has been a little quieter and enabled us to get a little time to rest – Stephen tries to do a walk in each village each week, so you’ll see him about sometimes, and any pastoral needs can be met by either of us by phone, Skype, Zoom, email – we are available.
This weekend is usually known as “Low Sunday” - the weekend after the big celebration of Easter Day, but that does not mean we are making any less effort towards recording Sunday services – all “in progress” and soon to be tidied up and uploaded – so don’t forget to go to the website to find us. (Stephen’s video sound is fine but there is a slight delay in video synchronisation – just shut your eyes and listen!). The link here will be live from 6.30 a.m. Sunday morning. https://youtu.be/O-InGvYftjw.
Please do pray for those in our community who are either directly involved with the NHS, Care homes or have close relatives who are working at the front line of care for those stricken by this virus. A number of parishioners have contracted the virus but have recovered, whilst one or two have succumbed to it as a result of having other medical conditions which weakened them in the end. So please also pray for those who grieve, that they may find comfort, hope and consolation in the good news of a risen Saviour who has gone before us to prepare a place for us.
May God grant to you all His peace, compassion, power, and deliverance from fear, so we can say confidently we are trusting in the One Living and True God, who has made Himself known in His Son Jesus Christ.
With our prayers and greetings,