3rd May 2020
Benefice of Farleigh, Candover and Wield
Dear friends,
This letter no 12 comes as an addendum to the latest edition of our monthly ”Dear Friends” which would normally go in the parish magazines, “Hill and Dale” and “Oxdrove,” which are currently not being published due to the coronavirus – David’s turn this month to write - click here to read
I would like to add a few things:-
- For Parish of Farleigh members, there is a new and very easy way to give gifts for God’s work via the website; a huge thank you to Eamonn Harding who has spent several days working it. When you go to the website follow the instructions and you can give for God’s work in a minute or so. We hope the other three PCCs of the Benefice will have their instructions on how to give in due course. Our costs for running our parish ministry remain the same during the lockdown, other than perhaps our heating costs of the buildings and clergy mileage..
- If you find the recorded services difficult to follow, there are subtitles automatically produced on the videos on You Tube – these may cause amusement as occasionally what the computer interprets may not be quite what we are saying! There’s a little rectangular box with a speech mark in one corner below the “screen” which you click on – I found it accidently last weekend – worth using.
- Prayer and Daily Bible Reading diary for May to June has been sent by e-mail to those who are on the distribution list – but you can also download it from the website.
- Please do let us know if there are things we can include in our weekly broadcasts in the recorded services – it’s always helpful to have positive feedback.
5.Funerals coming up: Cliddesden churchyard: Terry Smith 1.00 p.m. Thurs 7 May, Sheila Capehorn 10.00 a.m. Tues 12 May, Dummer Burial Ground: Ray Snowdon 1.00 p.m. Wed 20 May.
6.All Souls’ Langham Place are broadcasting a Festival of Hope this evening (2 May) on Youtube, featuring their orchestra and many well-known Christian hymnwriters “Trailer here.
Finally, we are conscious of some of the pressures mounting in the lives of some of our villages: those who have been laid off or whose jobs have ceased suddenly, and left without income, or even food, or need some form of help: do let us know if you are in crisis and need some help – maybe in sourcing food, or assistance with applying for government or other assistance. Others fear the loss of their homes due to being unable to pay mortgages or rent: we will pray with and for you and help you to find ways forward.
There are others for whom the lockdown has deprived them of vital human company, or are feeling fearful or overwhelmed with job loss or some other issue. We are available to listen and sometimes to know where to refer you – or we can find out – so please let us know.
Others find the situation fearful: we need to remember God is truly in control; we can put our trust in Him, He will give us His peace as we give Him our worries “Putting things in God’s in-tray” is a good way of putting it, learning to trust Him and not fret and worry for hours on end using our energy on “what – ifs” of “if onlys”; Do not fear, do not worry, The Lord knows and He will help you- come to Him and let Him know. Jesus said,” “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
This week’s services are being uploaded in time for Sunday, so do click on the website and worship with us all.
May God bless you all at home this week-end,
With our prayers and greetings