Spotlight Online
You commented last month that Spotlight Online can be hard to read when you need to enlarge the screen images.
To overcome the limitations of a "magazine on a screen", we've changed the format. Whatever the the size of the screen you are using, you should be able to enlarge any text as much as you need to - and we hope you like the result.
There seems to be light at the end of the lockdown tunnel. Nevertheless, we are not out the other end yet, so we proudly repeat the messages put out last month by Sarratt's amazing support network.
But there's much more going on than you might think….
OPENING for PRIVATE PRAYER
It is planned to open Holy Cross church for private prayer in the near future. Dates and times will be announced shortly.
However, please note that social distancing requirements mean limiting the numbers inside the church at any one time. You might therefore be asked to remain outside the church until there is space.
Our doors may be closed but our hearts are open
We are open and functioning as normally as we can during these troubled and sometimes challenging days. Here are some of the resources you can access from Holy Cross, the Church of England, Sarratt Parish and other sources to support you in spiritual, emotional and practical ways.
Online Services from Holy Cross Church
Every Sunday we are streaming a service on YouTube which you can access live or on catch-up. Please join us in worship from the comfort of your own home until we can be together in Holy Cross again.
Access to the services is at hcsp.net, and by following the link to ‘Online Services’ (under ‘Church Life’)
If you would like to be added to the email list to receive reminders and updates on services please contact Sonya Tolmie: email holycrossstpauls@btconnect.com
Holy Cross Benefice News
News from the Benefice of Holy Cross Sarratt and St. Paul’s Chipperfield is available from Ann Waine. Please contact her at ann.waine@gmail.com if you would like to receive the benefice news.
Emotional Support
It is a hard time to be at home 23 hours or more a day. If you need someone to talk to there are many helplines where trained people can listen to you.
1. The Samaritans. Call 116 123
2. Age UK. Call 0800 678 1602. They can also match you with someone who will give you a call on a regular basis.
3. The NHS has an excellent list of helplines covering a wide variety of health needs, from anxiety to domestic abuse, from bereavement support to help with addiction.
Spiritual Support
The Church of England has produced a booklet of prayers and psalms with special relevance for the current pandemic. There are prayers for the sick, health care workers, the isolated and for ourselves.
You can download it here: https://tinyurl.com/sywx34q
If you would like to pray with someone, or have someone pray for you, please let the the Churchwardens know (see below for contact details). If there is sufficient need in the community, a prayer team will be set up to answer it.
The Church Wardens have written:
Due to the Coronavirus situation, we have been told by the Diocese to lock the church building but although the building is closed the church family is still very much here and wanting to be part of the community effort. In addition to the Sunday services available, we have decided to offer a listening ear to anyone who wants to talk to someone. We have put together a team of people who are prepared to to be contacted on the telephone but we emphasise this is not a counselling service. This will cover people who are on their own, those feeling lonely or just want to chat. If anyone would like to avail themselves of this offer please ring either Linda Clough on 264884 or Nikki Clough on 07795 362953, who will put you in touch with a member of our team.
Linda Clough and Nikki Clough
Churchwardens
Meanwhile…
Even though services at Holy Cross Services cannot have any people physically present, for the the being at least, there seems no reason why the Church itself should not be decorated with flowers - perhaps especially at the time when it would otherwise be hosting the Flower Festival. The Churchwardens organised for these beautiful arrangements to be on view during a recent online service. Our thanks to Nikki and Linda Clough for these images to record the moment for the "pages" of Spotlight
