A Pastoral Letter from the Parish Priest
13th December 2020
My dearest Friends in the Lord,
The days are getting shorter and the nights longer…and it is colder…the seasons of the year come and go and here we are in mid-December with less than two weeks from Christmas!
I hope you are coping as best as possible during these strange times of covid-19 and now the ‘deal’ or ‘no deal’ conundrum! Life will go on and the inner resources and instincts of human beings coupled with their faith in God will conquer both covid-19 and the Brexit fallout!
As I write, I hear that there is a rise in covid19 infections in Lincoln and nine deaths were reported today (Friday) and several schools have been closed due to covid-19 cases. It seems we are among the areas where the covid-19 infections have increased most rapidly in the recent weeks. This reminds us all that we must take extra precaution to fight this virus!
Welcome to Archdeacon Justine!
We are very happy to welcome the Archdeacon of Boston, The Ven. Justine Allain Chapman to the Springline She is also the author of “The Resilient Disciple: A Lenten Journey from Adversity to Maturity” and “The Resilient Pastor, The Role of Adversity in Healing and Growth”. We look forward to hearing her preach today, 13th December 2020 at 10.30 am. Please see further information below.
“LIVE” Parish Service on-line Sunday 6th December at 10.30 am
Fr Sebastian will preside and the Archdeacon of Boston (Diocese of Lincoln) The Ven. Dr Justine Allain Chapman will preach at this service.
An invitation is sent to all in the Parish database. If you know of someone interested in joining the service do request your friend to email the Springline Parish Secretary using his email springlinepcc@btinternet.com.
You can download an order of service here.
Springline Parish on-line Home Worship resources.
Please use these prayer and worship resources during this lockdown period. You will find a copy of this letter, the sermon for this week and prayers etc.
Advent Calendar.
Curates in the diocese have prepared an advent calendar for us all that brings brief daily reflections online and can be accessed through the diocesan website. Please visit: https://www.lincoln.anglican.org/news/the-diocesan-digital-advent-calendar-days-1-12
Online diocesan Christmas Carol Service will be available again via the diocesan website. thanks to Archdeacons Gavin and Mark for taking the lead in this.
International Migrants Day
Friday 18th December is International Migrants Day. Migrants are people who move across on international border or within a state, away from their habitual place of residence. Migrants who have fled war, violence, conflict or persecution and crossed an international order to find safety in another country are called refugees. The Book of Leviticus in the Old Testament of our Bible says: “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” Let us give thanks for the Church of Sanctuary movement which encourages churches in Britain and Ireland to offer real hospitality to strangers.
The Lord offers us a spirit of peace during this time
The threats of this world are real, but we do not stand against such threats alone. Our Heavenly Father stands with us, and in Him, we can find all we need to face such times. The Lord offers to us a spirit of peace in place of fear and a spirit of hope in a place of worry. 2 Chronicles 7:14 reminds us to humble ourselves before Him and to seek Him for healing upon our land. This earth is His creation for His people, and we know that He Who died for His creation intends to sustain it. Draw upon His strength each day for the worry that day holds, and rest securely that He is indeed faithful to be with us, even to the end of the age.
Our village churches during the Tier 3 restrictions
Our churches remain open for private prayer and reflection during this time.
A word on Giving to God during the lockdown
Please visit giving.springlineparish.co.uk to help you donate on line to promote God’s work.
SL Parish – Nine Churches One Parish Following Jesus!
We are still Church. We want to love God with all our hearts, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbour as ourselves. We will encounter Jesus (God) when we care for each other! The Lord said: “Whatever you do to the least of your brother or your sister, you do it to me.”
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and always.
Have a lovely and holy Season of Advent, time to welcome The Redeemer into our lives!
With my love and prayer to each one of you,
Father Sebastian
Revd Dr Sebastian Thomas Mattapally
Rector, Springline Parish, Diocese of Lincoln
Tel: 01522 731793 Email: rector.springline@gmail.com