A Pastoral Letter from the Parish Priest
The COVID-19 Second National Lockdown
15th November 2020
My dearest Friends in the Lord,
I am a bit weary as I write this second pastoral letter as we begin the third week of the second national lock down. The covid-19 continues to turn our lives upside down. We are getting a bit tired. Gone are the times of clapping of hands or singing from the balconies like in the first lockdown. It’s all getting a bit too difficult. This is especially true of those of us living on our own or have to put up with delayed medical appointments or inability to visit loved ones in hospitals or even to attend a loved one’s funeral service. The situation is especially hard for those on the frontline of the fight against covid-19, namely the nurses, doctors, carers and staff in the National Health Service.
There is however light at the end of the tunnel. We have some days ago heard news of a covid-19 vaccine from the Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company that seems to promise 90% protection from coronavirus infection. Still in the early stages but the news is really good and let us hope we are finally turning the corner on this terrible tragedy of modern times!
Please do contact me, the Ministry Team or any of the Churchwardens in your villages if we could in any way help you. We shall be patient and continue to look after each other and care for each other in our village communities. Most of our church buildings are open during this lockdown and so please drop in for a prayer or reflection while you take the dog out for a walk or if you are tired of being stuck at home unable to do much and need some fresh air.
The Springline Good Neighbour Scheme continues to be a beacon of hope and support to the vulnerable and needy in the Parish. We are deeply indebted to the scores of volunteers who sacrifice their time to take prescriptions to the surgery or do shopping for those on their own and many such inspiring acts of kindness and generosity. Thank You SLGNS! We are so proud and so privileged to have you so active in our Parish!
“Live” Parish Service online Sunday 15th November at 10.30am
You will receive an invitation to join this short online service if you are in the Parish database. If you are not in the Parish database and wish to join in the service, please contact your local Churchwarden before Sunday morning.
You will also be sent an ORDER OF SERVICE prior to the event.
Springline Parish on-line Home Worship resources.
Please use these prayer and worship resources during this lockdown period. Do visit the online church page, which is updated weekly.
Daily Prayer for the nation throughout lockdown The Archbishops of Canterbury and York and a number of senior church leaders are inviting Christians across the nation to participate in the month of prayer as a second lockdown in England comes into force. Prayers and other resources will be shared on social media with the hashtag #PrayerForTheNation. Find out more here >>
A word on Giving to God during the lockdown We have designed a new webpage to help people give ‘online’ during the lockdown and suspension of church services. Please visit giving.springlineparish.co.uk to help you donate to promote God’s work through the Church in our village communities.
Our village churches during the lockdown Our churches will remain open for private prayer and reflection during this time. Do see the information given below:
- Fillingham church open every Sunday during the daylight hours.
- Ingham church open every day from 11.00 am to 4 pm unless notified.
- Cammeringham church by appointment (with the churchwardens)
- Brattleby church is closed for restoration.
- Scampton church is open every day.
- North Carlton and South Carlton churches open every day.
- Burton church by appointment (with the churchwardens)
The Remembrance Sunday saw the whole nation, and also our parish, commemorating the annual event with earnest participation either virtually or in limited conditions due to the lockdown. We continue to remember and honour those who gave their lives for us. We owe them our eternal gratitude.
The US Elections continue to baffle us and keep us on tenterhooks! “Embarrassed!” As the President-Elect Joe Biden commented! We hope the US will get its act together and continue to be a beacon of democracy and transparency in elections.
The last Autumn leaves with all its colours keep falling and we all will have a good job of sweeping all those lovely leaves from our courtyards. Last week my wife and I visited the lovely Hartsholme Park, and it was just glorious, especially the rays of the sun filtering through the golden leaves!
We are still Church: SL Parish – Nine Churches One Parish Following Jesus!
Worship is suspended but 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 want to reach out and help and to care for each other in our village communities.
Please take care and do stay safe!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and always. May God bless us as we care for each other!
With my love and prayer to each and every one of you,
Father Sebastian
Revd Dr Sebastian Thomas Mattapally
Rector, Springline Parish, Diocese of Lincoln
Tel: 01522 731793 Email: rector.springline@gmail.com