A Pastoral Letter from the Parish Priest
The COVID-19 Second National Lockdown
29th November 2020
My dearest Friends in the Lord,
I hope you are all coping as best as you can in these difficult times we live in..
Tier 3 Restrictions: Very High Alert
We have just been informed that Lincolnshire is in tier-3 restrictions beginning on 2nd Wednesday when the lockdown ends. There are clear guidelines as to how or if we can meet indoors or outdoors, hospitality settings, entertainment, accommodations, tourist venues, leisure, business, travel etc. Basically, most socialising as we understand is to be disallowed.
Regarding places of worship the guidelines says that “places of worship remain open, but you must not attend with or socialise with anyone outside of your household or support bubble while you are there, unless a legal exemption applies.”
Looking at these guidelines, they seem to imply that we can open our churches for people to come in and pray but having services is not allowed. However, we shall await further clarifications in the week regarding services in church and we will pass on the information to you.
It is all a bit wearying to say the least, but we are in it all together. We want this pandemic to be behind us so that we can live our normal lives again. For now, let us continue to follow these covid-19 guidelines to save lives, to protect and safeguard each other.
We are beginning Advent Season and a New Church Year
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin “venire” which means “to come.” That person who comes and for whom we keep awake is none other than Jesus Christ. He already came on earth 2000 years ago. He will come again at the end of time. During the Advent Season and at Christmas, we celebrate this two-fold coming of Christ. In the Holy Communion we proclaim: Christ has died! Christ is Risen! Christ will come again! I wish you all a Happy and Holy Advent!
Please see below information about the on-line service during this lockdown:
“LIVE” Parish Service on-line Sunday 29th November at 10.30 am
Fr Sebastian will preside and Mr John Campbell, formerly Dean’s Verger of Lincoln Cathedral, will speak at this service. Those not on the database and wish to join in the service are to contact their local Churchwarden or email the Parish Secretary springlinepcc@btinternet.com before Sunday morning.
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.
We need light in the darkness!
Jesus has assured us: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” O how much we need light during this time of the darkness of fear and death brought by the covid-19. The words of Jesus give us hope. It is time now to fix our gaze on Jesus the Light of the World because in him is light and hope during this time of covid-19 darkness!
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)
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.
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.
Our village communities have been marvellous in looking after the needy and vulnerable in their midst. Loving God and loving our neighbour has become concrete acts during this pandemic. And there are so many humble, quiet, unassuming good Samaritans in our midst. We owe them our sincere thanks and appreciation.
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! Once again, I wish you a Happy and Holy Season of Advent, a time to prepare receive Jesus again into our hearts and our lives!
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