Quote of the Week
"To seek God without a purpose is the ultimate of spiritual realization." (from "Practicing the Presence" by Joel S. Goldsmith)
Thought for the Week
Whether we are aware of it or not all have mixed motives in our interactions with others. Relationships are of course a two-way process of giving and receiving; however we can sometimes focus on receiving rather than giving – what we can get from the other person. This can then be unconsciously transferred to our relationship with God. How often do we voluntarily spend time silently in the presence of God without any motive of receiving anything in return? Perhaps that’s why Joel Goldsmith in this week’s ‘Quote of the Week’ said: "To seek God without a purpose is the ultimate of spiritual realization."
Re-opening of Churches
We are all looking forward to returning to some form of normality and that include church worship. Many of you will by now have heard the news that the Government and Diocese have announced that places of worship may re-open from 4th July subject to the necessary social distancing measures and a comprehensive risk assessment. Bishop Rose has stated: “No church or minister should feel compelled to reopen for worship if they do not feel it is safe or wise to do so” The Shared Leadership Team will be discussing the matter this week and will consult with the PCC before making their decision.
It must be stressed that we will need to take into account a number of factors including the proportionally high percentage of church members who are in the medium to high-risk category. With the current easing of restrictions elsewhere, it is probable that there will be a second if not a third wave of COVID-19 infections over the coming months, which will result in further deaths, and a likely reimplementation of lockdown restrictions.
The church is here for your spiritual wellbeing but we also have a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of our congregations. So please be patient over the coming days as we seek a satisfactory way forward.
Canterbury Cathedral needs your help
Canterbury Cathedral is a holy place of global significance where worship and pilgrimage has been part of daily life for over 1,400 years. Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, the Cathedral has lost over £2million of income due to lockdown restriction, with no income from visitors, the Shop, or the Cathedral Lodge hotel and conference centre. Even when lockdown ends, the financial pressures on the Cathedral are likely to persist for some time. Please consider donating to help secure the future of the Cathedral during the pandemic and beyond.
https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/support-us/donate/
The new Parish website is live!
The new Parish website is now live. Do let us have your church news stories and photographs so that we can keep it up to date.
www.stlaurenceparish-ramsgate.org.uk
With my love and prayers,
Andrew
Rev I Andrew Jacobson Priest in Charge
Note: If anyone would like to be taken off the mailing list for Parish News please let the Parish Office or myself know.
