The Thought for the Week
Church is not just bricks and mortar, Church is the people who meet in the name of Jesus Christ; if we as Church cannot gather; if we as Church have to stay indoors for our own and the safety of others we must always remember that we are still Church.
This situation is of course referring to the Covid-19 pandemic; it is however mirroring much of what was going on with the early Church when persecution and fear of the unknown forced the fledgling Church to meet in small groups in ordinary houses. The people I'm referring to are those that believed in Jesus as Lord as recorded by St Luke in his work known as The Acts of the Apostles or Acts as we know it.
We can easily draw comparisons between the origin of Christianity and its persecution with our church today, both were compelled not gather but remain behind closed doors.
You might find this hard to believe but there was no Wi-Fi in first century Jerusalem and the WhatsApp of the day was word of mouth, and even this would have been limited to a geographical locality. The only other way to communicate to a wider group was the written word. This is where St Luke comes in.
Next time, before we look at the written word it would be useful to look at St Luke and why he, a Gentile was tasked with recording the history of the birth of the Church that came out of Judaism.
Rev Pete Bone (Curate)
The 75th Anniversary of VE Day
The 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day takes place this Friday 8th May but due to the COVID restrictions many of the planned national and local commemoration events have sadly been cancelled. However, let each of us individually take time to reflect and give thanks to God. I attach a copy of the 1945 service of thanksgiving in Westminster Abbey that you might like to read. Rev Pete Bone will post a special prayer of his own on the Parish Facebook Group page at 11am on Friday.
1945 Westminster Abbey service of thanksgiving
A Prayer for VE Day
From the Act of Commitment for Peace
Lord God our Father,
we pledge ourselves to serve you and all humankind, in the cause of peace,
For the relief of want and suffering,
and for the praise of your name.
Guide us by your Spirit;
give us wisdom;
give us courage;
give us hope;
and keep us faithful now and always. Amen.
Christian Aid Week 10th-16th May 2020
Unfortunately we will not be delivering Christian Aid envelopes around the parish this year due to the on-going COVID-19 restrictions. However, please can I encourage you to send your personal donations direct to Christian Aid 35-41 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RL or visit their website for more information and some innovative ways to fundraise:
https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/key-appeals/christian-aid-week
Films
Thank you to those of you who recommended the film 'The Two Popes' starring Anthony Hopkins who plays Pope Benedict XVI, as he attempts to convince Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, played by Jonathan Pryce, to reconsider his decision to resign as an archbishop as he confides his own intentions to resign from the papacy.
Books
I'm currently reading a number of books including: 'Practising the Presence' by Joel Goldsmith and 'Spiritual and Religious: The Gospel in an age of paganism; by Tom Wright.
St Laurence Community Hub
The parish is now using the St Laurence Parish Hall on Monday and Wednesday afternoon from 1400-1600 as a collection hub for the Community Kitchen who are distributing free food parcels to families on the Newington Estate. The contact numbers for food parcels are: The St Laurence Parish Office: 01843 592478 (Mon-Fri 0800-1200) or 07508665199 (mobile).
Regular Giving
Finally, can I gently remind you to continue your regular giving even if you can't get to church on Sunday as we rely on your generosity to pay our monthly overheads and annual Parish Share. If you use the envelope scheme either save the envelopes until you are next able to attend church or if you are able, arrange for someone to bring them to the Parish Office. You can also send a cheque or pay electronically on-line.
St Laurence in Thanet Team Ministry (CAF Cash Account). SORT CODE: 405240 Account number: 00028720 or scan this Parish QR code using your mobile phone's camera or scan app to make a donation:
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all.
Andrew
Rev I Andrew Jacobson
Priest in Charge
