23.03.2020

Dear members and friends of St Mary's,
I'm delighted that so many of you were worshipping with us, thanks to the internet, as the clergy met in church for the eucharist yesterday morning. We have learned that 240 people visited the site, 171 started watching the service, and 122 watched the service all the way through, despite the teething problems with the sound. Our wonderful audio team are working on this issue and we hope that next Sunday you will notice a big improvement. You can read yesterday's sermon here. 

I'm writing today with a heavy heart to say the church can no longer be left open. The Bishop of London wrote last night (read here) to tell us that while the clergy may still say the Daily Office in church and livestream a Sunday service, the doors must be kept locked. If you want to donate non-perishable food for vulnerable young people, please leave your contributions by King Henry's Road door and phone me (Marjorie), and I'll come by at once to put them away safely.

Let me know if you have any shopping needs so we can match you up with a volunteer. Please stay at home as much as you possibly can, particularly if you are over 70 or have underlying health issues.

It is sad that we cannot meet at the moment face to face, but we can telephone, email and use social media. We'll all stay in touch throughout the crisis. Remember to check the parish website regularly (www.stmarysprimrosehill.com) for updates and for links to prayer resources, sermons and other news. Do send in recipes and jokes!

Be assured that the ministry team are keeping you all in our prayers, and we are thankful to know that you are praying for us. 

In Jesus' words in John 14.27 in the Authorised Version, quoted on our great Rood in church: 
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Blessings,

Marjorie, Mark and Nick