Coronavirus guidance from the Church of England
Unfortunately due to new Government guidance we have had to suspend all services (except funerals) for the time being.
The church will however be open for quiet reflection and private prayer on Saturdays and Tuesdays. Please see notices below.
If however you are not yet comfortable with attending a church service you can find a live stream service or event to watch from home here or there are some more suggestions further down this page.
If you would like to see a copy of the completed Risk Assessment for Opening Church Buildings please contact gillwalmsley@tiscali.co.uk
Live Streaming of Morning Service
You might like to know that every Sunday morning there will be a service streamed from St Mary’s Church, Thirsk. This takes place at 10.15am All of us are welcome to listen in www.thirskparishes.org/live . https://www.facebook.com/ThirskParishes/
There are also national on-line resources that have been published. These are provided to help all those who are isolated, fearful and vulnerable and they are available for use in our own homes. Please do have a look at https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/church-online which includes weekly streamed and daily audio services. There is also additional worship provision on the BBC to help us, and more is on its way. https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayer
Or you might like to visit our 5 Parishes of Sowerby, Sessay, Thirkleby, Kilburn and Bagby Facebook page to follow what is happening: https://www.facebook.com/Fiveparishes/
A Selection of Prayers regarding the Coronavirus Pandemic
A General Prayer
Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
For this who are isolated
God of compassion, be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation. In their loneliness, be their consolation; in their anxiety, be their hope; in their darkness, be their light; through him who suffered alone on the cross, but reigns with you in glory, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For hospital staff and medical researchers Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for a cure. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Christian community
We are not people of fear: we are people of courage. We are not people who protect our own safety: we are people who protect our neighbours’ safety. We are not people of greed: we are people of generosity. We are your people God, giving and loving, wherever we are, whatever it costs For as long as it takes wherever you call us. Amen.
Prayers for use with Children God of love and hope, you made the world and care for all creation, but the world feels strange right now. The news is full of stories about Coronavirus. Some people are worried that they might get ill. Others are anxious for their family and friends. Be with them and help them to find peace. We pray for the doctors and nurses and scientists, and all who are working to discover the right medicines to help those who are ill. Thank you that even in these anxious times, you are with us. Help us to put our trust in you and keep us safe. Amen.
A prayer at bedtime Before the ending of the day, Creator of the world, we pray That you, with steadfast love, would keep Your watch around us while we sleep. Tonight, we pray especially for (names family or friends who are affected by Coronavirus) and the people of (country or place which is affected by Coronavirus). Please give skill and wisdom to all who are caring for them. Amen.
A prayer for ourselves and our communities
Lead us from fear to trust. Lead us from despair to hope. Lead us from hate to love. Lead us from war to peace. Deep peace of the Son of peace, Fill our hearts, our communities and our world. Amen
A blessing God of love, passionate and strong, tender and careful: watch over us and hold us all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Many more prayers are available at https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid19-liturgy-and-prayer-resources
Donations Some parishioners have asked how they can continue to make their offerings during the period our church is closed.
If you normally put cash in the collection plate or would like to make a donation please go to the Donate page of this website or email gillwalmsley@tiscali.co.uk for details, including how to pay directly into All Saints Church bank account.
This help would be hugely appreciated, especially as we are not receiving any income from the hire of the Parish Hall or any fundraising events either whilst the buildings are closed and inevitably the running costs (such as insurance and maintenance costs) still need to be met.
THIRKLEBY POSITIVE PHOTO PROJECT
We invite you to have fun capturing
Community spirit Initiative Positivity
Creativity Improvisation The wonders of Mother Nature
in and around your home, garden and village over the coming weeks
email to gillwalmsley@tiscali.co.uk
We will be arranging a display at a later date