From Revd Pauline Percy    Assistant House for Duty Priest

For those of you who are looking for peace… why not go to a Virtual Church service?

Or join me in prayer at 10-00 today?

I am blessed in that, like many other priests, I can still celebrate the Eucharist at a table at home with my husband whilst I ponder on the reality that ‘every family table is already an altar of God’s love and a place where ‘love has made its home’’. (Revd Andrew Dotchin 2020)

As I pray the Eucharistic prayer, I remember before God and pray for all those who are not with me at this time, yet maybe you will still be able to join me in spirit at 10-00am on Sunday as I celebrate the Eucharist behind closed doors yet it alone but ‘with all the Angels and Archangels and all the company of heaven’.

Start by asking God to fill you with the Holy Spirit. Please do sing a favourite hymn, join in reading the readings, preferably out loud and if possible also listen to someone else read them as well. Then contemplate whatever stands out for you – a word or a picture may come to mind… maybe use a reflection on the readings.

Pray for the world and our communities, for those we know who need Gods help, care and presence at this time. End with the collect for the day (collecting our prayers with those of others) and the Lord’s prayer as well as the prayer for Spiritual Communion if you can

(https://www.churchofengland.org/…/Guidance%20on%20Spiritual…

or search for ‘Spiritual Communion Church of England’).

Then act. We are the Church and Gods hands and feet (and ears…) so I ask you phone at least one of those whom came to mind in your prayer – and I do hope the line is engaged!!

Revd Pauline

Live Streaming of Services

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 keep in touch with what is going on:  https://www.facebook.com/Fiveparishes/

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

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 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.