Sunday January 24th

You are invited to worship via Zoom using Meeting ID 213 073 4097 or calling 02034 815 240, entering Meeting ID 2130734097 followed by #. 

Please note these are the same link and numbers for each Sunday at 10.30am and also for Midweek Prayers every Wednesday in term-time at 9.15am.

You can also watch and comment live at:

Facebook - Apperknowle, Coal Aston and St Paul's

YouTube - Coal Aston and St Paul's

You can even call at a local rate to listen to a sermon and prayers anytime on 01246 959 101 from Sunday for 7 days.

A Christmas message from Libby

Did we close the church door in  March and say “Well, that’s it folks.  God is in there and we will hopefully see Him again when we open up”?  Of course not, we knew as we locked the door for the last time that God would be with each and every one of our little flock.  Yes, we have been through dark times, losing loved ones, experiencing loneliness, being admitted to hospital, and having to receive bad news.  The news on Saturday was a blow to everyone, turning Christmas plans into chaos and many having to accept they won’t be with their family on Christmas Day.

But it has been humbling to speak to so many people who have been affected by this ruling, and who have just accepted it with humour and resilience.  I could say they could see that little light  shining in the darkness, but that sounds daft, and for many the light is dim. But (there we go again, I love this little word that turns a sentence upside down), in the souls of all of us, we know Christ is with us.

I leave you with one of my favourite poems.  It is about about hope. 

Hope is a thing with feathers that perches in the soul
and sings the tunes without words and never stops at all.
And sweetest -  in the gale-  is heard, and sore must be the storm
that could abash the little bird that kept so many warm.
I’ve heard it in the chillest land and on the strangest sea,
Yet never in extremity, it asked a crumb from me.

Emily Dickinson

Hope of the Spirit, perch in our souls, give light to the chaos we see around us, and give us courage to face whatever the year brings. We carry you in our hearts Father, knowing we will see this through with your help.

Wishing you all a happy and blessed Christmas.

Libby

Coronavirus prayer for God’s intervention and protection

Dear Creator of the World,

We come before you asking your mercy on us to halt the spread of the coronavirus. 

We pray for those already infected with coronavirus that they may receive prompt, effective and compassionate medical care that will restore them to health.

We pray your protection and grace for all medical professionals who are courageously treating those infected with coronavirus.  May they be shielded, strengthened and guided as they administer healing treatments and care. 

We pray your protection over those most vulnerable to disease, for our babies, our children, our elders, our poor, disabled and those weakened by other health conditions.

We pray for those under quarantine that they might be comforted by your presence and protected from disease, anxiety and fear.   

We pray for our public healthcare leaders and government agencies that they might be informed and well prepared as they deal with the coronavirus.  Grant them the resources and manpower they need to use their wisdom in the best interest of public health.

We pray for the researchers who are tracking the course of the coronavirus.  May they uncover patterns that will help us understand how to stay healthy. 

We pray for those searching for treatments, cures and vaccines.  May you guide them, reveal new ideas and accelerate their discoveries to fight this disease. 

We pray for the communities, areas and countries hardest hit by coronavirus.  Restore their sense of wellbeing and community.  Sustain them, comfort them and give them hope. 

We pray for all whose lives are disrupted by the coronavirus.   We pray for families who have been separated and for those whose livelihoods have been jeopardized.    

We look to you, Oh God, praying that the spread of the coronavirus will be halted and that many lives might be spared.

We pray that through this crisis you may draw us closer to you, grow our compassion and increase our knowledge.

Thank you that you are the Great Physician who not only heals us but who is a a very present help in our time of need as the Bible tells us that you “Took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.”  (Matthew 8 :17 NIV)

Thank you for hearing our prayer.

Amen.

Karen Barber    February 27 2020