Dear friends,
We’re very aware that not everyone has access to the internet, so wanted to ensure that everyone associated with the Christ Church Family was kept up to date with news. Whether you’re reading this on-line or in paper format, please be assured of our prayers and desire to stay connected during this uniquely challenging season.
Here are a few ways we can stay in touch with one another, continue to nurture our faith and be salt and light in the wider community.
Worship and Teaching
We’re publishing something on our YouTube channel every day at 10am.
- On Sundays this takes the form of a short service, with a talk, a song and some prayers.
- On other days there’s a short 4-5 minute reflection called ‘Bread for Today’, with a wide variety of contributors from across the church community.
We’re also in the process of planning a variety of services for Easter. If you are on Facebook, check the Christ Church Downend Facebook page, join the closed group called Christ Church Community, and check our website for more details nearer the time. We’ll also be posting some further prayer resources. Many of us find ourselves with extra time on our hands at the moment – what better investment than time spent cultivating our relationship with God.
Our youth and children’s leaders are enabling many of their groups to continue online, including Connected, Move it Club, Jigsaw, Elev8 and Faith groups. If you or members of your family haven’t yet linked in with these, but would like to, please contact Diane, Gary or Helen.
If you struggle with technology, but perhaps do have an ipad or email address & would like help in accessing some of these resources, please call Aidan (07854 138472), Elissa (0117 9561975), or Gary (07772 290283) who can offer some tech support.
Prayer
We our holding weekly online prayer meetings via zoom as follows:
Mondays 9.15am – Morning Prayer – https://us04web.zoom.us/j/348466575
Wednesdays 7am – Early Morning Prayer – https://us04web.zoom.us/j/868214602
The same web address can be used each week, but you will need to sign up for a zoom account at zoom.us
Prayer triplets are also encouraged to meet remotely, and if you have specific requests of prayer, please let us know.
Pastoral support
We want everyone to know that they are not alone, so we are trying to keep in touch with everyone through our support networks. Many groups are finding creative ways of meeting remotely using WhatsApp, Zoom or similar applications.
Please get in touch if:
- You are feeling isolated or anxious, and would like a friendly phone call or would appreciate being linked up with one of our ‘Life Groups’
- You need shopping or medication collected, and family and neighbours aren’t able to help.
Volunteers
We have had a wonderful range of people offering help so far but we will certainly need more as the days go by.
Can you help with shopping, collecting prescriptions, dog walking, phone calls, delivering communications from the church etc.
To ASK FOR or OFFER help, please get in touch with Anita 07753 233950 or Maggie 07790 250853
If you’ve already offered, but haven’t been contacted yet, please be patient. We will be in touch as we become aware of needs.
The Wider Community
We are continuing to distribute food parcels to CAP clients in particular need – food donations are still required, and can be left on Paul’s doorstep – 15 Glendale BS16 6EQ. Please wash your hands thoroughly before packing/dropping off food. Thankyou for those who’ve already donated.
Many of you are already looking out for your neighbours, but you can also volunteer locally through the NHS volunteer website , the Noise and the Council helplines (see below).
(If you live in Staple Hill or Mangotsfield and will need regular shopping as you are self- isolating due to your age or health conditions, you can also contact your local Councillors who are running a support service. Contacts are Ian Boulton 07562 437598 or Katie Cooper 07596 338107)
And finally…..
A big thankyou to everyone in our community who is tackling this virus on the frontline. In the midst of the incredible demands placed upon you, we want you to know how much we appreciate all of your efforts and sacrificial service.
With love in our Lord, the source of hope and peace.
The Christ Church team.
To receive these updates via email please sign up at the home page of this website (towards the bottom right of the page). Alternatively you can email parishadmin@christchurchdownend.com.