At this morning's Benefice communion service Christine, Marvin and Mary reminded us of the presentation of Jesus in the temple at Jerusalem and Joseph and Mary’s meeting with Simeon and Anna.
Because of the increased coronavirus infection risks we had to suspend services in church a few weeks ago, although the church remains open between 1100 and 1500 every Sunday. But online Zoom services have enabled us to continue to meet together, celebrate, worship and pray. With hospital admissions falling and the vaccination programme providing immunisation let us hope and pray that life will return to normal later this year. In the meantime we are all very grateful to Christine and the Ministry team for finding ways for services to continue since the first lockdown last March.
The pandemic has forced us to investigate the use of technology such as Zoom. But we have also live-streamed at least one wedding as well as the Carol Service. The PCC met last week to discuss how and whether we should stream services in the future. There are many pros and cons. The Carol Service has reached more than 600 people, enabling those who could not attend in person to participate in the service. However we need to recognise the privacy issues: are those attending happy for the service to be broadcast? If you have views on the subject then please let us know.