NEWS and EVENTS

Although the Government have introduced further restrictions on social gatherings over the last few days, we have been advised that these do not affect church services. Therefore , we can meet on Thursdays and Sundays as we have over the past few weeks.  However, the rules on social distancing, the use of face coverings and hand sanitizer remain.

Our Vicar's delight after succeeding in 13-year-battle to make 'most dangerous' churchyard safe

The Vicar and Churchwardens, supported by the PCC, have ‘fought’ for 20 years for South Ribble Borough Council to undertake their legal responsibilities in maintaining our churchyard and keeping it safe for all who visit.

At long last they have accepted their responsibility and are now being proactive.

Well done Vicar for getting the Lancashire Post, the Leader of South Ribble Borough Council and the local ward and borough councillor together.  The feature includes a video and photographs to accompany the text and it is now on record that SRBC will finally fulfil their legal obligations. Please click on the link below.

.St Mary's Churchyard LEP article

Bishop's Harvest Appeal 2020

For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. (Matt 25:35)

Once again we at St Mary's are supporting the Bishop's Harvest Appeal ,  This year our schools will be raising money in support of Tearfund and our churches will be able to choose to support either Tearfund or the Friends of the Holy Land. Tearfund is a global charity which seeks to work with local churches and local people to find solutions to poverty and injustice. Any money raised will go into their relief fund, which is currently being used to respond to issues caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. The Friends of the Holy Land is a charity working in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and in Israel and aims to support Christian communities there which often find themselves living in very difficult circumstances.  

Please click on the link below to find out more about the work of these charities and how to donate

Bishop's Harvest Appeal

Dear Parishioner, 
REOPENING OF ST MARY’S CHURCH FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP FROM SUNDAY 5TH JULY.

At long last, this is the good news we have all been waiting for. Following the Government’s relaxation of lockdown from 5th July enabling church to reopen for public worship, our normal weekly pattern of services will resume as usual.

SUNDAYS:
8.15am Holy Communion – Order Two
10.15am Holy Communion – Order One
THURSDAYS:
9.30am Holy Communion – Order Two

However, there will be some differences due to some COVID 19 restrictions still in operation.

•  Chairs will set out two metres apart but families living in the same household can sit together.
•  There will be a separate entry into and exit from the church duly indicated.
•  Hands must be washed using the sanitiser provided both on entry and exit from church.
•  A record of those who attend will have to be kept for test and trace purposes.
•  You will have to pick up the order of service booklet yourself from the desk top – it will not be handed out. All will then be quarantined for 48 hours before being able to be used again.
• If there is an information sheet available, this can also be picked up by yourself but must be taken away with you on leaving church.
• Services will be shorter than usual and at the 10.15am there will be no singing so no hymn books will be available.
• The only sacrament offered will be the bread and both the celebrant and the communicant will exchange this at arm’s length. Once the service finishes, people will be encouraged to leave the church as soon as possible.
• No refreshments (food and/or drinks) will be available.
• Toilets will not be available unless it is an emergency.
• There will be no physical contact between individuals and social distancing should be maintained at all times.
• There is no obligation for you to wear a face mask but there will be no objection if you do and feel more comfortable.

We hope that further relaxing of these restrictions will take place when the risk factors are not as great.
The opportunity to hold other services such as baptisms, weddings and funerals is constantly changing and these will be on our church web site www.penwortham-stmary.co.uk and continuously updated. For further information and/or queries, please contact me by either phone or email as follows.
Vicarage 01772 743143: Mobile 07858 772421: Email kitnel@btinternet.com
With every blessing
Your Vicar Chris

Dear Parishioner,

WEARING OF FACE COVERINGS IN PUBLIC INDOOR SETTINGS -
NOW A LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN CHURCHES FROM SATURDAY 8 TH AUGUST, 2020

Further to my letter of 24th July, about the strong advice by Government and the Church of England to wear a face covering in all public indoor settings including church buildings, this advice has now become mandatory as and from Saturday (8th August, 2020).

There are valid exemptions for some individuals and groups not to wear a face covering in these settings. However, this exemption does not apply to worshippers who should wear face coverings consistent with the requirements for any other public indoor space UNLESS they come within the group specifically mentioned by the Government in the regulations. The full list of exemptions can be found on the Church of England website.

The Church of England also reminded everyone again that a face covering:-
“must be worn by all those attending a place of worship, including ministers, worshippers,
staff, volunteers, contractors and visitors, where there may be other people present;
remembering that they are mainly intended to protect other people, not the wearer, from
coronavirus COVID-19 and that they are not a replacement for physical distancing and
regular hand washing.”

In addition, they pointed out that some people had started to wear visors with clear plastic shields over the face in place of face coverings so that the face is visible. The Bishop of London has pointed out that the purpose of these is different - they may protect the wearer but will not protect others. They are therefore only effective if worn in addition to a face covering.
With every blessing
Your Vicar Chris,

Window Repair Faculty

Some two years ago one of the windows in the south side of the Nave was vandalised. and subsequently repaired.  Diocesan rules require us to apply for a retrospective faculty for the repair and for the application to be made public. Faculty notices must be  displayed on the main door of the church (West Door).  Additionally, because the church is closed we are publicising it here.  If anyone has any observations or comments regarding this faculty please e-mail info@penwortham-stmary.co.uk before the 19th June.

GIVING AND DONATIONS

Since the lockdown started it has been  difficult for parishioners to maintain their giving through the collection plate although many parishioners  make their giving using Direct Debit or Standing Order. If you feel you would like to help St. Mary's financially please would you send an e-mail to info@penwortham-stmary.co. uk.  We will contact you to discuss which methord you woud prefer, from a one-off donation to regular giving.

RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN

Our Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) staff are continuing to produce some outstanding resources that can be used by parents at home.

• ‘Off the Shelf’ RE resources which can be used by parents in the home.
• Bible Podlets is a Bible Study and Discussion Podcast for adults to do with primary aged children. There are currently 8 episodes available to listen to, with the next episode released this Friday. The theme is ‘Bible Transformers,’ focussing people in the Bible who were transformed by Jesus.
• The Weekly@ Lectionary resources which can help families to worship at home are on the DBE Facebook page along with lots of other great ideas. 
• Finally, there is a Pinterest account with inspiration on activities for Easter, Pentecost and Ascension.

ON LINE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP

• Bishop Jill will lead ‘9am Worship from the Diocese of Blackburn’ this weekend. It will be released at 9am on Sunday on the Diocesan YouTube channel. But you don’t have to watch it then – it is available from that time onwards.
• There will also be an act of worship offered by the Cathedral on Sunday morning. Simply go to their website and follow the links.
• The Worship at Home resource is again available via the website to download and email or send on to members of your congregation.
• For further information about parish streamed services (and churches using digital in our Diocese in other ways) start by going to this page on the A Church Near You website.

HELP PENWORTHAM

Will Adams and his brother have created a website called #HelpPenwortham with the aim of:

1. Allowing  vulnerable residents to view what food and other delivery and collection services are available locally, to reduce stress and anxieties. 

 2. Ensuring  our local businesses and economy can continue through this very difficult period, ensuring they can come out of this period still as vibrant as before. 

Browse our list of local businesses in Penwortham, South Ribble and Preston. Order food or other vital items for delivery or collection. Shop local and help to ensure the Penwortham and South Ribble economy emerges as diverse and vibrant as before.

Visit https://www.helppenwortham.com/
 

CHURCH MAGAZINE

For the first time in over 150 years we will not be printing a hard copy of our church magazine for distribution to our parishioners.  We will however continue to compile it and publish it online.  You can view our latest edition from the top of this page.

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION

Christian Meditation meetings have now resumed.

During the current  pandemic we must wear face coverings whilst in church and must use hand sanitizer on entering and leaving church. Our  practices are even more important at this time so please keep up with your meditation.

We meet again on Wednesday 12th August at 6.30pm