Church at Home

Church at Home – how to find help locally

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement in March, the Archbishops have written to clergy in support of the measures that require all churches to close both for private worship and public services and all other meetings and activities until further notice.

Churches in Bromsgrove have responded to the closing of the buildings by finding ways to bring people together whilst they remain in their own homes. Prayer and Worship from St John’s Church

Every day (except Sunday) at 9.30am Vicar Ray Khan says Morning Prayer on a Facebook Live broadcast, which is then posted on the St John’s YouTube Channel. The 15 minute service is a calming way to start the day, to feel connected with others and set your intentions for the day ahead. www.facebook.com/StJohnsChurchBromsgrove

Pre-recorded Sunday Services which feature a mixture of readings, prayers, thoughts and music from around the world as well as St John’s are being broadcast on YouTube at 10.45am, but can be viewed at any time on the You Tube Channel St.Johns Bromsgrove. Contact Rev Ray Khan by phone 01527 577172 or email rev.stjohns.bromsgrove@gmail.com Services and Study from St Godwald’s

Rev David Ford is using Zoom – the online video calling service – to stay connected with his parish. Sunday services take place at 10.30am each week. Anyone wishing to join can call or email Rev David for details tel 01527 873831 or email revdavidford@gmail.com

On Thursdays at 11am Rev David will be hosting an online bible study group and coffee morning to help sustain fellowship and mental health. All are welcome to join in the online services and study groups. Other help

All local churches are offering Pastoral Care over the telephone. If you are feeling lonely and want to be contacted regularly by a member of the local church, do make contact with the vicar who will put you in touch with someone who will call you each week. All contact details can be found on

www.bromsgroveparish.org.uk

Radio 4 holds a daily service at 9.45am and of course local radio and BBC TV also broadcasts other services as well. Premier Radio is a good spot to find teaching and news from a Christian perspective. Funeral Reflections at Home

It’s so difficult when you can’t go to a funeral, whether for family, friend or neighbour, but there are options to reflect at home at the time the funeral is taking place. If you can, find a quiet, tranquil place at home or in the garden where you can sit and be still, maybe have a photo of the person who has died, maybe write down fond memories or play special music, and hold the person in your thoughts. It may help to light a candle as you reflect on your memories and think about those who are at the funeral, holding them in your thoughts too.

At this time of crisis, church at home can help you to find a way through. Do reach out or join in with your local church community.

Some prayers for the Coronavirus outbreak

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. Merciful God, we entrust to your tender care those who are ill or in pain, knowing that whenever danger threatens your everlasting arms are there to hold them safe. Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.