Church
Time to ask: “Are you OK?” Are you OK? This time of year sees great religious ceremonies. For Hindus, Sikhs and Jains there is Diwali, the festival of light. Sikhs have celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak. The Jewish community will observe Hanukkah. Many Muslim communities have just celebrated Eid-eMilad, the anniversary of the birth of Muhammad. Soon it will be Christmas, when Christians celebrate the birth of the Jesus, the source of our light and hope for the future. As the Bible says: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:5) Let us shine in the darkness of this winter as we ask our friends and neighbours: “Are you OK?”
In the last few days we have been given an early Christmas present with the removal of some of the lockdown measures, but, by being given the chance to meet others in their own homes, to travel to see loved ones and indeed the opportunity to go out for a meal, we have also been given a responsibility. We must constantly ask our loved ones: “Are you OK?” No matter how careful we have been during the last few weeks there is still the possibility that we either have, or can transmit covid-19. Hence we must think of others rather than ourselves. Do we really
need to visit another household or can we have contact by phone, email or even Zoom? Which is the best, not only for ourselves but for so many others? We also have to wonder about those who are housebound and have no choice but to stay at home, lonely, depressed and feeling unloved. Could we knock on their door, keeping a safe distance, and offer a small present to show that they are not forgotten? The same also applies to those who have lost their jobs, are hungry and in despair. Can we remember to place a
with the Rev Richard Priest, of Stour Vale Benefice
Vicar in the Vale food item in the supermarket bin for the Foodbank, could we offer a meal or maybe we can do even better by asking the question: “Are you OK?” Just those three words can make so much difference. They show that we care and yet they cost us nothing. Whatever we decide to do this Christmas may we think of others before ourselves and when we ask those three words: “Are you OK?” May we say it with meaning and give thanks that the vast majority of us are safe and well. God bless you all.
Church services December 6 – 2nd Sunday of Advent Church of England: 9.30am: St Peter’s Family Service 9.30am: St James’ Parish Communion 11.15am: Enmore Green Family Service 11.15am: Margaret Marsh Matins 4.30pm: St Peter’s Christingle (ticket only) 6pm: St Peter’s Christingle (ticket only) 6pm: Motcombe Evening Communion. 10am Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Gillingham 10.30am BCP Holy Communion at St Nicholas, Silton. Due to very limited seating, places at Silton must be booked in advance 4pm Christingle at St Simon & St Jude, Milton on Stour 76
9.15am: Blandford Parish Church 10.30am: Streamed Eucharist at Sherborne Abbey 11am Mattins at St Mary Magdalene, Castleton Saturday, December 12 3pm-5pm Open afternoon at St George’s, Langham. Pop in, listen to carols playing, light a candle. December 13 – 3rd Sunday of Advent 9.30am: St Peter’s Parish Communion 9.30am: Motcombe Parish Communion 11.15am: The Orchards Parish Communion at West Orchard 11.15am: Melbury Abbas Matins 6pm: St James’ Pilgrim Service. 10am Holy Communion at
St Mary’s, Gillingham 4pm Christingle at St Mary’s, Gillingham 3pm: Carol service at All Saints, Langton Long. Booking essential due to restricted numbers. n Mass resumes in the Catholic churches after lockdown: Sundays 9.30am at Our Lady’s in Marnhull and 11 am at St Benedict’s in Gillingham. Christmas Masses as follows: Our Lady’s 6pm Christmas Eve, 9.30am Christmas Day; St Benedict’s 8pm Christmas Eve, 11am Christmas Day. Please note you need to register to attend as covid regulations mean much reduced capacity, so telephone Steve on 07887 988123. website marnhull andgillinghamrc.org.uk
n Visit shaftesburycofe.org.uk for up to date news of Church of England activities in and around Shaftesbury. or get in touch with the Team Office on 01747 853060. n Beautiful Lillington church, please join our super friendly traditional service. Every Sunday 10am. Details on Sherborne Abbey website. n An online service takes place at 10am on Sundays on the Blandford Parish Church Facebook Page. The church is open on Sundays for private Prayer 9am-11am. n For details of Sherborne Abbey services go to sherborneabbey.com/services
