Covid-19 Update Baslow St Anne’s PCC has decided, in the light of the seriousness of the current stage of the pandemic, to review its position on opening the church. The law is unchanged and it permits the Church to be open, both during the day and for services. However the PCC felt it right to review our current position in the light of the seriousness of the current situation. The decisions we have reached are borne out of concern for the safety of those attending the building, and the risks that are associated with people gathering together. We are concerned to offer spiritual support to those in need. But the risks are now much greater than previously and so, for the time being, the church will no longer be open during the day. Services, strictly controlled on numbers, social distancing etc will continue on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, with online services for those who do not wish to or cannot attend in person. The gaps between the church being in use ensure we can open safely, maintain the cleaning required to make it safe to do so, and reduce the risk of the virus being present on surfaces. Funerals will take place, in line with the regulations, by arrangement with the Rector. This decision will be reviewed and may change if the situation worsens. We hope, and pray, that you are all safe and well and we look forward to welcoming you all at St Anne’s once the virus is under control and the law permits us to do so. The church is here for all. If you would like to get in touch the phone numbers to use are : • the Rector - Mike Gilbert – 07947 092951 • Churchwarden – Irene Roscoe - 01246 582900 or mobile 07484 201989 |
Dear Church Family Someone shared this verse with me this week and in this year of 2021 I want to share it with you because I think it is significant. In 2021 let’s read John 20:21. That should make it easier to remember Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” As we continue in this latest lockdown, with all the stresses and strains it brings, it is wonderful to hear the words of Jesus as he breathes his peace upon his disciples. Please do receive those words for yourself. As a Christian, it is part of your birthright. That’s not to say we want get stressed or anxious but that through it all his peace will hold us all. The Lord goes on, however, to send his followers out. There is a temptation to batten down the hatches but I believe that as a church we are still called to go because we have been sent. That might be going online or simply across our road to a neighbour but we are a sent people. I believe that 2021 has the potential to be a year of growth. I have been so proud of St. Anne’s and how with the Christmas Tree Festival and the Tractor Carols we rose to the challenge at Christmas. I have had several people say to me in the last week or so how much they have appreciated not only what we have done but also the love and care that has been shown. I wanted to let you know what was happening, as much as I can. It all might change but then we are getting used to that. On Sunday Mornings there will be a service live-streamed from church at 9.45am for those who don’t feel able to come to church. Even if you don’t come physically but would like a prayer or hymn included in the service we could probably arrange that if you tell us. Wednesday Evening Prayer at 7 will also continue for the time being. If you know of anybody who needs anything do tell us, we would like to help. God bless Mike |
Alpha online from Tuesday 12 January at 8.00pm
Exploring is good. We’re built for it! Alpha is a perfect opportunity to explore the meaning of life and ask questions about faith in a relaxed, fun and friendly environment. It’s an eleven week course that takes place online. Each session looks at a different question around the Christian faith and is designed to facilitate conversation around the subject. Who is it for? People come on the Alpha course for many reasons. Some want to investigate whether God exists, others simply have questions about life they would like to discuss. Many guests have never been to church and others may have attended church but feel they have never had a personal understanding of the Christian faith. Ultimately anyone is welcome at Alpha, it doesn’t matter where you are starting from. How does it work?We would love to be doing Alpha in person, but we can’t do that right now, so we’ve taken our Alpha course online. Each week you can join in via Zoom, from the comfort of your own sofa! We’ll start every week with a chance to catch up/get to know one another, followed by a short talk/video and finally having an opportunity to discuss what we’ve heard. Why not try coming along for the first week? If you find at any point Alpha isn't for you, that’s fine! There’s no pressure, no follow up and no charge. For further information and to sign up for the course, please contact the Eyam Church Office on 01433 630930 or email admin@eyamchurch.org |