To mask or not to mask? That is the question. With apologies to Shakespeare this in fact might not be something we decide for ourselves when you read this letter because by then it will be mandatory for us all to wear masks in enclosed spaces like shops etc. We are waiting to see if that will become mandatory for us in church services as well. Many are already doing so in any case. The wearing of masks is yet another huge change in the way we live our lives at the moment. There are certainly a variety of different masks to choose from with an array of the weird and wonderful to the simple disposable attire favoured by others. Like many I suspect I am learning how to wear a mask without my glasses steaming up and who knew just how much hot air comes out of our airways?! As one of my parishioners who will remained unnamed quipped when I suggested he might wish to move back a pew or two from my projected droplets he felt it was quite safe to remain where he was as hot air rises!! (At the moment I am not masked until I distribute communion wafers)
We are delighted to be able to not only get back into our church buildings but also to be able to hold church services once again. As you will no doubt gather services are somewhat different as we cannot sing as a congregation and services are simplified. We miss singing together of course but in a way it has also been good to listen to recorded music of hymns being sung or to enjoy our different musicians and soloists live in church along with the comforting music played by our organists which hold everything together. Services are by nature more reflective which I think we are appreciating as we take up our lives once more together.
It is a joy too to see children out and about in their summer holidays enjoying the countryside. What a joy it must be for our teachers and school assistants to hopefully get some time off too. I know just how hard and challenging it has been for our local schools to operate under lockdown and not only to continue teaching online but also keeping school open for children of key workers and others. Then of course there is the organisation needed to reopen schools again with all the necessary thought and preparation but of course the joy for teachers and pupils to see each other again. Even I was greeted with great joy by one class ‘bubble’ when dropping something off to their teacher at the school gate. I was very touched and it certainly made my day!
There is much going on structurally in both our churches this summer. At St Margaret’s the much needed and long awaited heating project is going ahead with a new boiler and heating system, which will be much appreciated by us all! Thank you to those who have contributed and assisted in gathering the necessary funds through The Friends of St Margaret’s so that this could happen. The Loo Project will be next!! At St John, the Friends of St John the Baptist have funded a new interior lighting system which will transform the church in several ways. It will be much cheaper to run, saving energy and creating task orientated options as part of the renewal and upgrade. It will enhance our beautiful church highlighting certain architectural features along with lighting designed for occasional visitors as they enter the church. We are grateful that The Friends have granted us funds for this as the church would not be as lovely and as well cared for if previous generations had not invested money into our church buildings at both Ockley and Capel. Co-incidentally both projects though are happening at the same time which means that visitors cannot access the church interiors during the summer midweek. However they will both be open all day at weekends. I am sorry for any inconvenience this causes but the results in both churches I am sure will be more than worth it!
We are also welcoming our friend Shaun Williamson back this month as he begins work on the restoration of the north section of the boundary wall at Capel. We now have enough funding to complete this section which is marvellous and thank you to those who have donated and worked tirelessly to obtain funding from outside sources. Do go and have a chat with Shaun as he will be only too happy to show you what he is doing.
On a sadder note we said goodbye this last month to someone who has been very much part of Capel village life for a long time and that very special person was Gillian Ashwood who many of you will have known and she may even have taught you to play the piano or perhaps you sang in her church choir? Due to current restrictions around numbers allowed in church for funerals her service was a private family one and it is hoped that there will be a public memorial service later next year. We remember Gillian with much love and gratitude for all that she gave to not only St Johns but in so many ways in this local community. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband John and their family.
So there is much to give thanks for as we enter this traditional holiday month of August and even if you are unable to go away somewhere I pray that you will find rest and relaxation whatever you are doing. Times have changed somewhat, but one thing never changes and that is God. He never changes ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever’ (Hebrews 13.8). Therefore be encouraged and do not fear!
With my love and prayers
Revd Liz
Post expires at 11:15am on Sunday August 8th, 2021
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