weekly news sheet 25 and 27 December 2020

Dear Friends,

It is with huge sadness that we had to cancel the Christmas services this year. Although it wasn’t an easy decision, in the end it became the obvious one when we were put into tier 4 at the weekend. We have spent the time since the decision co-ordinating a special package for everyone so that we can all feel as though we are together in spirit on Christmas Day.

The bumper weekly sheet that is attached (scroll down through the pdf for all 3 sheets) has all the relevant information, but I just want to highlight a couple of things. First there is a Capel and Ockley online service for you to watch on Christmas Day. Huge thanks must go to all those who have taken part in it and particularly James Burt who has done all the editing and has put a number of copies of it onto DVD for those who don’t have access to the internet. If you know of someone in this position there are hard copies of all the attachments to this email and DVDs in each or our churches. These are marked ‘Christmas Resource Pack’. Please do help yourselves. The link for the online service is or will be here: https://www.capelandockleychurch.org.uk/2020/12/25/christmas-day-dec-25th-2020/
Secondly, and this is a first for our parish we have arranged a Zoom Coffee meeting on Christmas Day at 10am. Don’t worry if you’ve never used Zoom before, help is on hand if you are having trouble logging in (which can be done from a Smartphone, iPad or computer) James Burt and I will try to guide you if you are getting stuck. Just phone us, James is 01306 711671 and my phone is underneath my name at the bottom of the email. Please don’t feel you have to join at 10am we will be there until 10.45 approximately so please feel free to log in at any time. The link to join us is:

bham-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/87637891737?pwd=OGhHVWVsenlxRMkyYm5FdUd2OUlwZz09

Revd Liz has asked me to remind you that the churches remain open for private prayer (Capel every day 9-4, and Ockley weekends & Christmas Day). Many of you will be alone this Christmas, but please don’t feel you are alone in spirit we are only a phone call away. Revd Liz and Sylvie Beckett our pastoral assistant are happy to speak to anyone over the Christmas period.

I’d like to say a personal thank you to Suzanne Cole who is retiring from editing the weekly sheets after many years, her time and dedication to not only this but InSpire as well has kept us all in better spirits than we would otherwise have been. She will continue as InSpire’s editor so please do send her any interesting articles. For now it will be just me producing the weekly sheets, but if anyone fancies doing a ‘guest spot’ please do get in touch!

Today’s photo is of the lovely frieze and window in St Margaret’s. I was there this morning delivering bits and pieces and was struck by the peacefulness of it all. So on that note may I wish you a peaceful and calm Christmas .

With love and prayers

Debbie von Bergen
debbievonbergen@icloud.com <mailto:debbievonbergen@icloud.com>
07774 784008

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