Prayer and Message from the Rector 18 July 2021
Heavenly Father we thank you for your love, we thank you for your gift of Grace we thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, we thank you for the gift of each other and we pray for our ability lo see as you see and love as you love. In the name of Jesus Amen

When we went into the first lock down with the Covid pandemic we were quickly told all the things we couldn’t do. As we approach the end of restrictions things are a lot less clear. What was going to be “Freedom Day” seems to have become the end of restrictions and the start of “Common Sense Day”. While the legal restrictions are being removed it is being left up to organisations to decide for themselves what measures are appropriate for the safety of staff and customers. It is being left up to individuals to decide when it is necessary to wear a face mask or maintain social distancing. It feels a bit scary as we have been told what to do for so long but we have come through the worst of the pandemic and let’s pray that people use their common sense to stay safe. As an organisation the church also has a responsibility to those who work for it and also to those who volunteer and worship or even simply visit the buildings. The church nationally will be evaluating the new situationwith advice from the national government and we await the churches advice and guidance. In the meantime we will have to apply a little common sense ourselves. Peace and blessings Richard

Upcoming Diary Dates and News

Sunday 26 April 3.45pm Service of Welcome to Bishop Jean Burgess, the new Bishop of Grimsby at Lincoln Cathedral. Ahead of her move to North East Lincolnshire in April, Bishop Jean was installed as a canon of the cathedral on Monday 30th March, at Choral Evensong and also took part in the Chrism Eucharist on Tuesday 31st March This is the annual service in Holy Week when ministers renew their commitment to ministry and holy oils are blessed. The main Service of Welcome will take place on Sunday 26th April at 3.45pm at Lincoln Cathedral. We would love as many people as possible from across the whole diocese to come together, welcome Bishop Jean, and pray for the beginning of this new chapter in our common life. To help us with our planning and preparations, please book to let us know that you are coming to the Service of Welcome. A booking form is available online.
Tuesday 28 April 10.30am Morning Prayer at St Clement
Wednesday 29 April 7pm APCM at St Clement Community Hall. Please note change of date
Thursday 7 May 2pm - 4pm New Horizons at St Clement Community Hall
Tuesday 19 May 6pm Service Rota Planning for Ministry Team/Worship Leaders at the home of Rev. Fiona Solman.

Could anyone else please help? Additional Volunteers are needed please, to help cut/strim the grass at St Clement churchyard to support the team. Any help/training can be given and equipment is provided. For more information, please contact the Parish Office
email: info@skegness-anglican.org.uk mobile: 07425 374510 (Mon-Fri 9am-12 noon)
Jam and chutney is on sale at the back of the church. Gift packs can be ordered. All proceeds to church funds.
Skegness Foodbank Most urgently needed are Packet soups and snacks, cereals, milk, tinned meat (meat balls, stew, chilli etc) Please help if you can. The box for donated items is in the Coffee area at St Matthew. There is also a box at St Clement.

Services

St Matthew, Skegness* – 11am Holy Communion (Every Sunday)
St Clement, Skegness – No Sunday service
St Peter & St Paul, Ingoldmells – 10.30am Sunday Service (2nd, 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month)
St Nicholas, Addlethorpe – 9.30am Holy Communion (4th Sunday of the month)
St Mary, Winthorpe – Remains closed

Midweek Services:
St Clement, Skegness – Tuesday 10.30am Morning Prayer (2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month)

*Live streamed on our Facebook page “Skegness Group of Churches”