RECTOR’S LETTER

At the eleventh hour, after the monthly deadline but just before final compilation of this edition of the GVN, the direction came from the Bishops of the Church of England that all public services should be suspended with immediate effect, because of the current Covid-19 crisis.  All Churches are now closed.

As you will be aware, a great many events planned across our communities have had to be similarly cancelled.

We have therefore withdrawn from this edition all information about services in the Glaven Valley Benefice.  We’re very sorry to have to take this important but necessary step.  We will hope to provide some resources for people to use for prayer in their own homes in due course, and will be looking at all the ways we can increase pastoral support during this period.

I have already been struck and greatly heartened by the number of offers from people to help and support where they can in our communities, especially those in particular need.  That says a great deal not just about the wonderful people in our villages, but also about the extraordinary way that goodness comes out of adversity.  Thanks to everyone for their selfnessness and thoughtfulness.

This will be a very difficult period, but we can do great things together.

Please take care, and may you know God’s blessing.

Richard.