Dear Friends
Here is the latest news, but do please also check in with the facebook page www.facebook.com/ccpitsmoor/ and website www.pitsmoor.church/ during the week.
A little word
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Philippians 4:12 (NIV)
This has often been a go-to verse for me over the years. There are too many people in this world who are never content. But Paul isn’t writing in a passive ‘just put up with it’ sense. A few verses earlier he talks of the peace that passes all understanding; and in the following verse is able to say ‘I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.’
Our source of contentment is not based on circumstances, our abilities or even our faith. It is based in a God who loves us and is bigger than anything life might throw at us.
As anxiety about what happens next is endlessly reported; as we wonder what the future holds, short-term and longer; as we wait in anticipation of a return to ‘normal’; let’s ask God to give us that precious gift of contentment, as we seek his strength for the coming days and weeks.
New for this week
Services
If you’d like to join in on Sunday, here is a reminder of the link
https://zoom.us/j/303159289?pwd=NXdpQkFJQWdLTlpIYTc2alZ6VUhqUT09
Meeting ID: 303 159 289 Password: 597076
Alternatively, for audio only, you can phone in to this number: 0131 460 1196, and follow the instructions.
We start to gather online from 10.00, our service starts properly at 10.30.
Christian Aid week
Hopefully you enjoyed last week’s service with a chance to think about the wider world. Some of us had fun with Wednesday’s quiz too.
If you are able, please remember to make a donation for Christian Aid. It’s very easy to do on-line.
A little word on giving
Several folk who use the envelope scheme have been asking about how they can give whilst we are not meeting. You can pay it direct into the bank using
30-97-78
61571868
Christ Church Pitsmoor
If you are a taxpayer who utilises gift-aid our preferred method for you is the Parish Giving Scheme; they have now got a telephone sign-up system in place.
Call the dedicated telephone line: 0333 002 1271
One of their administrators will take you through the sign up process – this normally takes around 15
minutes. You will need to have the following information to hand:
• Personal bank account details
• The name of the parish: Christ Church Pitsmoor
• You will need to confirm if you want to increase your gift in line with inflation each year
• Confirm if you are eligible for Gift Aid
• The PGS code for the parish: 350635050
Family focused activities
A weekly story and activity connected to the readings for each Sunday
https://www.facebook.com/childrensworker.beth.9
+ The SALT project has issued a helpful resource to support ‘families of all shapes and sizes’
during the lockdown period. We are aware how demanding it is at present not least for parents of
primary school age children, often having to juggle paid work with parenting and home-schooling.
This little guide is crammed with imaginative tips and suggestions.
https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/UserFiles/File/CRT/WC_4_May/Self-Care-at-Home-E-Reader.pdf
‘Faith at Home’ is a national campaign to support the faith development and pastoral care of children and young people. It seeks to inspire parents and children to nurture Christian faith in the ‘new normal’ of the home.
https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-action/faith-home/i-am-parent
This included family worship on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 4.00
A reminder of previous stuff
Maureen on Furlough
We have had to make the difficult decision to put Maureen on furlough, but rest assured on full pay. This means that she isn’t allowed to ‘work’. Emails to the ‘office’ account will be dealt with but inevitably not as swiftly. It’s fine for you to keep in touch with her if you have her personal contacts but just not in a work capacity.
Keeping up
Pip & Sara are happy to receive calls or messages about people who are unwell or in need. All our contact details are on the website if you don’t already have them saved.
Foodbank
If you would like to drop stuff off at the Vicarage that is fine. Alternatively, lots of the supermarkets have a place to drop donations when you shop. The Foodbanks are working collaboratively so it is all effective.