Love in the midst of it

The coronavirus is dominating the headlines right now, and here in Lynn Valley the news is hitting particularly hard as we mourn the death of an affected senior at Lynn Valley Care Centre.

As clergy, we have been focussed on putting in place practical measures to keep our gatherings as safe as possible. This has meant developing a cleaning plan, altering some practices in line with the Archbishop’s pastoral directive, and thinking through the wisdom of cancelling some of our extracurricular gatherings (we miss you, Social Friday!!!)

But now it’s time to draw breath and re-focus on the church's central role in times like these. We - your clergy and your fellow parishioners - are here if you have burdens you would like help carrying, or celebrations you would like to share. Amidst all the handwashing, life’s usual heartaches and happy times continue. Please be in touch with us if we can laugh with you, pray with you, or help you navigate some of the practical challenges of this current health crisis. Our email addresses are on the Leaders page of the church website, and you can find telephone numbers for parish leaders if you look near the back of our weekly bulletin (they aren’t as obvious online, to protect us from robo-spam!)

In the meantime, we offer this prayer for all:

Holy one,
We hold before you all affected by this virus;
those who are ill, and those caring for them.
Give us all wisdom and compassion,
that we might send resources
where they are most needed;
to a neighbour around the corner
and to our neighbours around the globe.
Give us calm, loving hearts
as we act in our homes and workplaces
to be agents of your healing and wholeness,
trusting always in your abiding love for all.

Amen.