St Molua’s Update
(previously posted on our Facebook page)
Dear friends,
Unfortunately all our Sunday and midweek services and gatherings have now been suspended until further notice.
Although we will not physically be together on Sunday mornings, please can I encourage you to take time to be still and come to God during the hour we would normally meet from 10:30am – to 11.30am, until such times when we are able to meet together again.
As most of you will know from phone calls and emails earlier in the week, we have made the arrangement to worship together tomorrow morning at 10.30am using the Morning Prayer Service. The service will be led from the church to ensure continuity of worship in our church building, whilst you follow along in the comfort of your own home.
We will be broadcasting our Morning Worship Services on Facebook from next week. Please ‘like’ our page and follow the link for regular updates.
There are also a great many opportunities to pray together, to listen online together and I will be sharing some of these links. The Church of Ireland Press Office has put together a list of Broadcast & Online Worship Opportunities for Sunday, 22nd March 2020 (see link below)
https://www.ireland.anglican.org/cmsfiles/pdf/news/Press/2020/Broadcast-Online-Worship-22.03.20.pdf.
https://dublin.anglican.org/news/2020/03/20/resources-for-morning-prayer-2
As Christians let us continue to be good neighbours, and look out for the vulnerable among us. It is more important than ever that those of us who are healthy ring up or check on the elderly, the vulnerable and those with chronic health conditions. This includes making sure that no one goes short of food or essential supplies. Please remember those around us, and help in whatever way you can.
Unfortunately all visiting has been suspended, but I am available to chat by phone. If there is anything that you or your family need, please ring the rectory (028 9573 9347) and we will arrange for some volunteers to get in touch.
Please continue to pray for those who are infected with the Coronavirus, and for their families, and those who are self-isolating because of age or health issues. In this time of uncertainty and distress, we pray for all those who are anxious or fearful.
God’s Word reminds us:
‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.’ Psalm 46:1-2
A prayer from the Church of Ireland:
Almighty and All–loving God,Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we pray to you through Christ the Healer for those who suffer from the coronavirus and Covid–19 in Ireland and across the world.
We pray too for all who reach out to those who mourn the loss of each and every person who has died as a result of contracting the disease.
Give wisdom to policymakers, skill to healthcare professionals and researchers, comfort to everyone in distress and a sense of calm to us all in these days of uncertainty and distress.
This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord who showed compassion to the outcast, acceptance to the rejected and love to those to whom no love was shown.
Amen.
Please be assured of my prayers in these uncertain times.
The church building may be closed, but we are still here for you.
God bless you.
Your friend and rector,
Emma
Rev. Emma Rutherford
Parish of Stormont – St Molua’s Church
Tel: 028 9573 9347 (Rectory)