 We are in an exciting but challenging season of prayer. Pretty much every Christian meet would love to see their prayer life grow and develop.
 If you are self-isolating and would like some help, please let us know on office@stswithinswalcot.org.uk or 01225 789168 . We are aware that not everyone is online and we are working on ways to keep connected with everyone. Please contact us if you have capacity to help others who are self-isolating at the moment. In the city there are still lots of opportunities to serve, Genesis - http://genesistrust.org.uk - are still looking for help to support the vulnerable and homeless in the city, especially with the soup run and a network of voluntary organisations across Bath and NE Somerset who are looking for volunteers to help https://www.3sg.org.uk Once again, if you require help of any kind, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  Dear St Swithins friends Grace, Mercy and Peace to you in the saving name of Jesus Christ. If you’re reading this, please can I reassure you that I won’t be communicating as lengthily as this in the future. I am generally not a man who would chose 50 words where I think 1 suffices, but in the circumstances I hope you will appreciate the reasons why! The shadow of Coronavirus
As Janet, James and I were praying on Wednesday morning, Janet reflected on the fact that the chandeliers in the building were casting a shadow on the floor of St Swithin’s that looked like the image of COVID-19. The shadow was dark and real, was affecting all of us, but it was still just a part of a much greater reality within the whole building. At this time of crisis I would like to encourage you to reflect on what you think is the story of your life? What part does God have to play? Is your life defined by the shadow of Coronavirus? For some in our communities who have contracted the virus, who are literally suffering and dying, this may seem to be a true statement, but it’s not the whole truth, just a part truth. For two thousand years Christians have believed there is a bigger and more defining story than both our own suffering and the present circumstances of this world. The Christian story continues to be one of creation, fall, redemption and restoration. Persuading people that the fall is real and all encompassing is not difficult at this time (witness our approach to toilet rolls), helping people realise that redemption and restoration in and through Christ are available both now and eternally is still the opportunity for us. So how do we live as God’s beloved in lockdown? Over the last few days many people have been sharing their own worries and concerns as well as concerns for other people in their families and communities. These concerns are real and painful and differ massively across a diverse community, but we have an amazing opportunity to walk lovingly and humbly with many people in this season. In my experience times of hardship and suffering have also been time of growth in which God has often done something new and beautiful. For those of you reading this unconvinced, maybe God will show us and teach us afresh what Paul says “for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4. 11) and that a first step to that might be choosing to set our minds on things above and following Paul’s exhortation that “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4. 8) One of my prayers for us in these testing and trying times is that as we renew our trust in Jesus Christ, God would come with fresh strength and fresh power that will help us shine brightly in both our words and actions.  If you have any stories of encouragement or thoughts about what God might be saying to us in this season, please would you let us know by emailing office@stswithinswalcot.org.uk with the subject heading ‘God Is Here’.  PLEASE LOOK OUT FOR FUTURE UPDATES FURTHER UP THE NEWS PAGE. Here’s a latest update from everyone at St Swithin’s... We want to respond to the coronavirus by being a people of prayer, love, generosity and hope in our city. We are a church family, a body united by Christ. And though our usual rhythm needs to adapt to the season, we are still committed to one another and to serving the world around us. We will do our best to make decisions that express God's love for everyone, which includes caring for one anothers' physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. All immediate and future plans and decisions are being prayerfully considered and we are closely monitoring and following advice from the UK Government, NHS and Church of England. For now we can tell you that the following have sadly been cancelled... - Easter Family Activity Morning - Easter Film night The Cafe will sadly be closed for now. The following have been postponed - The Lent Courses - Renew Wellbeing - Cafe Late - Wednesday Prayer Meetings We have more updates to make as in the next couple of days, so please keep an eye out for further information. Please join us in praying for the local and global situation and for those particularly affected. If you have any questions, concerns, or have self-isolated please do get in touch with us at office@stswithinswalcot.org.uk or on 01225 789168  PLEASE LOOK OUT FOR FUTURE UPDATES FURTHER UP THE NEWS PAGE. Dear St Swithins friends
I don’t know about you, but it feels like we’re living in unique times of uncertainty, with health, financial and political instability all around us. When that’s the case it becomes very easy to be consumed by fear and anxiety about what the future looks like and how to live well in these difficult times. Over two thousand years Christians across the globe, across different cultures, across different centuries have gathered in small and large numbers, to worship, pray, to read scripture and share communion together in all types of uncertain situations. Christians gather to affirm our faith and trust in God, thanking God for His saving grace, in the assurance that our future with God is secure. We believe that as we come into His presence, God renews us to live for God in each generation and that our lives are in God’s hands. At the same time we are also called to live wisely, compassionately and responsibly in community. The Government and Diocese are issuing advise for us to consider and act on in the light of Coronavirus. In response to that, we are continuing to meet and worship together on Sundays, in communion we will simply break bread together, and we would encourage you not to feel guilty if you need to ‘self-isolate’. If you do ‘self-isolate’ it would be helpful to let the office know, so that we can make sure that people are still in contact with you (01225) 789168, office@stswithinswalcot.org.uk If you require help of any kind, please don’t hesitate to contact us. But, please do pray and find some people to encourage and support at this time. With every blessing in The Name of Christ, the highest Name (Phil 2. 9-11) Tim  This year we are trialling “Lent Streams”. These will replace weekly Life Groups for these weeks in March, and everyone is encouraged to opt into one of the groups on offer – whether or not they are regular members of a Life Group.
 Do join us for on Sunday 1st March for our regular Sunday Lunch. Tickets available, £5 and £2.50 for students and under. Archbishop Justin Welby has brought together leading thinkers and peacemakers to create a course to help us join in with God's work of restoring brokenness and transforming relationships. We will be running a course at St Swithin's Church on Sunday evenings throughout March, 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th. 5:45pm for 6pm start, finishing at 7:30pm.  Ash Wednesday Service 26th February at 7:30pm "All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return." - Ecclesiastes 3:20  Join us down at Bath Abbey on Shrove Tuesday as we gather with Christians from across the city to Pray for Bath.  We are delighted to say that we are opening our cafe again from the 25th February. We’ll be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30am to 2:30pm.  It’s back and this time there’s pancakes! Calling all students and young adults. Come join us on Monday night for hot drinks, pancakes, games and a chance to hang out. We want to thank everyone who contributed to cake and/or money on Sunday 23rd February 2020. We raised £318 to go towards 'One Good Friday.' |
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