Church News for March
The church remains closed for public worship in line with the Bench of Bishops recommendations and the latest Welsh Government guidance. The decision to re-open the church will come when it is considered safe enough, keeping in mind social distancing, the necessity to sanitise your hands and wear a face mask. These regulations do not make it easy to have a meaningful act of worship, keeping apart from each other, no touching or hugging, no close contact between priest and his people are the very opposite of what should be taking place, when we share the love of Christ with each other. It is a very sad situation that we find ourselves in, and the question arises, will our people want to come back to worshipping as once was the norm on a Sunday morning.
There are many, many followers of the online services provided by Jon and his team, the comments show that the service is well received, but all members of our congregation are not online, and are not familiar with the workings of the internet. Those who are housebound, others who are elderly are not being catered for at present, yet thank God these are the very people who are maintaining their financial contributions, which is keeping the work of the church and the work in the church going ahead, and so we remain financially sound despite all the problems of Covid 19.
The vaccination programme is being rolled out and it is to be hoped all the most elderly and vulnerable in the community have had their “jabs”, with many being asked to attend at vaccination centres in Cardiff and Barry. Some have experienced reactions while others have accepted it with no adverse problems. The latest news is that we may have to accept an annual vaccination just like the “Flu” jab and get a top up each year until the time when this virus is beaten. Then perhaps we can look forward to meeting together, to hear the Word of God read, to sing the hymns, recite the prayers and become a worshipping community once again. We look forward to the day when weddings can be celebrated, when funerals can be arranged with no limits placed on the numbers allowed to be present. That day will come, we will meet together, and we will thank God for bringing us through these most difficult of times.
The P.C.C. have accepted estimates for the redecoration of the nave in the church and also the chancel ceiling. It is many years since we last repainted the interior and the walls are not looking their best at present. The work will be carried out in April all being well. The church pews are being removed from the walls and replastering arranged, for the day when we might be allowed to replace the pews with stackable chairs, which would make St. Mary’s more “fit for purpose” for the future. The doors to the tower vestry have been reglazed, following the glass on one door cracking over a year ago. A new ladder on the tower roof has been installed to assist the willing volunteers who raise the flag on the flag pole during the year. So much work is going on despite being closed for public worship. The latest job has been to install letter boxes in the church porch and the church hall, in an attempt to get a “post code” so that mail can be correctly delivered. The Church Hall is being surveyed to get an accurate picture of the condition of the building before any decisions are taken on its refurbishment. The wheelwright shop is also being looked at to assess what needs to be done to make it watertight etc.
The Food Bank in Barry is well supported by a band of loyal members of the congregation, and they are thankful that we are able to take so many food items and sundry dry goods, that are so needed by those who are not as fortunate in these difficult times of unemployment and hardship. Thank you once again for all you contribute to help those who are in real need at this time.
So for the time being we are entering the solemn season of Lent, with online services, St. David will be remembered, Mothering Sunday will be marked with flowers outside the church to give to Mums and Grans alike. Palm Sunday will have palm crosses available, and the great festival of Easter will soon be with us.
God Bless us and keep safe, wear a face mask, and say hello to anyone you meet on your daily exercise.
Parry Edwards