Vicars letter

June 2020

Click for the Vicars letter from May 2020

Keep on praying

I can honestly say, I’ve had enough of this lockdown! This last week, I have to admit, it’s got to me a bit. So I’ve tried to remember the advice I gave here last month, in the reading about anxiety and prayer: “The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God ... and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I hope you have tried putting that piece of scripture from Philippians into practice too.

Thank you to all the volunteers from the wonderful Benenden Action Team for continuing your great work to help others. Thank you also to our wonderful local shops and businesses for your incredible efforts to keep the village supplied with the things we all need. When this is all over, we’ll have a great community party on the Green. Meanwhile, if you are experiencing difficulties, please, please, please do seek out some help - it is there for you. Give the BAT coordinator, the churchwarden or myself a call. Please.

Now for a bit of good news: the church building has been closed (but the church has been very much alive) for many, many weeks, but it can now reopen, although only partially at the moment. The church will not open for public worship or for private prayer by individuals until the beginning of July at the earliest, and I’m really sorry about that, but the restrictions have been eased a little, allowing one person to access the church building for: the Daily Office (i.e. prayer by the priest or lay-person); the recording of services; a priest taking Communion on behalf of the community; and checking on the state of the building.

After discussion with the churchwardens in the two parishes, we have decided that Morning Prayer will be conducted from St George’s church (at 8am) by myself, and I will also start recording our weekly Communion services from the sanctuary in St George’s church. I know this is still not what many people will want, but as our Bishop said when sending out the new guidelines: “In making this decision, remember that the virus has not changed - it remains highly contagious and, although many are mildly affected by it, others can become seriously ill. Please do not take unnecessary risks.”

One day, we will return to worshipping in our church. If you have missed it, I would be interested to hear what it is that you have missed. Have a look at these three questions and let me know:

• What have we learned in this period of being away from our church building?
• What would we like to retain, when we return?
• What should we let go of? That is, what is it that is really important to you about the church building being there?

In the meantime, “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God”. Keep praying.

May you know God’s peace and blessing.

Revd. David Commander
Rector

Benefice of Benenden and Sandhurst

T: 01580 240658 E: david@dc-uk.co.uk