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Sheringham church de-camps to car park

In common with the rest of the UK, the churches in Sheringham had their doors closed yesterday (March 22), but one church overcame the challenge by meeting in the open air in the church car park, whilst maintaining social distancing. Tony Rothe reports.

 
Around forty worshippers gathered outside Lighthouse Community church on Sunday morning to worship and pray for our local community, the nation, and the world. Everyone observed the social distancing guidelines, some people staying in their cars, but it served as a time of thankfulness and encouragement.
 
Daffodils were given to all, acknowledging the fact that this was Mothering Sunday, and many took bunches away to bless and encourage their neighbours. Copies of the “Good News for Norfolk” paper published by Network Norfolk last week were also distributed.
 
Ian Savory from the Lighthouse leadership team said, “Obviously, these plans may well change for next week. Please can we ask that you will be patient with us.  Keep your eyes out on Facebook and our website if you have access to internet.  Please pray. We are in uncharted waters, but our God is able! Keep looking out for each other and doing Church like you’ve never done before!”
 
In a video message to church partners and attenders released earlier that morning, Ian said “We are asking members of our church family to keep in touch with each other, and have a supply of cards which you can put through your neighbours’ doors offering to help. We are supporting Sheringham Salvation Army in their efforts to serve the wider community, for example with food parcels.

“It is important that we remain a people of faith, not fear, throughout this period. We must pray for our nation, love our neighbours and serve one another. One of my favourite quotes is from Max Lucado – ‘Kindness is the carpet on which the grace of God arrives’. Remember – our God can do extraordinary things” 
 
Life Church in Sheringham said last Wednesday “In line with the latest government advice regarding the coronavirus we have taken the decision to stop all church meetings and activities where we would normally publicly gather together.”
 
St Andrews Methodist church said “Following advice from the Government and the Methodist Church, we are sorry to say that all worship, meetings, groups and activities at St. Andrew`s Methodist Church have been cancelled until further notice. This includes cancellation of the Flower Festival which was planned for July.
 
St Peter's Church in Sheringham have said that, following the directive of the Church of England, they will no longer hold public acts of worship or any other groups in the church or hall for the time being. It is likely that this will extend over the Easter period, and that the combined service on Good Friday will be cancelled. They are working closely with the other churches in the town to do all they can to keep everyone in the community safe and provided for.
 
“The church building will be open should you wish to call in and pray or light a votive candle. You may also light a virtual candle on-line. We will find new ways of being church during this period. Our faith in God remains” said the vicar, Rev Christian Heycocks.

For up-to-date information about what Sheringham churches are doing, visit the Sheringham Churches Facebook page.
 



TonyRothe150Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in North Norfolk?  

If so, e-mail tony.rothe@networknorwich.co.uk with details and, if possible a suitable picture. 


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