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Circuit Letter

Dear friends

Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed – Alleluia!

We hope you have been able to celebrate Easter with joy despite the strange circumstances. Thank you to all of you who have been phoning each other and keeping in touch with people, especially those who live alone. These phone calls are much appreciated and help us all feel cared for at this time.

Thank you to all of you who have made and displayed Easter crosses in your windows, helping us to witness clearly to our faith in our neighbourhoods. Please email Rev Christine photos of your crosses; a slideshow of these is being prepared.

We hope that everyone is receiving orders of service, whether by email or through the post. These have been prepared by Circuit ministers and local preachers, and we are grateful to all those who have helped with these. It has been very moving to join in worship from our various homes, knowing that others are worshipping with us. Many others have enjoyed joining in the services on the television and radio, and trying new things on the internet.

The Circuit is also providing online worship opportunities, with Peter Jackson using the service materials that have been produced, and leading a service that you can find on YouTube; and Christine Crabtree has been recording meditations that you can find at www.bradfordnorth.org.uk under ‘Virtual Worship amidst Covid-19’. There is a new page for Spirituality, which has resources for Quiet Days and prayer at home. Thank you to Roy Lorrain Smith and Jackie Marshall for their help in this.

The District has asked us about the finances of churches, now that weekly offerings are affected and lettings have disappeared, and we have asked each individual church how things are going. Most are able to cover costs including assessment, and the Circuit will offer help to those who will struggle. This is an emergency situation for which we need to use reserves to see us through, and the Circuit will also be using its reserves to cover this time. People who are continuing to give their weekly offering by Direct Debit are helping their churches cope, and we thank you. If you would normally give your offering in cash, if you can set this aside each week it would be much appreciated by your treasurer. If, however, you are struggling because your income has been affected, please put your family first.

Until we can meet again, please keep indoors; stay safe; save lives; protect the NHS and your family, friends and neighbours.

God bless you all
Nick, Christine and Phil

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