What have you been getting up to?

12 months into the pandemic, I have been looking back on the things I have done during the year and been surprised at the range of activities which lockdown has brought on:

Walking:

My wife and I have walked on streets of Bradford which we had not walked on for more than 50 years! Averaging 2 miles per day, and missing very few days, we must have walked further than from Land’s End to John O’Groats (603 miles)!

Jigsaw puzzles:

Friends have loaned us puzzles, usually 1,000 pieces. This is one of the hardest ones I borrowed.

Crossword puzzles:

I have a book of Daily Telegraph puzzles, and I generally complete one per day. Good for the brain!

Restoring furniture:

During the beautiful weather around April – June 2020, I sanded and stained 6 dining chairs which we bought from Ebay. The garden was the ideal place to do this dusty job, and get a sun tan at the same time.

Zoom meetings:

These were a new experience for most of us! It has been good to share in regular Bible study with two groups: one in the circuit and the other St Andrew’s and Bolton. Circuit Meeting, Church Council and Church Leadership Team have been made possible by this means.

Monthly cash-counting:

Whilst services have not been held, fellow steward, Roger Butterfield and I have met monthly to count up regular offerings which church members have given to us directly. We have banked over £16,800 altogether, which has helped to keep the church accounts in the black.

Facetime with our families:

We regularly have video calls with our family in USA. But it has been a novelty and a blessing to Facetime with Eccleshill!

Worshipping at home:

We have regularly worshipped with Radio Leeds, Bradford North Circuit (YouTube) and Central Hall, Westminster.

What have you been doing that is different from usual?

Martin B, St Andrew’s

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