We will be holding Sunday services on the 8th and 15th August, then weekly from 12th September
Remember that in the current ongoing COVID pandemic, attending any gathering of people from multiple households increases the risk of infection. That is true for coming to church as well, however carefully we follow our 'COVID-safe' practices. So it is up to each individual and household to decide what is best for them. Of course we all want to be able to worship together, but please do not feel under any pressure to come if you are concerned about your wellbeing.
Mothering Sunday in Lockdown
A number of our regular congregation members were lucky enough to receive a mini Simnel cake (or healthier equivalent) for Mothering Sunday, 14 March 2021."To YOU as part of our church family: a traditional gift, Simnel cake. In the past, this was taken home by girls in service on their one day off in the year".
St Andrew's Church, Chinnor, has hosted a Christmas Tree Festival in the church since 2011 and has grown as an annual event enjoyed by the whole community in Chinnor of all ages and interests — from the under 5s to the most senior members of our community.
It took place this year in the churchyard of St Andrew's Church with a small forest of real trees with a QR code by each, linked to a Christmas carol for all the family to enjoy. The Methodist tree was linked to "Away in a Manger" and was decorated with plenty of stars, cattle beneath it and with a nativity scene on top and beneath.
32 cardboard lantern cut outs, coloured cellophane, foil and glue were delivered to members and friends to assemble, along with prayer and meditation suggestions. It will be good to see these hanging at windows around the village and at the church.
Our prayers and readings:
https://www.christianaid.org.uk/pray/churches/coronavirus-prayers
A prayer for times of isolation
'For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come... will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.' (Romans 8:38-39)
God of heaven and earth,
in these times of isolation,
apart from loved ones
distant from friends
away from neighbours
thank you that there is nothing
in all of creation,
not even coronavirus,
that is able to separate us from your love.
And may your love that never fails
continue to be shared
through the kindness of strangers
looking out for each other,
for neighbours near and far
all recognising our shared vulnerability,
each of us grateful for every breath,
and willing everyone to know the gift
of a full and healthy life.
Keep us all in your care.
Amen.
Intercession for Christmas Tide
(taken from "The Book of a Thousand Prayers" , compiler Angela Ashwin, Marshall Pickering 1996)
Holy Child of Bethlehem
whose parents found no room in the inn,
we pray for all who are homeless.
Holy Child of Bethlehem
born in a stable,
we pray for all who are living in poverty.
Holy Child of Bethlehem
rejected stranger,
we pray for all who are lost, alone,
all who cry for loved ones.
Holy Child of Bethlehem
whom Herod sought to kill,
we pray for all in danger,
all who are persecuted.
Holy Child of Bethlehem
a refugee in Egypt,
we pray for all who are far from home.
Holy Child of Bethlehem
in you the Eternal was pleased to dwell,
help us, we pray to see the divine image
in people every where.
In your name we offer this prayer. David Blanchflower
https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/daily-reflections/december
Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Saviour and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world." — Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933), Presidential message offered on December 25, 1927
Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect." — Oren Arnold
https://www.southernliving.com/christmas/christmas-prayer?slide=599e6b83-6de8-4989-929b-f36c1cf2c39d#599e6b83-6de8-4989-929b-f36c1cf2c39d
When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with the flocks, then the work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, to heal those broken in spirit, to feed the hungry, to release the oppressed, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among all peoples, to make a little music with the heart. And to radiate the Light of Christ, every day, in every way, in all that we do and in all that we say. Then the work of Christmas begins.
"The earth has grown old with its burden of care
But at Christmas it always is young,
The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair
And its soul full of music breaks the air,
When the song of angels is sung."
Harvest Bubbles at Chinnor Methodist Church Autumn 2020
When it became clear that the traditional Harvest Festival Service and Supper wasn't going to happen this year, friends and members of Chinnor Methodist church decided to set up an alternative. At the time when up to 6 households could meet socially distanced in gardens, these bubbles met for tea, cake and prayer in several gardens in the village. All felt that this year, there had been greater awareness of the changes in nature through the seasons, and in our prayers we thanked God in particular for "rain and sun and insects to pollinate crops; for farmers who work with nature and preserve the beauty and diversity of God's creation; for wild creatures which enjoy the harvest of berries, nuts, grains and seeds and for the soil, rich and precious, home to countless living creatures which maintain fertility and give us food and life". We prayed for the future, "for growing awareness that we all depend on the earth for our daily food and fuel; for the increasing numbers of people who want to eat local food and have closer links with food producers and for wisdom to live in ways that will slow down climate change and keep the rains falling in their due season". Several boxes of tinned and packet foods and toiletries were collected for "The Porch" in Oxford who support the homeless and vulnerable in the area.
The groups were blessed with sunny weather and enjoyed meeting face to face and chatting together. We look forward to being able to meet again regularly in the church for worship and activities in the future.
We are delighted that the refurbishment of the chapel is complete.
The intention of the architects was to make an area that looked renewed and bright but kept the essentials of the historical building. The last item to be completed was the handrail for the new disabled access ramp. We now have level parking in front of the building, with a choice either of steps or a gradual ramp to the new automatic doors.
Our first service was held on Sunday 15 January and there was general approval of the new look. We would like to express our thanks to Tom Chamlet and his building team who have completed the job ahead of schedule and with unflappable good humour. It is a crowning touch that, having six foundation stones with the Croxford name, the latest generation of the family laid the screed in the porch.
...CLICK HERE) for report.