The June edition of Connected is available to download

This month we focus on the 75th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe that occurred on 8th May. The celebrations were most welcome; everyone did what they could under the lock-down and I think that the event was wonderfully colourful.
Once again The Directory is missing, but fingers crossed that we might start to see events being planned again shortly.
Jackie Jackman provides the Dear Friends ‘walking with God’ text this month, and Tony Service updates us on the Methodist Circuit. Once again Tony has helpfully let me have some additional poems and prayers to help fill the pages, and very welcome they are too. I particularly like Edith Stell’s poem about the Rainbow (page 8).
Barbara Richardson writes about the Mothers’ Union’s support to NHS staff, and the MU Wave of Prayer to help build hope & confidence in the world.
Yvonne Green reflects on Easter in lock-down, and in particular not playing the organ, and we also hear from Fred the spider who lives beneath the keyboards at St Francis.
I report on the VE celebrations and the excellent generosity of Christine Sample and The Fox pub in supplying lunches for people in lock-down. I also report on the Saint Day of William of York that also occurred on the 8th May.

Finally I report on the on-line services that have been created by a small dedicated team at St Wilfrid’s in response to the Covid virus.

The June Edition may be downloaded here

And previous editions here

Family Focus No9 31st May 2020

Each Sunday we will upload links to resources specifically aimed at children and family worship. There are lots of prayer and worship activities available on-line and we hope that you will find these links helpful and rewarding!

Click here to access the resources for this week!

St Wilfrid's Livestream: Pentecost 31st May 2020

Dear all

We are looking forward to sharing with you in the St Wilfrid’s livestream service this Sunday at 10.30am!

The link to the livestream is available here

You can you can follow the service by printing off the Service Booklet, and the Gospel Readings & Hymns, available from Rev. Pete's email earlier this week, or you can download the Service Booklet and Readings here.

You may want to have a candle ready, so that as we light the candle here at the beginning of the service, you can too in your own home, as a sign of our unity in Christ.

Love and peace

Revds Hannah and Rob

The Ninth Pete in Touch video is now out!

The next YouTube Video by Revd. Pete is out on Wednesday! Aimed at families and children, why not log-on to the Parish YouTube site and join in the songs, stories, prayers and fun! Updated every Wednesday!

The Pete in Touch YouTube videos may be found here

St Wilfrid's Livestream 24th May 2020 @ 10:30am

Dear all

I am looking forward to sharing with you in the ninth St Wilfrid’s livestream service this Sunday at 10.30am!

The link to the livestream is available here

You can you can follow the service by printing off the Service Booklet, and the Gospel Readings & Hymns, available from my email earlier this week, or you can download the Service Booklet here and the Readings here.

You may want to have a candle ready, so that as we light the candle here at the beginning of the service, you can too in your own home, as a sign of our unity in Christ.

Love and peace

Revd Pete

Family Focus No8 24th May 2020

Each Sunday we will upload links to resources specifically aimed at children and family worship. There are lots of prayer and worship activities available on-line and we hope that you will find these links helpful and rewarding!

Click here to access the resources for this week!

The Eighth Pete in Touch YouTube Video is now out!

The next YouTube Video by Revd. Pete is out on Wednesday! Aimed at families and children, why not log-on to the Parish YouTube site and join in the songs, stories, prayers and fun! Updated every Wednesday!

The Pete in Touch YouTube videos may be found here

Making Pentecost Special in a Time of Uncertainty

Here is an invitation to join in a Retreat in Daily Life by Skype, Facetime, Zoom or phone.
This involves the retreatant committing ideally to the following from Monday 1st to Friday 5th June:
• At least 30 minutes of prayer each day with suggested ideas,
• Keeping a note of what comes out of that prayer time (even if it is ‘nothing!’),
• Talking to the Retreat Facilitator, in confidence, for up to 20 minutes each day, about the experience of prayer, via Skype, , Zoom or phone.
And a brief e-conversation on Pentecost Sunday (May 31st), to set the scene.
If you would like to make this retreat, this journey, as you live each day at home in the week of Pentecost, please contact Rev. Roy Shaw, the Facilitator, either via 01757 212360, or via revroyshaw@protonmail.com by Wednesday 27th May
May God bless us all as we journey with God at this time, when our generous God pours out the Spirit of Jesu

Family Focus No7 17th May 2020

Each Sunday we will upload links to resources specifically aimed at children and family worship. There are lots of prayer and worship activities available on-line and we hope that you will find these links helpful and rewarding!

Click here to access the resources for this week!

St Wilfrid's Livestream 17th May 2020 @ 10:30am

Dear all

I am looking forward to sharing with you in the eighth St Wilfrid’s livestream service this Sunday at 10.30am!

The link to the livestream is available here

You can you can follow the service by printing off the Service Booklet, and the Gospel Readings & Hymns, available from my email earlier this week, or you can download the Service Booklet here and the Readings here.

You may want to have a candle ready, so that as we light the candle here at the beginning of the service, you can too in your own home, as a sign of our unity in Christ.

Love and peace

Revd Pete

The Seventh Pete in Touch YouTube Video!

The next YouTube Video by Revd. Pete is out on Wednesday! Aimed at families and children, why not log-on to the Parish YouTube site and join in the songs, stories, prayers and fun! Updated every Wednesday!

The Pete in Touch YouTube videos may be found here

Domestic Abuse and Mental Health Support

The national media has reported a significant increase in domestic abuse incidents over the last few weeks as the country responds to life in lockdown. The charity ‘Refuge’ has said The National Domestic Abuse helpline has seen a 25% increase in calls and online requests for help since the new measures have been in place.
We recognise that domestic abuse can occur in any community and can impact on anyone regardless of gender, faith or background. It is important that we recognise this period will be a pressurised time for some and it is likely that access to services who can support and advise may be hugely welcomed and important for the individuals and families affected by this.
There are a number of organisations, both national and regional, who can offer specialist advice and support to those who are experiencing, or are at risk of, domestic abuse. Support is available via telephone, and some services offer discreet, easy ways to access help, including via text messages, online web chat services or mobile Apps.
If someone you know from your church, parish or community has concerns regarding domestic abuse, or you are worried they may need access to specialist support, the following agencies are there to offer help:
Contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 24-hours a day, for free and in confidence. 0808 2000 247 or Contact them online
IDAS is the largest specialist charity in Yorkshire supporting anyone experiencing or affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence. Call the North Yorkshire helpline on 03000 110 110
Alternatively, IDAS offer an extended Live Chat from 3 pm - 6 pm for anyone who is worried about their relationship or for someone they know. Info via https://www.idas.org.uk/contact/
National Centre for Domestic violence:
0800 9702070 or text: NCDV to 60777
https://www.ncdv.org.uk/
Refuge : https://www.refuge.org.uk/
Refuge UK wide 24-hour helpline: 0808 2000 247 • Police: via 101 or 999 (press 55 when prompted if you can't speak)
The church is committed to responding well to domestic abuse. The national policy and practice guidance can be found here:
https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2017-11/responding-well-to-domestic-abuse-formatted-master-copy-030317.pdf
Equally, and just as importantly, many people will find they are struggling with their mental health as we all attempt to adapt to social distancing and isolation measures. This may include having to stay at home and avoid other people.
This might feel difficult or stressful, but there are lots of things you can try that could help your wellbeing.
For those looking for support with their mental health, the following services can be accessed quickly and with confidence.
Samaritans, via telephone or email
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Mind, via telephone, email or text
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/
Childline, call chat or email
https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/

Image by Ben White on Unsplash

St Wilfrid's Livestream 10th May 2020 @ 10:30am

We are looking forward to sharing with you in our livestream service this Sunday at 10.30am!

This Sunday’s service will be Family Communion and led by Revds Hannah and Rob.

The link to the livestream is available here
You can you can follow the service by printing off the Service Booklet, and the Gospel Readings & Hymns, available from Pete’s email earlier this week, or you can download the Service Booklet here and the Readings here.

You may want to have the following ready for the prayers of Intercession. This week, we will be using objects found around our homes to help us to pray. If you would like to join in with the prayers in this way, then you will need to have with you during the service:

Something to represent the world (e.g. a ball, atlas, map, newspaper, Google Maps on your phone(!) etc.)

Something to represent the church (e.g. a cross, church magazine, bible, prayer or hymn book, candle etc.)

Something to represent others (e.g.an address book, diary, phone contacts list, toy figures or cuddly toys etc.)

Something to represent you (e.g. something you love, something that represents your job/hobby, or you could just use your hands!)

If you’d rather not have objects to hand, please don’t worry as you will be able to use Rob’s objects as symbols for prayer.

Also we will be using a candle which you might wish to have to hand so that as the candle is lit at the beginning of the service, you can too in your own home, a sign of our unity in Christ.

Love and peace

Revds Hannah and Rob