Church Blog
News, Updates, Thoughts

Two years ago this week, our churches began to respond for the first time to the Coronavirus pandemic and I wrote to each of you about some changes to the way we were going to have to operate for the (near!) future.

 Two years later, and after all we have endured, and all we see in the news today, I wanted to write to you again.  We may not quite be back to normal yet – whatever that might mean – but this week saw a number of things restarting, and I wanted to mark this moment with a thankyou.  A couple of times this week I have been reminded of the need for us to be thankful, even, and perhaps especially, when things seem tough or bleak. I have also been reminded that we should express that gratitude to those around us, often and earnestly. So I want to take a moment today to say thank you to you all. 

Thank you to all of you who have helped us to keep our churches going over the last two years.  Whether in practical, financial or spiritual ways I am aware of how much time, money and prayer has gone into our church life.  Turning up on a Sunday, whether in person, or online is a huge encouragement to us and to one another so thank you to all of you who have taken the time to come, in person or virtually and shared with us. Thank you to everyone on this newsletter chain for praying for the things which are happening.  Thank you to our prayer chain pray-ers for keeping those of us in need in their prayers and indeed for all of you praying for me too.  Thank you for those of you who have gone on rotas and agreed to support us in so many ways.  Thank you to those who have joined us recently, and those who have been part of our communities for many years.  Thank you everyone for your continued support.

May God bless you all

Whilst the legal requirement that facemasks be worn in all church services has been dropped by government, we are still very keen to continue keeping everyone as safe and well as possible.

Singing still increases transmission risk, so in line with other churches and venues both locally and nationally we are continuing to ask congregations to remain masked particularly when singing please.

We will continue to use individual cups for Holy Communion, have hand gel available, and keep the churches well ventilated.

Please continue to dress warmly!

TOTS (Together on Tuesdays) has been suspended until Tuesday 1^st March at the earliest due to the infection risks in the confined space of the Honeycomb. 

Morning Prayer on Facebook will take a break after Christmas Eve.

It will return on Tuesday, 3rd January 2022.

Masks must now be worn inside our church buildings unless you are exempt or consuming food or drink.

This is particularly important with new variants of Covid in circulation, and vital for keeping each other safe at busy Christmas services.

We are using individual cups for communion, and keep our building well ventilated with doors open during services, so it can become cold. Please dress warmly!

We ask that everyone respect each other’s viewpoints on this as we want as many people as possible to feel comfortable coming to our services. 

We urgently need members of both St Barnabas and St Mary’s to encourage each other by meeting weekly at 4pm on a Thursday at St Barnabas.

We hold each other in prayer at this time, giving God quiet and space to speak as we seek to allow the Holy Spirit inspire, guide and direct us as we seek to join in his Kingdom-building work in our communities.

Please come and join us, as we call upon the Lord.

This week we will be remembering the fallen of both World Wars and all conflicts since, the family and friends of those affected, and those who continue to serve us and others sacrificially in many walks of life around the world.

Services of Remembrance will take place in both churches in the Benefice at 10am on Sunday 14th November 2021, followed by Acts of Remembrance outside those churches at 10.50am as we gather as communities to pay our respects. 

You are welcome to come and join us at either church, or follow the appropriate service online via YouTube. If you would like more information please contact Rev'd Rachel.

Many of us have had close relatives and friends die over the last couple of years. In many cases it hasn't been possible to attend funerals and we may have found grieving difficult because of difficulties we've been faced with. Our memories of those we have lost will always be with us, but it can sometimes be helpful to take part in a special act of remembrance together with others; a special time to recall those we have lost and give thanks for their lives.

This year we are offering two opportunities to share in a special service of thanksgiving for our loved ones.
The first is at St. Mary’s Eversley on Sunday 31^st October at 4pm.
The second is at St. Barnabas Darby Green on Sunday 7^th November at 4pm.
Wherever you, or your loved ones, live you are welcome at either service. As we continue to try and keep each other as safe as possible, we are encouraging social distancing and asking people to continue to wear face-masks (unless you are medically unable to). The church will be well ventilated, so please wrap up warm.

If you wish your loved ones and friends to be mentioned by name at the service you wish to attend, please contact me (Rev'd Rachel - see below).  We hope you will be able to join us.

On Wednesday 27th October at 7.30pm, Abby Roper from St Barnabas is giving a talk for Yateley Society on the history of St Barnabas Church.

We have agreed to host them in the church and they would love people from the congregations to come along to join them for the evening.

Please come along if you can!