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More lockdowns

Hi folks

Apparently the Oxford English Dictionary has made “lockdown” its word of the year - and with the circumstances this year, I think that any word connected to the “Coronavirus” “Covid-19” “pandemic” “restrictions” could make sense to use as the Word of the Year!  The reality is that any of the words above are difficult to live with.

The news that was announced on 19th November will result in our church (and all other places of worship) being closed for two weeks.  Much as this is disappointing news, it brings us into line with our brothers and sisters in the Republic of Ireland who haven’t met as congregations in many weeks.

I hope that we can understand the reasoning behind our obedience to the rules that were announced.  Our region in Northern Ireland is one of the most badly hit areas at the moment, and it makes sense that we should face the same restrictions as the rest of society.

The church building will be closed on 29th November and 6th December - the first two Sundays of Advent - however, the Church is still meeting, albeit online.  As Rector, I’ll share our normal service online via Facebook, and we will continue to worship and praise together.  Whilst we worship together, the message of Advent is to remind us that we are supposed to take the Christmas message out to the world - so we will continue to do so, no matter the conditions or circumstances!

In everything that happens between now and Christmas, let’s remember that WE ARE THE CHURCH - and NO ONE, neither governments, politicians, Satan or evil forces COULD EVER CLOSE THE CHURCH!!

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