23rd March 2021

As you will undoubtedly know, today we remember that it is a year since we were put into the first lock down, to slow the spread of corona virus.
It is also the day when we were told to lock our churches – they could no longer remain open even from private prayer. This last year has been a year of pain, of grief and of some joys too.
We have learnt that stock piling toilet paper is a very niche hobby and not to be copied, that things we took for granted – particularly time with family and friends – are never to be dismissed as the back ground of our lives and that we, blessed by living in our rural part of Suffolk, have had our gardens and the countryside to lift our spirits when things seem oppressive.
We have lost family and friends and not been able to grieve with the wider circle of others through this time, we’ve watched as people we care for have struggled with loneliness or grief on their own and we have felt helpless as  others have had to work and put themselves at risk while we have had to stay home.
We have volunteered, phoned and supported others as much as we can and we have laughed at every joke on social media (and every email sent out by Lynn Hannant)
We have known that God is with us – through every difficult and challenging minute of lock down – and that his promise that he will never leave us or forsake us has been tested and found trustworthy.
>
While All Saints Church has had to remain closed for the short term, for a number of reasons, St. Mary’s church was able to open as soon as the first lock down was eased – thanks to the people who have gone in tirelessly to clean it every day – and today there will be candles available for those who want to go and light one – to remember, to give thanks, to grieve.
At midday there will be a national minute of silence and we will mark this in St. Mary’s with both the silence and with prayer.
>
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
the lord look kindly upon you and give you peace.