From the Rector
Dear Friends in Christ
As we continue our pilgrim journey during this Lent, which is like no other we have known, we now move into a much more challenging time of “social isolation”. After two weeks of what was to begin with unusual, life is now taking on a pattern of routine. Although, routine helps to give shape and structure to daily life, there is a danger that things can become rather tedious and frustrating. Remember, along with many communities, worldwide, we have a responsibility to make a contribution to that which will make others well and keep them and ourselves safe.
For this reason, it is going to be very challenging, this year as we move into Holy Week and Easter. Normally, as we enter with Christ into his Passion and death on the Cross accompanying him from the upper room of Maundy Thursday, to the Cross and tomb of Good Friday, we expect to be raised up with Christ in the joy of the resurrection at the Easter Vigil. This year our celebration of Holy Week and Easter will be very different. In fact, as we are prevented from celebrating publicly and liturgically what is a powerfully and spiritually significant time of our church year, the days which pass from Lent to Eastertide, may appear routinely similar.
I am working on prayer material which will be sent out via e-mail to those of you who are able to access it. Also, Mthr Hilary and I are co-ordinating a group of volunteers, who have offered to be Parish Communicators. These “ministers of pastoral contact”, will be assigned parishioners, who only have telephone access, and will keep them informed of what is going on in our parish family as well as helping to look after their needs. It may well be possible to print off the weekly pew sheet and post it through their doors (taking all the advised) precautions.
I intend to record and broadcast daily meditations during Holy Week along with the Triduum Liturgy in some form. These will be available to view on the relevant day – so keep checking your email inbox! Additionally, appropriate prayer and worship resources will be mailed out for you to use.
Our church warden, Caroline’s, daughter, Olivia, has recorded a step by step guide how to weave a “palm” cross our of paper or card – (it is most entertaining: thank you, Olivia!) perhaps we could all make one and write prayer intentions on one side and things to be thankful for on the other. I am promised that Olivia will, also, be helping us to make our own Easter gardens at home. Look out for these treats!
Bread is still being broken and wine poured in memory of Him who gave his whole self that we might live abundantly and be one in God’s love. You may find the following prayer, by S. Alphonsus (this week in contemporary language), helpful in making what is called a “spiritual communion”.
My Jesus I believe that You are present in the most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I long to enfold You within my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least into my heart. I embrace You as being already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
God love you and bless you, your families and neighbours and all whom you hold in your hearts in prayer.
Fr David +
PLEASE NOTE ALL PUBLIC WORSHIP HAS BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
So that you can worship at home we have created some documents to assist you . Please go to the Worship tab for more information
Please visit our You Tube page for access to Mass during this time
"Whoever you are; wherever you come from, everyone is welcome here”
The people of Horfield Parish Church try to make these words come alive by example. We are a community gathered in the Church of the Holy Trinity with St. Edmund, and part of the community of Horfield, Bristol.
Our worship is centred on the Eucharist and the sacramental life of God’s church, that we may grow as people who witness, live and experience God’s love at work in the ordinary rhythm of daily life. We worship in the liberal, inclusive, catholic tradition of the Church of England
You will find a warm welcome in our church from people who strive to follow Jesus through prayer, fellowship and service to the wider community. We understand church is not the place to be given firm answers, but a safe place to ask searching questions, find reflective space and be ourselves before God who is love.
We seek to honour the diversity that strengthens us and enhances and enriches our common life. Our church is a place where we have the opportunity to continue our journey towards God together, young and old, encouraging and supporting one another and welcoming the visitor and the stranger with a hospitality that assures no one need travel alone.
Revd. Canon David McGladdery, SCP.