Following Government advice and in light of the guidance given on Tuesday 17th March by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, we have had to take the decision to cancel all our church services and events are until further notice. In these difficult times we offer our prayers especially for those who are anxious and isolated, and for those who are at greatest risk.

COVID-19

The Church continues to be alive and active, but in Birmingham our buildings must close.

We must physically distance ourselves from one another and prevent the spread of infection in order to save lives.

Therefore, as well as public worship being suspended, ours and all church buildings in the Diocese of Birmingham are now closed.

Our worship of God and our care for each other continue but cannot be done in this building.  The clergy team will continue to say Morning Prayer daily in their homes on behalf of the parish, and in these difficult times we offer our prayers especially for those who are anxious and isolated, and for those who are at greatest risk.

Donations to the Food bank

Although the Christian Life Centre (CLC) like many other religious organisations has suspended public worship, it is still maintaining its food bank, and in these trying times the need for providing assistance with food parcels is likely to increase.   Although we at St Mary’s are not in a position to act as a collection point, many food banks have an agreement with local supermarkets who will provide a drop-off point for donations.   For example the CLC has an arrangement with Sainsbury’s at the Battery Park where there is a drop-off point for donations to their food bank.   The CLC have always been very grateful to the congregation at St Mary’s for their support in the past, and hope that you will be able to continue to support this vital work, and the work of other food banks by making donations at your local supermarkets where possible.

Keep us, good Lord,

under the shadow of your mercy

in this time of uncertainty and distress.

Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,

and lift up all who are brought low;

that we may rejoice in your comfort

knowing that nothing can separate us from your love

in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Amen.

National Faith Leaders’ Statement

“As faith leaders in the UK we are united in our commitment to seeking the good of all especially in this time of crisis. In such a time our instinct is to gather as faith groups. We know, and affirm, that to do so at present is not only unwise but puts many lives at risk. We appeal again to all, please do not meet physically. Pray at home, share community online and by telephone, love and support the vulnerable and needy. Help contribute to food banks, reassure the fearful and lonely or isolated.”

Signatories:  Archbishop Justin Welby (Archbishop of Canterbury), Qari Asim (Chair of Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board), Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh (Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha), Sanjay Jagatia (Hindu Think Tank UK, Hindus in UK), Nasir Zameer Akhtar (Imam, Abrahamic Foundation), Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner (Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism), Yemi Adedeji (One People Commission, Evangelical Alliance), Presidents of Churches Together England, Archbishop Angaelos (Chair of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland)

For prayers and liturgy:

Visit the Church of England website https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-liturgy-and-prayer-resources

There is also the Daily Service on BBC Radio 4 Long Wave at 9:45am each day.

Sunday Worship is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 8.10am on Sunday, and Songs of Praise on BBC 1 Television on Sunday at 1:15pm.

Please continue to pray for all in leadership at this time, making decisions about the containment of the COVID-19 virus, for those working in health and social care, and especially for the most vulnerable, whether elderly or those with underlying health conditions.

1. •Alongside your prayers, could you take the opportunity to:
   

2. •telephone or email someone who is isolated
   

3. •buy some additional food for your local foodbank – our foodbank in Frederick Road is still open and facing increased demands, see the item ‘Donations to Food bank’ for further information
   

4. •offer to deliver shopping for an elderly neighbour
   

The clergy team will continue to say Morning Prayer daily on behalf of the parish from their own homes.  If you have any specific prayer requests or are in particular need at this time, please use the contact details on this website to get in touch, and we will do what we can to offer support.

Please keep scrolling down for more notices and information from Rev Hazel.