Dear Friends
Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I pray and wish everyone a happy April !
We are all in lockdown and the whole world is also experiencing the same in this pandemic crisis. We are encouraged to be at home by the Government and the Churches to prevent the virus from spreading and to protect ourselves and others in sensible ways. Eventually, our own ‘Home’ becomes a multi-faceted place such as the workplace, resting place, private place, comfortable place, uncomfortable place and so on. Social distancing and self-isolation occur even in our homes and that generates more self-discipline and self-realisation at home as well.
For the past two weeks we have promoted the self-disciplined prayer life among our members by holding family prayers and also lighting the candle of Hope during this pandemic crisis. The stories we listen to through media about Coronavirus locally and globally generate every day more understandable anxieties about the way of our lifestyles. These prayers help us to be one in spirit either gathering at home or contacting by phone. Obviously, the spirituality we share moulds us to grow in our faith and opens our eyes to appreciate the love and care which the society also offers through different means.
Our Sunday Worship Services at the Worshipping Centres are now cancelled until further notice. We do not know when we will gather together again. This month is a special month in the Church Calendar. We need to thank God that we are able to worship the Lord at least in our homes just like the early Christians...the new Converts. They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42)
Regarding Worship Services, please put the following plans in your diary for this month and worship together in your Homes or wherever you are.
1. Palm Sunday (5th April): The Service plan for Palm Sunday with Passion reading.
2. Prayers during Holy weekday at 7:00 pm : The Service plans from Monday 6th April to Thursday 9th April.
3. Good Friday (10th April): Service plan with Stations of the Cross & 7 reflections from Jesus’ Seven verses from the Cross
4. Easter Day (12th April): Service plan & Sermon
5. Prayers during weekdays in Eastertide
6. Sunday Service plan for 4th Sunday in April (26th April)
Regarding pastoral support, I am happy to be contacted. If anything is urgent, please contact your Prayer Fellowship Co-ordinators and then they can also help and inform me in this regard.
I wish and pray for every one of you to rejoice in the Lord despite this strange situation. Please make use of this period as a God-given opportunity for us to prepare ourselves with our families and church families to celebrate Easter and to renew our lives in our spiritual journey.
Apostle Peter wrote his first letter to persecuted Christians living in five regions of Asia Minor. He reminded them about Christ’s suffering as an example in their suffering. He emphasised how and why Jesus suffered; what is our Hope on him today in our suffering - He reminded them that Christ bore our sins in His body on the cross; by His wounds we have been healed (1 Peter 2: 18-25).
Healing is Christ’s gift to the Humanity. His suffering was not the end. His suffering gives us peace and transformation within us. May Christ peace be with everyone to give peace to our family, society and to the world through our continuous and fervent prayers at this moment.
Prayer for the Pandemic crisis
Loving gracious God
We are the apple of your eye
You are our sheltering grace
You are our healer
You are our guide
Your arms are always available to embrace us
Nothing is hidden from you
Nothing is impossible for you
You know where this virus originated
You know where and how it spreads
You have the wisdom to tackle this virus
You know how to protect your people
We depend on you alone
You give your wisdom to scientists & medical professionals
You give your passion to your church to care for your people
You connect yourself with us and help us to connect with others
To love, heal and to build our relationship
To witness your greatest love as
You are our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer....Amen
With Peace & Blessings
Revd Jessie Anand,
Minister, LTCC 2nd April 2020
07760 252 655 / 020 7622 3809