AS WE approach the middle of May, we seem to have been in lockdown forever, when in reality it has only been 50 days (as I write this).
For some people, this enforced change in the pace of life has brought much needed pause and space for rest and • reflection. For many it % has brought a great deal of anxiety and stress, and ^ for everyone (I think) it ” has brought uncertainty © about the future.
It is no different in the church – with members of the congregation dealing with the current situation with varying levels of calm, acceptance, stress and anxiety. Before the lockdown even began, churches had to close their doors and worship in the public space had to cease. But the church is about more than the building – it is about the people – and the congregations of Holy Trinity in Dunoon and St Paul’s in Rothesay have continued to meet together for worship on a Sunday, and several times during the week, using the internet and phone, often joined by people from other churches, and from as far away as London (with other places in between).
This different way of coming together in worship has proved to be enriching in unexpected ways, but we still look forward to returning to our spiritual homes, the church buildings that have seen the prayers of thousands of different people over the course of their history.
We hope that it isn’t too long before we can safely return, but in the meantime, we continue to meet, to care for each other and our neighbours and friends in whatever way we can. We continue to worship, and we continue to pray for all people.
Everyone is welcome to join the services, for further details have a look at the website www. holytrinitydunoon.co.uk or Facebook page, which are kept up to date with upcoming services and events, or ring 01369 702444.
The Rector of Holy Trinity Dunoon and St Paul’s Rothesay Revd David Railton
Printed Friday 15 May 2020
