Last Sunday, Mothering Sunday we were encouraged to place a lighted candle on a  windows sill at 7.00pm as a symbol to the world  that even at a dark time the light of Christ still shines.  We are encouraged by our Bishop to do the same this coming Sunday and every Sunday at the same time until our churches are open for worship again. It is a way of doing something together even though we are apart as a Christian witness to the wider community Please consider doing this even if you think no one else can see your candle, and perhaps as you light your candle we could all pray together the following prayer commended to us by Bishop Robert:

God our Father, by whose mercy the world turns safely into darkness and returns again to light,we place into your hands all our unfinished tasks, our unresolved problems, our unfulfilled hopes, knowing that only what you bless will prosper.

To your love and protection we commit each other and all those we love, knowing that you alone are our sure defender, though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

and finish by saying:

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen