"Hello,
First, thank you so much for everything you are doing for your communities at this unprecedented time. We know you are inside, and out, caring for the lonely, bereaved, ill, orphaned, isolated and scared. It is simply extraordinary to see the work Jesus’ church is being and doing and you inspire us.
We value your prayer support so very much and we are praying for you and your fellowship. You may have heard that it was with heavy hearts we closed our Support Centre earlier this week and moved what would usually be face-to-face services online and on the phone. The need for our services is greater than ever so we are doing all we can to make sure people in our town and further afield get the help they need at this frightening and difficult time.
We have already seen the numbers of people asking for help to stay in their homes go up. But we have also been able to move people who have recently come to us for help because they are living on the street into safe accommodation. We have also started working with foreign embassies to help try to get people who want to go home if they are not originally from the UK.
What’s changed since our last update?
* Our staff are running support services in a different way. We have opened a hotline for those are homeless or at risk of homelessness and made it easier to get in touch via or website and by email.
* Alongside working with other local organisations like One Can Trust foodbank, we will continue to house anyone who would otherwise be sleeping on the street, and support our guests who are accommodated, ensuring they have what they need to be healthy through the provision of food and other items.
* Our staff will continue our homelessness prevention work over the phone and online.
* We are working as closely as ever with local government and other local organisations to make sure everyone is taken care of.
Please pray:
> For the safety and wellbeing of every single person who is helped by our services
> That no one would be made homeless at this time and that the tools needed to prevent evictions happening will be strengthened and enacted quickly
> That the staff and trustees stay well and healthy so they can continue to work
Give thanks for the generosity and support shown to the people we all serve Financial gifts are more vital than ever You might like to give to our appeal or share it with people you know who would like to help in this vital way. It is to help ensure our services as well as gifts of food, clothing and equipment can continue.
www.wyhoc.org.uk/urgent-appeal
Thank you so much"
The Wycombe Homeless Connection Team
'He's got the whole wide world in His hands'
Are you reeling at the moment from the impact of coronavirus? Are you wondering how you’re going to cope with months of isolation or social distancing? Are you worried about work, money or how the country is ever going to recover from the impact of this pandemic? And are you looking for some kind of spiritual solace, but struggling to find words to pray. Then this little book could be just the thing for you. It contains 52 prayers written in response to the crisis, asking for strength, encouragement and support, as well as help for loved ones and the wider world. Honest, down-to-earth and heartfelt, it’s a resource written to help you articulate what you are feeling and bring you hope in these dark and difficult days.
Why is it free?
With all the craziness and uncertainty in the world right now, both Nick and Kevin Mayhew Publishers wanted to give something back and help support you as we all go through this together - which is why Nick Fawcett has created this special resource in response to the situation we find ourselves in. They hope that it give you a little help and peace of mind. Stay safe.
https://mailchi.mp/kevinmayhew.com/forsuchatimeasthis
'Lockdown'
A poem by Brother Richard Hendrick, a Capuchin Franciscan
Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across the empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighbourhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome
and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
But there does not have to be hate.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
But there does not have to be meanness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square,
Sing
Since the Government has asked all churches to remain closed until further notice, it will no longer be possible to collect foodbank donations in the church porches. The larger supermarkets have collecting boxes at their entrance doors - please could we encourage you to support foodbanks by adding an item of food if and when you go to shop. Thank you for your generous support.
A message from CAFOD Director, Christine Allen
I’m sure that like me, you must be worried about the situation with COVID-19 at the moment. CAFOD is very much part of the Catholic family and as with any family, when one of us is unsettled or anxious it affects us all. We pray for all those affected by the virus both here in the UK and overseas, and for all the medical staff who are working so hard to keep us safe.
Although gathering as a church community is paused, it was good to hear that the doors of churches will remain open, to offer us a place to be still in God’s presence.
We are learning new ways to keep spiritually connected and look after ourselves and others, particularly during Lent. Here are some ideas to help to keep us together as a community even though we need to be apart:
Our work in some of the world’s poorest communities continues. There is great concern as this is a fast-moving situation and we are closely monitoring developments in the countries where we work around the world so that we are ready to support our local experts with whatever they need.
Our work with so many in need is only possible because of the generosity and love you show to those around the world. If you wish to donate to our Lent appeal and support the crucial, ongoing work of our local experts like Sister Consilia, we will ensure your gift reaches the poorest and most vulnerable at this uncertain time.
As I’m sure is the case for many of us, I am praying for guidance from the Holy Spirit to help steer us through these difficult times. Thank you for continuing to keep CAFOD in your prayers. Please stay safe as we continue to support one another.
With love and prayers,
Christine Allen
Director, CAFOD
Message from: Hazel Chow
Beaconsfield Town Centre Chaplain
March 21st 2020
To all the shops and businesses in Beaconsfield
I am part of the staff team at St Michael’s Church, Warwick Road in the Church of England team of churches with St Mary’s in the Old Town and St Thomas’s, Holtspur. For a number of years I have taken on the voluntary role of Town Centre Chaplain for all the churches in Beaconsfield.
On their behalf I am writing to say that we know that this is a really difficult time for you, individually and particularly as businesses. You are in all our thoughts and prayers.
Social distancing and isolation means that I am unable to get round and speak to each of you personally but if anyone would like a listening ear you can ring me on 07968 078698.
Yours sincerely
Hazel Chow
Beaconsfield Town and Workplace Chaplain
The following links provide useful information.
Please find our contact details below: