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News

Our Churches are Open!

Churches are now allowed to open to the public for private prayer and reflection and for services. 

These services will be different from normal in so many ways. There will be social distancing in place and a whole host of other measures to ensure that the congregation and clergy remain safe.  Some of the Churches in the deanery will be able to cope easily with these measures some may not.

The Archdeacons of our Diocese, have written to clergy and
churchwardens this week and said:
The re-opening of churches is permission and not compulsion… So we say to you, please allow yourselves adequate time to prepare for a resumption of public worship. 
…
Not every church needs to recommence public worship before the summer. We might see public worship only partially restored before the autumn.

Please keep revisiting this page for details of when our Churches are opening for worship.

St Michael and All Angels, Barnes

Mid-week services also resume and may be especially appropriate for those who would prefer smaller gatherings than on Sunday:
9.00am Morning Prayer every day (except Friday)
Noon Mass on Wednesday
9.30am Mass on Saturday. 

The church is open every day (except Friday) from 8.45am until dusk for personal prayer.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1272424796253499392

St Mary, Barnes

Public worship resumes from 5th July with the following services on Sundays:
8am Holy Communion (BCP)
10am Parish Eucharist
11.30am Parish Eucharist
6pm Evensong 
To manage numbers, please email office@stmarybarnes.org or call 020 8741 5422 if you plan to come.

The Church is usually open for private prayer 9am-5pm each day.

All Saints, East Sheen

8am Eucharist resumes from 12th July.
10am Eucharist resumes from 5th July. This service will be live-streamed on Facebook
12 noon Eucharist resumes from 12th July.

Zoom services will continue as follows:
6pm on Weekdays Evensong
10am on Thursdays Morning Worship

The Church is for private prayer open 10am – 5:30pm, Monday to Saturday and 12noon – 5:30pm on Sundays.

St Mary the Virgin, Mortlake

10am Eucharist resumes from 5th July.

The Church is for private prayer open from 12 noon to 2pm each weekday.

Christ Church, East Sheen

The Church is also open for private prayer 2pm – 4pm every day.

Some pictures from the first day of opening at Christ Church, East Sheen

St Philip and All Saints with St Luke’s, Kew

Services will resume from 19th July as follows:
9:30am Sundays Eucharist at St Philip and All Saints
11am Sundays Morning Prayer at St Luke’s
10am Thursdays Eucharist at St Luke’s

St Anne’s, Kew

10am Eucharist resumes from 5th July. This will also be live-streamed via Facebook.
8am Said Eucharist resumes from 16th August
Seating capacity is limited to 60 so you are asked to apply to come to church by emailing the parish office at saintannekew@gmail.com giving the full contact details for yourself and members of your household who will be attending.

The Church is open for private prayer Monday to Friday between 10 and 11am.

Richmond Team Ministry

Services will resume from 19th July as follows:
9:30am St Mary Magdalene
9:30am St Matthias
11am St John the Divine

The Churches in the Richmond team ministry are open for private prayer as follows
Saturday 11 July
St John the Divine 10am – 12noon
St Mary Magdalene 10am – 12noon
St Matthias 10am – 12noon
Sunday 12 July
St Matthias 2pm – 4pm
St Mary Magdalene 2pm – 4pm
Tuesday 14 July
St John the Divine 9:30am-12:30pm

St Peter’s, Petersham

Sunday services will resume from 5th July as follows:
8am Holy Communion (BCP)
9:30am Parish Communion
Recorded Sunday services will be made available to view on YouTube in July and August.

St Richard’s Ham

10am Tuesdays Morning Worship
The Church continues to be open for private prayer every Sunday between 10 and 11.30am.

Holy Trinity Richmond

Sunday services will resume as follows:
6pm Evening Prayer from 2nd August
10am Morning Service from 6th September
Spaces are limited so booking is essential via htrichmond.org.uk/sundayworship

Holy Trinity, Barnes

Sunday and Wednesday 10am services resumed from 6th September.
To attend book at www.htbarnes.eventbrite.co.uk. Services continue online 10am, Sundays for those unable to attend.

News

A Musical Treat from St Mary Magdalene Choral Scholars

St Mary Magdalene, Richmond said farewell to their Choral and Organ Scholars in July as they came to the end of their year with them.
It had been a strange year for the scholars with not as much music as they would have liked, but they left to much applause and thanks from the congregation wishing them all well with their future ventures.
The above picture of the scholars was taken just before the Covid-19 lockdown.

Salvator Mundi by Thomas Tallis by the outgoing Choral Scholars
Synod

Diocesan Synod 8th July 2020

This was held via Zoom. A brief outline summary of the Synod’s  business is below, followed by Bishop Christopher’s Presidential Address.

WELCOME & OPENING PRAYER
Members of Synod were welcomed to their first ever remote Zoom meeting.  Wendy Stephens, newly appointed Diocesan Spa, was welcomed to her first Synod meeting following Bishop Christopher’s nomination. 

ANNOUNCEMENT & NOTICES
Members were updated on the process of holding APCMs following the extension to the usual deadlines due to Covid-19 and the ramifications on PCC and Deanery duties and deadlines.  The Revd Canon Stephen Roberts (Deputy Diocesan Secretary), Paul Morris (Diocesan Registrar) and the Revd Canon Dr Mandy Ford (Director of Discipleship and Ministry), were thanked for their service as this was to be their last meeting of the Diocesan Synod.  It was announced that Jackie Pontin had been appointed as Deputy Diocesan Secretary.

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
The Bishop of Southwark gave his Presidential Address, the text of which can be found here.

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR
The Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF), Alan Saunders, along with the Diocesan Secretary and Director of Finance, gave a presentation of the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 2019.  The Annual Report had been unanimously approved by the Diocesan Council of Trustees (a copy can be found here) at its May meeting.

The Diocesan Synod formally received the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 2019 by a unanimous electronic vote.

FINANCIAL UPDATE IN THE LIGHT OF COVID-19
The Diocesan Secretary supported by the Director of Finance and Chair of the DBF gave a presentation on Diocesan Finances in the light of the Covid-19 Crisis.  This included short term analysis to medium- and long-term planning.  Both Bishop Christopher and Alan Saunders were encouraged by the team’s dedication, support of parishes and  careful stewardship through the crisis. Bishop Christopher  thanked parishes for their endeavours to honour their 2020 pledges  and  encouraged  us all to continue to share and to trust in each other  as we emerge into a  new normal.

DEANERY MODEL RULES 2020
Mr Adrian Greenwood (Chair of the House of Laity) moved a motion that the Synod resolves to Approve the document entitled ‘The Role of Deaneries and the Rules and Constitution of Deanery Synods 2020– 2023’ in accordance with Rule 26 of the Church Representation Rules 2020.’”  This document had been updated in the light of several new factors including the addition of the Southwark Vision, Deanery Leadership Teams, and the newly approved ‘Church Representation Rules 2020’.  The Synod approved the Model Rules unanimously with only one abstention in an electronic vote. A letter and a copy of the Deanery Model Rules were to be circulated in due to course to Deaneries for them to formally adopt themselves.

DIOCESAN ADVISORY COMMITTTEE (DAC) CONSTITUTION
Philip Fletcher, the Chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee, moved a motion that the Synod approves the amended DAC Constitution, in accordance with the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2018. The Constitution had been approved by the DAC and the Diocesan Council of Trustees, and specifically included reference to the Southwark Vision and Eco Diocese (churches). The Synod approved the motion unanimously via an electronic vote.  Synod members were also reminded of two vacancies (one lay and one clergy) on the DAC and were encouraged to come forward if they wishes to be considered. 

SYNOD QUESTIONS
Formal questions and answers were presented to members and the Notice Paper can be found on the Synod website.

Diocesan-Synod-Presidential-Address-July-8th-2020Download
News

Reaching Out Beyond Social Media

Daily Hope Phone Line from the Church of England

Daily Hope offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.
 

The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind.

Visit www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-parishes/daily-hope-phone-line

The service will continue as lockdown eases to support those who will find it difficult to return to Church.

 Justin Welby said: “Daily Hope has been a lifeline for tens of thousands of people in the last few months. We’ve heard stories of people using it who are regular church attenders and those who aren’t. That’s a testimony to the vital importance of Daily Hope.

“I have been praying for those who have used the phone line, and written to us, that God would bring them comfort, not just at this time but in the weeks and months which follow.The Church will continue to look to serve older people, and those who can’t easily get out to a church building. I look forward to seeing how Daily Hope can go from strength to strength as lockdown restrictions are eased.”

Dial-a-Sermon from St Luke’s and St Philip’s, Kew

St Luke’s and the Barn Church, Kew have set up a phone line for parishioners to ring in and listen to the weekly sermon if they don’t have access to the internet.

Read https://bryonytaylor.com/2020/04/21/creating-a-dial-a-sermon-system-for-those-not-online/  to find out more.  (If you decide to do the same please click here to set up your Twilio account. It will give St Luke’s and you $10 free credit.)

St Richards Ham have produce prayer cards to be distributed to their neighbours reminding them that the Church is still there and praying for them.
Rev James Hutchings from St Mary Barnes delivering parish news to those without email.
There are ways of belonging to a worshipping community at this time that do not rely on a broadband connection, writes Lorraine Cavanagh in the Church Times. Click here to read full article.
Prayer

Ascension to Pentecost

Between Ascension and Pentecost, let us pray for God’s Kingdom to come in our everyday lives and in the lives of people we know.  Click here for daily prayers.

Novena of Prayer from St Michael and All Angels, Barnes

During the nine days between Ascension and Pentecost you are asked to pray daily for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the world and specifically for the recovery of our world and nation from corona virus.Friday 22nd May: Medical staff in hospitals and in the local community.
Saturday 23rd May: Nursing home residents and staff, home carers.
Sunday 24th May: Those sick with corona virus and the bereaved.
Monday 25th May: Government both local and national.
Tuesday 26th May: Schoolchildren, teachers, university students and staff.
Wednesday 27th May: The unemployed and key workers at risk.
Thursday 28th May: The elderly and the vulnerable.
Friday 29th May: The anxious, isolated and fearful.
Saturday 30th May: The Church’s ministry at this time.

The children have invited to to write a prayer or a Bible verse and attach this to the railings of the cloister or on the gates at the entrance to church by Pentecost.

Compline from St Mary, Barnes

In addition to the usual service of Morning Prayer fom St Mary, Barnes, there will be a daily service of Compline (Night Prayer) each evening  from Ascension Day to Pentecost (available from 6pm) on their Facebook page.

Call to prayer from Holy Trinity, Richmond

Image may contain: text that says "Pray at Midday! #PRAYATMIDDAY"
Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, say the Lord’s Prayer at 12 noon every day from Ascension Day to Pentecost.

News

Update from Kingston Hospital Chaplaincy

I am afraid I can only offer an update from a distance because I am working from home as an assistant chaplain at Kingston Hospital.  In happier days I work on site for 20 hours a week – my main responsibilities being the coordination of the “on call” chaplains and the chaplaincy volunteers as well as covering and supporting the lead chaplain in planning, teaching, strategy etc.  I focus particularly on bereavement and supporting those at the end of life.

Fortunately, the Chaplaincy has 3 younger chaplains who are maintaining on “on-site” presence every day and the five “on call” who cover the nights do this by telephone – as you can imagine this is really quite challenging.

Kingston Hospital were very quick at responding to this pandemic and in the early weeks of lockdown the Hospital was very much geared to the Covid situation.  This involved teams of doctors, nurses and support staff needing PPE much of the time and working round the clock to care for those who were affected by the virus.  This was really gruelling work.  There was a need to keep the footfall of the Hospital at a minimum to prevent the further transmission of the virus.  Some departments were closed down and staff either worked from home (and over the telephone) or were transferred to the areas that needed more staff.  My “on site” colleagues spent time in their PPE in intensive care or Covid wards.

Kingston was part of the South West London region – where there was significant combined planning and communication.  The Chief Executive gave a daily bulletin on video and often had videoed conversations with key people throughout the Hospital.  This was an excellent way of keeping in touch with everyone and allowing people to feel really connected.  The boroughs of Kingston and Richmond accounted for far fewer deaths and infected patients than the other areas in the South west region.

At present there are very few patients in Intensive Care and the other wards are moving back towards their original specialisms and the Emergency Department which saw a huge slump in attendance is now have a more normal attendance.  It is also now possible in some circumstances for a relative to be allowed on the ward to visit a family member at the end of life – often with the support of chaplaincy and followed up by the “on call” chaplains.  We have managed to produce a monthly newsletter and regular phone calls to keep connected to our volunteers and we have been involved in a variety of funerals, with all the challenges and constraints that need to be in place.

Along with a huge number of other people I have felt very unsettled over the last weeks and finding working from home very difficult.  I need to pay tribute to all the front line staff (chaplaincy included) who have worked fearlessly, professionally and compassionately over this pandemic and also to thank my colleagues who are working from home as well and all those in our families and communities who pray regularly for all our Hospitals and Care Homes.  Kingston Hospital will remain on full alert for several more weeks but there is a gradual move back to the normal life of the hospital and there is an attempt to begin to face the backlog of thousands of missed operations and appointments.

But everyone has to really vigilant.  It is very probable that with the necessity of social distancing I may not be back on-site til 2021 – there is no going backwards – much has been learnt about infection control – and how hospital staff can reform to face the complexities of a very dangerous virus which affects us all.  I hope to update you again in a few months.

I hope you all remain well and in good spirits – please keep Kingston Hospital in your thoughts and prayers

The Revd Judith Roberts, Kingston Hospital chaplain and Associate priest at St. Michael’s Barnes

Resources

Thy Kingdom Come – 10 Days of Prayer from Ascension Day to Pentecost

Archbishops Justin and Sentamu have invited every Christian to be part of Thy Kingdom Come: the worldwide movement of prayer. Emma Buchan, Project Director for Thy Kingdom Come writes, “Prayer, and prayer that God would empower all Christians to show and tell of God’s love to all, is always important but maybe none more so than at this time. Whether you have been involved before or not, whether you have planned lots or not had the opportunity to yet, it’s not too late to be involved in this specially adapted Thy Kingdom Come, which started on Ascension Day running through to Pentecost Sunday.

Here are five easy ways your congregation can be involved (the second also contains some resources direct from the Archbishops to help with any online service you are hosting on Pentecost Sunday):

1. DOWNLOAD the free Thy Kingdom Come app – packed full with videos, reflections, a daily podcast from N.T. Wright and the daily prayer journal (a great start to any day) from the Apple or Android app stores, simply search for “Thy Kingdom Come Prayer” (most resources available in a range of languages);

2. RESOURCES FOR YOUR SERVICES- easily downloadable music, prayers and short Thy Kingdom Come reflections from Archbishop Sentamu and Archbishop Justin designed to be included in your own zoom, youtube, vimeo or other Pentecost service. These are available for clergy to download now here: We are also leading on the special Thy Kingdom Come morning service with the Archbishop of Canterbury at 9am on Pentecost Sunday cofe.io/ChurchOnline. Including prayers from the His Holiness Pope Francis, music lead by Matt Redman and contributions from many others.

3. JOIN – Participate in a webinar joining a time of intercessory prayer lead by Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop Sentamu and Cardinal Vincent Nichols on Thursday 21st May 10:30-11:00. They will be praying for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our world today: that many might come to know the love, peace and joy that is found in Christ. If you would like to join – please register here TKC Intercessory Prayer.
This will be followed by a live Q&A from 11-11:30am with a Facebook live led by Archbishop Justin designed for those on the edges of faith where prayer is something new to them. The Archbishop will share his personal experiences of prayer and also take questions. click here The latter of these would be perfect to send a link to those interested in faith, on an Alpha course, etc.

4. SHARE the wide range of free resources available from thykingdomcome.global including a new augmented reality Family Prayer Adventure Map, a beautiful Prayer Journal, resources to host a continuous prayer room online (24/7), liturgical resources, a Journey with Mary and much more.

5. REGISTER on the website (www.thykingdomcome.global/lightuptheworld) what you are doing and where so we can encourage one another by lighting up the interactive map in prayer

When the Spirit of God came upon those waiting, watching and praying that first Pentecost, the followers of Jesus were not in the temple and they were not on the streets. They were in a home. Church buildings may have been shut but the Church has maybe never been as open, with vibrant, faith fuelled prayer in households up and down our nation and Christians mobilised to do the works of Jesus Christ as we serve and support those in our communities most in need: prayer and care hand in hand.”

As Archbishops Justin and Sentamu have said, “We’ll be taking part in what is sure to be a unique Thy Kingdom Come this year. We encourage you to join us in watching, waiting and praying, as the first Christians did, for God’s Spirit to equip and empower us to be a people who reflect the hope of Jesus in a world of need”