The Anglican Chaplaincy of St. Andrew,
Costa Del Sol East, Spain
Coronavirus
There is plenty of official advice about the Coronavirus from the UK Government and also from our own Bishop’s – their most recent letter of advice to Clergy is shared by following the link on the right. I came across this Reflection by the Bishop of St Alban’s on his Diocesan Website and thought it was worth sharing….
Coronavirus Golden Rules:
Golden Rule One. Each one of us can think about how we can protect and support our neighbours. So much of the public rhetoric is sowing fear about the danger of other people. So, taking all the official precautions, offer help and reassurance to others – and don’t demonise anyone or any group.
Golden Rule Two: Think about who may be suffering more than me. For those of us who are healthy there is much less to worry about but the elderly, the housebound and those with chronic health conditions may be very anxious. How about each church undertaking an audit of all the vulnerable people they know and sharing out the responsibility to phone them each day. There’s nothing like a friendly voice to offer solace when someone is worried. A smile can bring cheer, even on the phone. If you visit, follow all the official precautions or don’t go.
Golder Rule Three. Don’t give into panic and start hoarding food. There is plenty to go around, so practise the Christian discipline of sharing. Ask your neighbours what they need and do you best to help them get it. If you are self-isolating you will of course need some supplies.
Golden Rule Four. Live today to the full. None of us ever know what the future holds. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6: 25-34), Jesus challenged his followers to live each day fully and not be afraid. Every time we are tempted to give in to fear we need to make a conscious choice to respond in trust and openness.
And, along with just over half the adults in the UK, don’t forget to pray. Here’s a suggestion from the Rev’d Louise Collins, a Team Vicar in Borehamwood, Herts:
Dear God our Shield and our Defender, guide and protect my neighbour in this time of health emergency; deliver them from all harm and may your love and care ever grow in this place, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
Please remember that our return to church is strictly governed but the Spanish Government’s laws, FEREDE (the Ministry of Justice agency governing non-Catholic churches) and our own Diocesan guidelines.
To meet the rules and regulations governing our return, we will need your help - and ask everyone attending to please:
-
Make use of hand gel as you enter the church (even if you are gloved)
-
Wear face masks
-
Sit in the allocated seats – starting from the front (back at Los Boliches) and where a service order has been placed. Those from the same household may sit together.
-
Keep to the 2m social distancing.
-
Holy Communion will be given in one kind (wafer alone) and please make sure your hand is open to receive the wafer.
-
There will be a retiring collection
-
Please leave as directed, starting from the back (front at Los Boliches) of church.
-
Sadly there can be no singing in these early weeks of returning.
