Limited services will continue in St Luke’s church into October

The relaxation of official restrictions now permits certain services to continue in church buildings, but subject to strict conditions including social distancing being met and comprehensive risk assessment.   St Luke’s is a relatively small church and keeping to the recommended social distancing requirement limits the maximum number who can safely attend to about 30 people. 

Following support from the parish replying to a questionnaire consultation the Church Council decided to resume limited services in church on a trial basis during August on Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 10.30am. Attendance at these short restricted Holy Communion services has been good with around 30 communicants on Sundays.  The necessary precautions including wearing face-masks, correct social distancing and cleaning were maintained to keep everyone safe and so these limited services in church will  continue into October.

There is a Link guidance sheet available in church which sets out the ways in which we can help one another keep safe, while at the same time finding encouragement and Christian fellowship in church.

Our regular Sunday morning service using Zoom continue but at the later time of 10.30am for parishioners with internet access, as do our short services of Morning Prayer on Monday – Wednesday at 9am and our Prayer Meeting on Thursday at 9.30am – please contact secy@stlukesholmeschapel.uk if you do not have the Zoom access details.

Please continue to check our website and FaceBook page for support in your individual worship and prayer.

More information on the Noticeboard

Crozier Service, 20 September 2020 – Chester Cathedral

Bishop Mark Tanner began his public ministry as the Bishop of Chester on Sunday 20 September.

Bishop Mark stands on the threshold of the West Door and prays a blessing over the city, county, and diocese.

The service of welcome for the new bishop had to be altered to conform with the coronavirus restrictions. This meant just 30 people were able to attend and witness the beginning of Bishop Mark’s ministry.

On a bright autumnal day, with the sun illuminating in multi-coloured splendour the almost empty nave, the scene was set for the special occasion.  Bishop Mark processed formally through the cathedral into the Quire with prayers at the door, the font, and the nave platform. He paused at the cathedra and reflected on the consequences of coronavirus before sitting with the College of Canons and Choir for Evensong.

At the end of Evensong, Bishop Mark received the Melanesian Crozier at the High Altar and delivered a sermon to the 30 people in physical attendance and the hundreds of others watching online.

In his sermon, Bishop Mark reflected on life’s struggles and reminded us that people have worshipped at Chester Cathedral for centuries and have continually brought their burdens before God as “the one still peaceful point of calm in the midst of the storm.”

I can not tell you what the future holds, but, as the hymn writers put it, I can tell you who holds the future. And I can tell you that if we resolve even here and now, that, at this phase, indeed for every day of the life of this diocese, we will look in two directions: at Christ and at the lost.

 

He will shape and form us, that we continue to be his beautiful bride, ever fit for purpose however the world might change around us. Looking at Christ, in order that daily, as we feed on his word and join together in worship, we are shaped in his image and filled with love which goes far beyond our human capacity.

 

As we partner with people and agencies of peace and seek to serve those around us, particularly focusing on those who are most vulnerable, those who are abandoned and abused, overlooked and oppressed, we will find, that, as we serve them, we serve Christ, and that we are always shaped for relevant mission in this world.

 

We look at Christ and we look at the lost because that is what Christ himself did: ‘I did not come for those who are well, I came for the sick.

Bishop Mark brought the service to a close by praying a blessing over the city, county, and diocese.

You can watch the service on the Cathedral’s YouTube channel