Update from Rev Jon

Hi friends,

Last night Boris Johnson has made another startling announcement. I’m feeling a little in shock having heard it.

Here in England, in Bristol and in Southmead, we’re being put into a situation as close to a lockdown as I can imagine, and I’m sure a number of us are feeling a little shocked, scared even.

I don’t know what else is in store for us in the days, weeks, even months to come, but I do know its going to be hard for us as communities, families and individuals.You know that film ‘Finding Nemo’? There’s a fish called Dori, and Dori has a memory problem. She just swims along in the sea singing away to herself, ‘just keep swimming, just keep swimming’, over and over again. And its funny isn’t it. But its actually really good advice as well.

When I’m worried, unsure of what on earth is going on and what I’m supposed to do, when I’m feeling a bit scared about things, I often think of Dori. Just keep going. Just keep going. To me it feels very British as well, in an almost ‘stiff upper lip’ kind of way. And its just what we need to do right now. We know what’s needed; stay in doors, support those around you, particularly the vulnerable, don’t panic buy (not sure we can anymore), and just keep going. And we can add other words in like; just keep laughing, just keep loving, just keep praying. In fact, I think that’s the absolute best use of Dori’s little mantra; just keep praying.In response to the gatherings of crowds over the weekend, in response to fear, shock, anger, in response to Boris, in response to Corona, just keep praying my friends.

Here’s a few ideas –https://pray-as-you-go.org/https://www.northumbriacommunity.org/offices/how-to-use-daily-office/https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayerhttps://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-liturgy-and-prayer-resources

There are many many other ways to ‘just keep praying’ and I hope you find what works for you in this time. Remember, pray how you can, not how you can’t.

If I can be of any help whatsoever, please do get in contact.Peace be with you,

God bless,Jon