Snow was falling, snow on snow: on Thursday it really did feel very like a bleak midwinter outside. As I sat in my study looking out at the sunset, with a hot cup of tea, thought of all those whose homes aren’t warm, who can’t warm themselves with hot food and drinks, and, especially, those without a roof over their heads. This month our retiring collections are for Shelterbox, a charity which provides essentials for people who have been hit by disaster to rebuild their lives. They provide tents for those who have lost their home, shelter kits, solar-powered lights, blankets, water filters and carriers and cooking equipment: essential items to help those who have lost everything. The money we collect this month will help people who have been hit by disasters to start the process of recovery.
The new Covid variant has been on all our minds this week, and, while nobody knows yet what it will mean for us, whether it will spread more quickly or be more serious, it seems sensible to take precautions. Our Christmas services will all go ahead as planned, but we are now asking people to wear masks in church. I am going for my booster next week, and I hope that most of you have already had yours.
I am looking forward to the Cottingham Christmas Festival on Sunday – the first since I have been here! We will round off the day with Family Carols at 4pm. Please do encourage any neighbours and family to come to this informal carol service, and if they are bringing children perhaps they would like to dress up! Finally, I’m also looking forward to the second of our Refresh Your Confirmation sessions on Saturday at 12.30 in the Mark Kirby Hall. All are welcome!
with my prayers and blessings, Nicola