from Val

Dear Friends

I hope you all continue to be safe and well. 

The past few weeks have seen the lifting of a number of the restrictions of lockdown.  It has been reassuring to know our efforts to Stay Home have made a difference and we pray that things will continue to improve.  You will be aware it was announced yesterday that Places of Worship can now re-open for private prayer from Monday 22nd June.  This is very short notice and it is not intended that we will open any of our Churches on Monday.  There are a large number of precautions that will need to be put in place if we do decide to reopen.  Please find attached information received from the Diocese.

One of the gifts of lockdown has been listening to the birdsong.  Hearing the birdsong with such clarity has been a great blessing as the birds enjoy the peace that lockdown has brought.
Singing is a great gift and the sad passing this week of Dame Vera Lynn has reminded us that a song can mean so much in even the most trying of times.  The songs of Vera Lynn speak of hope and unity in times of separation and danger.  HM the Queen used ‘We will meet again’ as the closing line of her lockdown speech as we faced the prospect of weeks or months of separation from our families.

In a tribute to Vera Lynn it was said it was not just her immaculate voice that made her one of Britain’s greatest singers, but the warmth and sincerity she was able to put into every song.  She was pivotal in the generation we have recently paid tribute to though the 75^th Anniversary of VE Day.  But she didn’t forget those who would serve until VJ Day when she visited Burma to entertain the troops in 1944. 

We may not all be able to sing with wonderful dulcet tones, but singing is a joy and something to be treasured.  Thank you to all who took part in our Favourite Pentecost and Trinity hymns poll. 

The result of the Llanrhaeadr congregation is:

1. Breathe on me breath of God
2. Love Divine
3. Holy, holy, holy & Lead us heavenly Father lead us 

May I wish a very Happy Fathers’ Day to all Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, Godfathers and all who have the care and welfare of our children at heart.  The care of our children and young people in these difficult days is of paramount importance and I thank you for your care and support for each and every one of them as we look to the future.

Keep Singing!

With Every Blessing…Val