If regulations allow, we are going to try to have as many Christmas services as possible. However, assuming current guidance remains in force they will have to be quite different. The key difference will be that we won’t be allowed to sing carols in our services which will be a huge disappointment to many, but is a rule we have to abide by. We will instead have carols sung by a small socially distanced choir at our services, which will hopefully give them a festive feel nonetheless. If you would like to offer your voice to be involved in a small, socially distanced choir at any of the services please do get in touch with Tiffer and let him know your availability. Our seating capacity is also incredibly limited, so we will therefore be running more services, and compulsory booking for all Christmas services through the usual link: https://forms.gle/rdc1HgehaSUeQm2u9
Zoom Coffee Morning
Every Wednesday morning from 10-11am we are having a Zoom coffee morning: login details are exactly the same as for our Zoom services and please do phone in if you don’t have a device or good internet connection. Bring your own tea and coffee!
Quiz Nights
We are having some Zoom quiz nights monthly on Fridays: 9th October is the next one. Teams of 4 adults (children can help too!) and we can put you in a team on the night. Join anytime before 7.30pm, and bring something fruit based! No cost (or prizes!) but donations to your local church welcome. Email Tiffer to let him know you are joining, but turning up on the night is fine too (in the usual Zoom room).
Church Opening
Rattlesden and Brettenham churches are open every Wednesday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm. Thorpe Morieux is open every day from 9am to 6pm. Hitcham church is still closed for building works. Can I say a huge thank you to the volunteers who are cleaning after services and during the week to ensure we can remain open during this period with more challenging procedures we must adhere to. If you feel able to volunteer to help with cleaning it would be most appreciated.
Fundraising and donations - Along with most institutions and organisations in the country, St Mary’s Church is looking at a significant deficit this year, as our usual income from Sunday giving and cancelled fundraising events has obviously ceased. We are incredibly grateful for those who give by standing order or direct debit,
or who are putting their usual weekly donation aside until church reopens again. I realise that a lot of people are struggling, and some may have to reduce their charitable giving at this time, but if you are able to help it would be incredibly appreciated. The Parish Giving Scheme has opened a new phone line so people can set up monthly giving via direct debit that can be altered or cancelled at any time with a phone call. Please call 0333 002 1271 Monday to Friday in office hours and they will guide you through. It takes about 15 minutes, and you'll need your bank details and our church’s number: 330633228 If you would like to make a direct donation, then the bank details are:
Brettenham PCC Sort Code: 20-16-12 Acc No: 00195499
Please contact the treasurer Chris Clarke if you are a UK taxpayer and you wish to add gift aid to your donation at no extra cost to yourself. 01449 736607 cedclarke@btinternet.com. Cheques made out to Brettenham PCC can be sent to Chris so please contact him for further details.
Thank you so much for any donation, it is incredibly appreciated to ensure your local churches remain open and upright for the next few years!
Rev'd Christopher "Tiffer" Robinson