Last Updated: 3rd April
We are in uncertain times and the leadership of COGS wanted to clearly inform you of what is going on and what is changing in response to the Coronavirus health crisis. We are following the advice and guidance from the Church of England, who are examining and following the advice from the Government and Public Health England.
WE WILL BE UPDATING THIS PAGE WITH NEW INFORMATION AS AND WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE
Message from Howard
To read Howard's full letter, please click here
Church Services
Following the recent statement from The Archbishops of York and Canterbury, we have suspended all services and events until further notice. Given the unprecedented circumstances we are in and after consultation with the Bishop, Howard has postponed the remainder of his study leave and is back to duties within the parish. Howard has not come back to take stuff over but to support what’s already planned and in place thanks to the work of the wardens, PCC, Ministry Leaders, and Brian Pritchard – our Area Dean.
Being the Church
If you are self-isolating, or unwell and would like to make yourself known to the church, so that we can pray, and offer support, please contact the office. If you are not unwell and would be happy to be part of a support team to those in need, please let the church office know. We also need to remember that, whether we are meeting in the building or not, we are the church family. Please look out for your friends and neighbours and offer what support you can. Regular phone calls, or assistance with shopping are ways we can try to avoid people being lonely at home or left in need of essentials.
If you do not have access to the internet, please contact Matt by email or Howard.
If you would like to be more connected during this time of separation from others, please consider:
Joining our Church Mailing List - email Matt and request to join.
Joining our Prayer Chain - email Matt and request to join.
Joining Facebook - we know Facebook doesn't appeal to everyone but it is one way of staying connected with others and the church. Instructions for how to sign up for Facebook are here
Joining Twitter - we know Twitter doesn't appeal to everyone but it is one way of staying connected with others and the church. Instructions for how to sign up for Twitter are here
Joining Zoom - Zoom is a video confering tool, which can allow multiple people to meet online at the same time. Click here for some videos explaining how to sign up. Join our zoom coffee morning at 11am on Sunday - see online church link on the left for the link.
Prayer
It is vital that we as a church continue to pray for each other, for our community, and for our world. Please click on the daily prayer tab on the left to find more information on prayer, including a prayer booklet for morning and evening prayer.
Winchester Cathedral is posting daily videos of reflection and prayer. Find them here.
Worship and Services
COGS Services: Our services are available via the website (please use the Online Church link on the left) and our YouTube channel and we expect these to continue, along with regular reflections from Howard. Do subscribe to our YouTube channel – we are expecting to make more use of it than usual over the coming weeks. We are exploring the options of how we can further include those unable to make it to church.
For children’s work, keep an eye on the children’s page on our website. And let Lorna and Jane know if you want to be sent email updates as these become available.
There are plans to livestream Sunday services from HTB, Hillsong, Winchester Cathedral and Christ Church Winchester. Daily Prayer is available with Morning, Evening and Night prayer from the Church of England as a free app or via this link.
WE DO NOT WANT TO BOMBARD YOU WITH EMAILS. WE WILL BE UPDATING THIS PAGE WITH NEW INFORMATION AS AND WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE. PLEASE CHECK IT REGULARLY. IF THERE ARE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES, WE WILL SEND THIS OUT AS A FURTHER UPDATE.
Be assured of our prayers for you all at this time.