Dear Friends, 

You may have seen the recent advice from the government and the Church of England that churches can begin opening for private prayer next week. I know that offering access to our sacred space will be a great comfort for many people, particularly given the strangeness of our current circumstances.  

Conversations about what this might mean for St Barnabas were already underway with the Ministry Team and Churchwardens. Proper practical preparations need to be made as well as volunteers co-ordinated in order to ensure that visitors will feel safe and welcome. It is also essential that whatever we do is sustainable. 

It is likely that the church will be opened on one day of the week for a limited period of hours. All involved are trying to make this happen as soon as possible, aiming for the end of June. Further details will follow as soon as they are available.  

As we look towards celebrating St Barnabas day this coming Sunday, please pray for the work of the local church here and throughout London.    

Dear Lord,  

We are now planning for our shared future,  

we are seeking to create a safe space for encounters with Jesus Christ  

and we hope to be good news within the communities that we serve.  We pray for wisdom,  

we pray for creativity  

and we pray for pragmatism as we discern your will.  

Father, in the midst of the chaos  

and lament of this season, in your mercy,  

help us not to seek to control the wildness of your Spirit,  

but help us be immersed in your generous love, 

rebuilding lives, communities and your City. Amen  

With many blessings, 

Fr. Justin and the Churchwardens