PEOPLE in Redditch and surrounding areas are being asked to light a candle and put it in their window at 7pm this Mothering Sunday.
That’s the call from Redditch town centre chaplain the Rev. Paul Lawlor in the wake of the Church of England’s decision to suspend church services across the country.
The Rev. Lawlor, vicar at St Stephen’s said: “These are unusual times, and they come at a moment when people might be looking to engage with something which in the past they didn’t feel they needed to.
“We need to look after each other, friends and neighbours, as well as we can do.
“We are asking people to use this Mothering Sunday as a day of prayer and action and to put a lighted candle in their window at 7pm as a sign of hope in the darkness.”
He added that across the borough clergy were looking at different ways to help people on their spiritual journey.
“We are a Church that is used to meeting every Sunday – should that be our main thing? In many ways we are presented with an opportunity here to look at new ways of serving people,” he said.
“As a clergy we plan to gather in small groups of two or three and enact services and streaming these so people can still take part.
“We have not stop praying and we will also be using paper for those who do not use the internet.”
At a meeting of Churches Together in Redditch Leaders, chaired by Rev. Dan Yarnell, had already concluded that the annual Good Friday Walk of Witness in Redditch would become a virtual walk of witness.
“Resources will be provided by online video and in print to allow people to connect with the Easter narrative, we hope in a fresh and powerful way,” said Rev. Lawlor.
“Our churches across Redditch will be seeking to provide, prayer, spiritual and, as far as we are able, practical support to the community at this challenging time.”
He added that clergy were still awaiting clarification regarding the conduct of weddings, baptisms and funerals.
