Dear friends,

“All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”

― Julian of Norwich

Which leads me into the quote that I usually also attribute to Julian of Norwich, however the reliable source of all information (Google) tells me it was actually John Lennon:

“All will be well in the end. If all is not well, it is not the end.”

I am inspired and encouraged by the many stories of hope we are hearing in the midst of the chaos around us. We have an extraordinary opportunity to find new ways of being community and staying in touch with each other, and as a Presbytery we are planning to share these stories and ideas in various ways with those who are interested - Jono and Andrew in particular will be working on this.

I am also concerned about the number of instances we are hearing of stress and anxiety and worries about the mental health of our Ministers and leaders, as well as of those in our congregations and communities. Please understand that social distancing and self-isolation/quarantine does not mean that you are alone. There is a team of us available when you need to speak with someone. We’re happy to have a “virtual coffee” and conversation with you! Please reach out to us as you need to.

In this weird and anxious time, especially as we witness unprecedented (at least for most of us) panic amongst the general population, please make sure that you are taking time to look after yourself and your mental, spiritual and emotional health. Be on the lookout for the resources that mean you don’t have to recreate material someone has made available to be used. We’re all in this together, and as Church we can bear witness in the community as we work together, collaborate on resources, and step up for each other.

And please make sure you take time for yourself - to rest, to recreate, to exercise, to talk with friends and colleagues, and to do fun things. You are so very important, and much loved. You are worth the effort you put in to looking after yourself!

Blessings and peace,

Jenny

“Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)