Reflections From Our Minister …Oh, that we could be! Rev’d Geoff Townsend’s brother Michael died from the virus… and is there a person in the land whose life has not been touched by Covid tragedy?. Being prevented from having the traditional farewells and being able to support one another, pushes grief into a place hitherto unexperienced. Even as we call to mind the big losses, we are aware of many new things that have enriched our lives. Across the land, on-line and zoomed services have enabled us to enjoy bigger congregations, a hugely talented number of preachers and better attendance at meetings. Families and friends have enjoyed chats and quizzes; crafters have encouraged one another and even exercise classes have been happening via the internet and TV. We are graced by God’s presence in new ways. Of course we feel alone and sometimes adrift and those of us living alone who are not in a support bubble, don’t always appreciate people who complain about being stuck indoors with “just their family”…Oh, that we could be! The virtual prayer meetings and opportunities to share in worship across the world have been a blessing and we have enjoyed a new experience of Communion celebration- causing us to think back to what it is we actually are doing. Keep safe, Shalom