Welcome to St Christopher's Church Hanwell
We are a diverse group of people, informal and friendly,
who are learning together what it means to follow Jesus in the 21st century.
We are an inclusive church, so everyone is welcome.
Our church has Sunday services, a coffee morning, and a fellowship group.
Through these we want to know and share God's love. Come just as you are!
If you have any questions please contact us at St Christopher's Church, Hanwell .
Dear wonderful everyone,
On Friday 8th January, the mayor of London declared a state of emergency, and all London councils, along with the mayor, are asking places of worship to voluntarily close to public worship.
On Friday night, bishop Sarah emailed all London clergy on behalf of the London bishops, to ask us to consider our decision locally, taking account of the seriousness of the situation and to let us know that they will support us whatever we decide.
Our PCC has tried to think through together what is a very difficult decision in a very difficult situation. We're all mindful of those who live alone and those for whom attending church brings comfort. It's an emotive subject and an extremely difficult decision to have to face. Fear and anxiety levels are at a high for many people around the country and beyond, as are loneliness and isolation.
When we think about the individuals involved, there is nothing easy about the decision in either direction.
I understand the desire to close and keep people safe from the virus risk. It is motivated by love.
I understand the desire to stay open and keep people safe from the risk of deteriorating mental health and isolation. It is motivated by love.
Many have not returned since we re-opened in August, as they don't feel safe yet. This is absolutely their right and we love them just the same. There is nothing about this virus that is not to be taken seriously and we respect every person's decision to have come or to have stayed at home for a time. It is not something anyone should ever feel guilty about for a moment.
There has been so much to consider in making our decision as a PCC, and it comes from a deep desire to love and care for people.
All that being said, it is with a heavy heart that I announced in church this morning that it was our last communion service for a while.
I will be emailing every week with the Bible reading and a short reflection. For those without email, I will be hand delivering the same to them.
The PCC will each have some numbers to call and people to check in with, so listen out for them (if we have your phone number!) If you think we might not have your number, please email it to me if you want someone to check in on you from time to time.
Please take care of yourselves and others. Do what you can to support anyone you might be able to help. This is a hard time for many, but we are not crushed! We live in hope and faith not fear and trembling.
As we heard in the reading this morning, at the baptism of Jesus, the voice of God said, "You are my Son, the beloved, with you I am well pleased".
God says the same to each of us, hold onto it - You are a child of God. You are loved by God. God is pleased with you (however you might feel!)
In the very next verse, the Spirit took Jesus into the wilderness. This was a place where he was tested. But here's what didn't change - he was still the Son of God, he was still loved by God, God was still pleased with him.
Take this with you into our time of wilderness, hold onto these words from God. You are loved. God is with you. You are never alone.
I'll be seeing you soon and we will gather again, as we prayed in church this morning:
"That this church may once again gather
at the table of love, sacrifice and unity,
in the service of our one Lord,
let us pray for the peace of Christ.
Kyrie eleison (Lord have mercy)"
Peace and blessings beloved people of God
Suzanne <><