Val Riches describes her life as a Parish priest during Covid 19 lockdown. photo: Jan Kaluza, Unsplash First week of lockdown I was faced with a funeral on the Friday – what could I do, what was expected of me? This was followed closely by Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter. This Easter I identified more with the disciples choosing to stay inside with the doors locked for fear of death and the beautiful moment when Jesus comes into their midst offering Peace. I hoped that had been something of a reality for us in our bubbles. All the Easter events usually required a lot from me re planning and leading services of very different kinds. This year I was at home … [Read more...]
Family Easter Lock-down in Fiji
The world came to a standstill, there were no social gatherings. This was one of the pinnacle principles in fighting the Corona Virus. But our lives revolved around having cultural family gatherings, visiting the sick and loved ones, going to church on Sundays, inviting our extended family for a meal… we were in a dilemma. We set up our home for Communion services, we made Palm crosses, we marched around the house with shouts of Hosanna- it was like nothing we have ever experienced before! The children and grandchildren practised action songs, family joined us by video call- the Corona virus did not cancel the Church! A LIFE’S JOURNEY THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN At a time … [Read more...]
Covid – 19: time of self-assessment and God’s evaluation.
Akanesi Folau writes from Tonga of her family experience during the Covid-19 lockdown. On one afternoon, during the lock-down we were sitting down as a family for our family prayer and my eldest son was leading us into a bible verse, then we shared how it touches our lives and what message it gives us. Then there was an argument between us parents. My son intervened and spoke softly to make both sides happy in a Godly way, saying we are both right. Covid-19 taught us parents that having to listen and give space to our children for they are the messengers for whom God always speaks through to guide and direct us at our most extreme moments. John 14:1 “Don’t let your heart be … [Read more...]
Lock down Bread 2020
photo: Unsplash Revd Anne Priestley: Every loaf has turned out well with this recipe! 5 cups flour (3 wholemeal/rye, 2 white: or use all white) extra flour for kneading 2 teaspoons brown sugar or honey 2 teaspoons salt 1 tablespoon dry yeast 2 cups lukewarm water 2 tbs vegetable oil * Reactivate the yeast with sugar and one cup of the water. * Meanwhile, in a large bowl sift and mix the flours and salt. * When yeast is frothy, add to the bowl, along with the other cup of water and the oil. Stir well, then tip out the dough onto a floured surface and knead it till the dough has become resilient (springs back if … [Read more...]
