You have been most generous in advertising Church services in the Beacon over the years; and many of your readers, I know, are wondering what is happening to our church services during the current Covid–19 emergency. I would be grateful, therefore, if you could draw attention to the fact that all of the churches in our town are continuing to worship remotely and you will find details of this provision on their websites. The following provision is being made for the Monmouth Group of Parishes.

Our parish office and Ty Price are being staffed remotely and can be reached via telephone and email. All of our churches, except Rockfield and Wonastow remain open as usual for private prayer and quiet space. At this challenging time, St Mary’s, St Thomas and St Michael’s, Mitchel Troy offer you a place of comfort and the reassurance of God’s presence, which remains with us always. If you are not self-isolating, we welcome you to come in and find stillness and peace. Offer your prayers to God for those you love, for our community, for NHS and social workers and for all who risk themselves for others. Light a candle; take a Prayer Card; and make use of the laminated prayers and resources you will find around the church – but please leave them for others to use after you. When you are in church, please be aware of any others around you in need of a quiet space and follow the government advice about social distancing and handwashing.

Above all, feel the presence of God close to you, and holding us all together at this time. For everyone, self-isolating or not, we are live-streaming an act of worship every Sunday at 11am and hope to bring you some children’s resources soon: to access these, go to www.monmouthparishes.org where you will find a link.

In solidarity as a community, we invite you to join us, wherever you are, in saying the Lord’s Prayer and the grace every day at noon. God bless you and keep you safe.

The Rev’d Catherine Haynes (Monmouth Group of Parishes)