A Year of ChangesThis year St Jude’s has adapted to the many changes that have involved all the churches, by embracing YouTube for all our screening needs. With the amazing help from Guy Bunce and tireless organisation from Revs Judith Allford and Andrew Reed we were able to broadcast first our Sunday services and then an increasing range of events and services including the St Jude’s United Church Concert Series 2020, publicised with QR codes and online donation facilities. Church has gone wholeheartedly online and St Jude’s was not to be left out! Another development in common with many other churches was the increased involvement of lay people in services, sharing in the reading, praying and even preaching, with Claudia Tubb presenting lively illustrated talks each week for the young and the young at heart. There is also a slot for different people to speak about their situations or their work in the community, including many who have links with us from around the world and shared their stories with us – a heart warming and very welcome experience. It can probably be said that this online presence has made us available to a wider public than we’ve ever been able to accommodate in the church and we have had good numbers watching our services. In recent years, St Jude’s had begun a ‘Blue Christmas Service’ to reach out to people who find Christmas difficult, perhaps because of bereavement, loneliness or some other reason. Sadly, it will not be possible to hold this open service in church this year but we plan to be in touch with people where possible with special greeting cards of remembrance. |