Barry has shared the following letter from himself and Jean. He intended to have this sent out to all those connected with St. Mark’s via post but due to recent changes in advice from the government he has emailed this to all those he can email to.
Barry has requested that we try to pass this on to St. Mark’s members and all who are connected to the church.
You can download and print the letter here to share with those not online or you can read it below.
Dear Friend,
In the current situation regarding Coronavirus, the Church of Scotland is taking steps to ensure that we keep our people safe and is following advice from the UK and Scottish Governments.
St. Mark’s are working hard to ensure that the pastoral care of our congregation and parish continues, albeit in different ways. The advice of official government medical advisers is that everyone should now stop social interactions and that in particular, anyone who is aged over 70, or under 70 who receives the annual ‘flu vaccination for underlying health reasons, or who is pregnant, should be shielded from the transmission of Covid-19 by staying at home and avoiding social interaction with wherever possible.
Visiting is impossible in the current climate. However, we will do our utmost to stay in touch. It would help us enormously if family members would contact either your elder or our Minister, in the event that you are admitted to hospital.
You will be pleased to know that although we are not currently holding services in the church on a Sunday, our Minister, Barry will be sharing a short service online each Sunday at 11 a.m., and also a short reflection each weekday at 11. If you or a family member has access to a computer or smartphone, you can see the service live and recorded on Facebook.
Our families have asked us for ideas for keeping the children busy at home while the schools are off and we are working to do this through our website.
Thanks to technology, we have the opportunity to keep as many people as possible in touch with us; through our website; email, and Facebook, phone or text during this time of concern and anxiety for everyone.
Details below of how to reach us:
Web: www.stmarksstirling.org.uk
Email: [email protected] (Ministry Team)
[email protected] (Barry)
[email protected] (Jean)
Tel : Barry – 07597386762
Jean – 07729316321
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/stmarksstirling/
We are both currently working from home in line with restrictions but are happy to chat over the phone – for Jean, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, and for Barry between the same times Sunday to Thursday.
With many thanks & God bless
Rev Barry Hughes Jean Porter DCS
Minister Deaconess
