Post No. 3 - Saturday 21st March
/Message from the Rector
Following the launch of a diocesan Season of Prayer to run from St Patrick's Day until Pentecost (31st May), the Bishop asks that the following prayer be prayed daily during that period:
Almighty and merciful God, who in days of old didst give to this land the benediction of thy holy Church; Withdraw not, we pray thee, thy favour from us, but so correct what is amiss, and supply what is lacking, that we may more and more bring forth fruit to thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
For online postings from the Bishop and Diocese, please visit https://www.downanddromore.org/news
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The Anglican Communion News Service has provided the following report:
Anglican doctor helping to lead international fight
against Covid-19 as churches take precautions
A former missionary who previously worked as a senior adviser at the World Health Organisation has been called back into service following the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Ian Smith is now serving as a senior adviser to the current Director-General of the WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Dr Smith lives with his wife Sally in the Yorkshire Dales’ village of Arncliffe, where they worship in the parish of Upper Wharfedale and Littondale. He is a bell ringer and his wife Sally is a sidesperson.
The couple previously worked in Nepal for 16 years as medical missionaries with the Baptist Missionary Society and the United Mission to Nepal.
Speaking to the Anglican Communion News Service, Dr Smith said: “Many people are deeply alarmed by the rapid spread of COVID-19. The outbreak of disease has caused a pandemic of fear and panic. But we must not spread fear, stigma and misinformation. We must stop, contain, control, delay and reduce the impact of this virus at every opportunity. Every person has the capacity to contribute, to protect themselves, to protect others, whether in the home, the community, the healthcare system, the workplace or the transport system.”
Post No. 4 by 10.30am on Sunday 22nd March. This will be a short act of worship.