Church

Church Light at the end of the tunnel

The Sad Story of Henry

Once an engine attached to a train Was afraid of a few drops of rain. It went into a tunnel And squeaked through its funnel And wouldn't come out again.

Things can change in a very short time and some are finding it increasingly difficult in the new lockdown. However we do now have reason to look forward with great anticipation. There are two versions of anti-virus being administered and, so far, over 3 million people have been vaccinated. This means that within weeks, if not days, many of us will have immunity to Covid-19. So we should not despair. Thinking of being in a tunnel reminds me of a lovely story from Rev W. Awdry in his Thomas the tank engine books. Henry, the green engine, had just been painted and he was very proud of his new paint. However he did not want to get dirty so when it rained he went into a tunnel and stopped inside. Despite all the encouragement from the fat controller he refused to move and so a wall was built blocking him in. His fire went out and he got very dirty and became despondent. Probably how many of us feel at the moment and yet just like Henry there was a time when he was needed and he realised that there was more to life that a new coat of paint. We too may feel that we are locked in a tunnel but if we look carefully we can see the glimmer of light that is giving us a reason to hope for a better future. We have just celebrated the season of Christmas, the birth of a new life and light that has spread throughout the world. This is our light at the end of the tunnel and, just like Henry, we are being given the opportunity to break down the walls that surround us. When Henry was released it was to help Edward to haul the express after Gordon had broken down. It was a job of great responsibility and a task neither could do on their own. Are we too being called to a job with responsibility? To help look after those around us who are isolating or are housebound with other problems. If we stay like Henry behind that invisible

with the Rev Richard Priest, of Stour Vale Benefice Vicar in the Vale

wall our fire will also go out, but if we take the great leap of faith then, also like Henry, we may be able to take on a task of great importance and do something beyond our wildest dreams. Where will you stay when you see the light at the end of the tunnel? Will you hide behind the wall or will you follow the light to a new beginning. I hope and pray that it will be the latter because being locked in a tunnel is of no use to anyone, including ourselves. May God bless you and keep you safe and secure during this pandemic as we pray for all those on the front line who are risking their lives for others. If you have never read the Thomas the tank engine books then you really should. They can teach us a lot, no matter what our age.

n Mass times for Catholic churches in Marnhull on Sundays and Thursdays, 9.30am; in Gillingham on Sundays at 11am and Wednesdays at 10am.

Lockdown has had a huge impact of Church Services in North Dorset. Here is the latest information on worship in the Blackmore Vale

nSt John’s Church, Yeovil Church Services on Sunday and Tuesday will be going ahead, but only attend if you feel it is safe to do so. Sunday 10:30am – booking is required to attend or watch on the live stream. Please book online at sjyeovil.org.uk Tuesday, Communion – You are able to attend in person, there is no need to book

nSt Mary’s the Virgin, Gillingham The government have given permission for public worship to continue during this lockdown. We worship together using the government and Church of England’s guidelines, remembering the hands, face and 74

space guidance. Sunday at 10am – Sunday Service For more details go online at achurchnearyou.com or ring Carole Blackmore on 01747 821598

nSt John’s Church, Shaftesbury Church Services are returning online during the lockdown and more details to join the service or find more can be found online at facebook.com/ShaftesburyCofE nBlandford Parish Church Church Services have been suspended at both churches during January 2021. There is an online service each Sunday at 10am on the Blandford Parish Church Facebook Page followed by Zoom Coffee from 11am. View our Thought for The Day here on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays on our Facebook Page led by members of our congregation. If you require any assistance during this new period of lockdown or would like someone to pray with you, please contact us or email pastoral care@bfpc.org.uk or prayer@bfpc.org.uk nSt Mary’s Church, Sturminster Newton The church remains open for individual prayer from 2pm until 4pm on Wednesdays. We are also open for Sunday services. Some services may vary from our usual pattern and these decisions are being made at fairly short, so please check our latest information online at stmaryssturminsternewton.org.uk nWincanton Parish Church It is with regret that Sunday Communal worship has been suspended during lockdown. The church is open for private prayer on Sundays between 9am and 11am and on Wednesdays between 12noon and 2pm. You are very welcome to come inside the church for private prayer and contemplation, safely distancing and wearing a face covering, Rev Alison Way, our Rector, can be contacted on 01963 33151 or 07515 958988 or rector@wincantonparishchurch.co.uk nSherborne Abbey Worship in the five churches of the Sherborne Benefice has been temporarily suspended during lockdown. The Parish Office is closed but the parish secretary can be contacted on 01935 812452 between Monday and Friday, 9am - 4.30pm.