The boys came with me virtually to Pontypridd, though we were actually in the living room, to watch the induction of Rev Charlotte as the new vicar person.
I was explaining to the Teds that I have known Charlotte for years and remember the time I asked her to read in church and she started crying. Now look at how far she has come with God!
The Teds came with me for the 1st Area Dean assignment for over a year that involved us getting in a car and actually driving somewhere outside out locality.
The three of us put on our Thursday Best and went to the big town for the Chrism Mass at Llandaff Cathedral. On the one hand it was really weird being with others who you have not seen in the flesh for ages but on the other hand it just felt so natural and normal.
Is this the beginning of the end maybe. You can watch again if you want here: https://youtu.be/xOkFI8d6Lh8
The Teds sat on the welcome desk and watched as Kev made sure that all the seats in the church hall were at least two metres apart ready for our experimental afternoon Just Breath service.
We felt there was a need for people to come together for a simple service of bible readings and prayers and to hum along to some favourite hymns. So in keeping with all the Covid rules had the first of the gentle afternoon services yesterday.
It is possible it seems to be open and do new things even in these crazy days with a bit of thinking and planning.
Roll on 2021…………….
The Teds came along with me to private prayer this weekend. There were a few people who came to sit and enjoy the peace of God’s house.
The Teds were asking me what this year has to entail as there were so disappointed last March when all their traveling stopped.
I told them that whatever happens they need not worry, God is in charge.
I think they understood but like all of us they just want to go down the beach or have a good singsong in church again. hey ho!
The ZOOM chair has been decorated for all the online activities that are on offer and the Teds are wondering who this new silent partner is who has joined them on the shelf.
However you are spending Jesus birthday a Merry Merry Christmas to you all from me and the boys!
Rev Ian
Lockdown the sequel is upon us in Wales and it seems to be making all kinds of people look at he world in a different and a new way. People are beginning to look local and see what they have to be thankful for. I even caught the Teds and the dog having a chat earlier.
What next? Who knows? Check out our website to see when we are open next and what is going on as this Pilgrimage 2020 year comes to an end– its all changing every week now: http://www.lphparish.org.uk
Keep safe
Rev Ian
The big plan for this 2020 year was the Teds would get to meet new people every week or even every day but when lock down came in March that all changed and now the bears are lucky if they meet somebody new each month!
However today Zaria came along to say a prayer and met Ted1 and Ted2 for the first time. The Teds shared their rations with her in exchange for a photo.
If you want to come say a prayer check out our website to see when we are open – its all changing every week now: http://www.lphparish.org.uk/index.html
Following her first Sunday back in Church last week, Tedi Su and her new friend Bridget Bear have decided to better prepare themselves to be out and about during this global pandemic.
It has been a sad time for the Vicarage bears – they’ve missed all the visitors that used to come and spend time with them (and Rev Suz of course). And whilst they’ve enjoyed the Sunday worship, it’s just not the same as physically being with people.
The little teds know that they are fundamentally people bears. They’ve been thoroughly miserable not to have seen anyone and haven’t had any adventures at all throughout the Lockdown. Worst still they’ve had to keep out of the Vicarage Cat’s way!
Tedi Su felt guiltily triumphant on Sunday as she drove off with Rev Suz and the family – particularly when she looked back to see the Vicarage Cat scowling on the drive. No more miaowing to announce his arrival during the Eucharist! He’d just have to be content at home and watch the service back later. After all, it’s not the end of Online Church and perhaps that’s not a bad thing, she reflected.
When you consider that back in January February the Teds were meeting new people every day it does seem surreal that come the summer its become such a rare occurrence. But the Teds did get to meet Alex and Kim who had to come personally (albeit socially distanced) to fulfill the requirements so they could have a Common License to enable them to marry in Bridgend in the near future.
All the best Alex and Kim. Make sure you decide before the big day whose job it is to put the bins out – we don’t want any arguments.
The sun is out (sometimes) and the Teds have got their sunglasses on for a summer of meeting people but they are sad as the social distancing means that only a handful of folks can be in the church at any one time.
How long will this apocalypse drag on?
Answers on the back of a £51 note to The Teds, The Rectory, Penoced.
