The Mansfield Anglican Parish ‘put on its thinking cap’ when it came to pursuing its mission under COVID-19 restrictions – by taking outside what would usually happen inside.
To that end, we observed ANZAC Day on Saturday 25th April, 2020 by decorating the garden and the burnt wooden cross outside St John’s Church in Highett Street with red poppies – a symbol that reminds everyone of the men and women who died serving our country in times of war. The cross was also adorned with police tape, in memory of the four officers who were killed, also in the line of duty, a few days before on the evening of Wednesday 22nd April, 2020.
Fr. Paul Dalzell, our locum Priest has said “We have had to be creative in finding ways to keep our ministry and worship alive and to hold our community safe and together during the COVID-19 crisis. So, we’ve held ‘Zoom’ services instead of worshiping in church buildings – and we’ve had our new Bishop join in; we’ve reached out regularly to parishioners and others by means of a telephone tree to find out how we might help; we’ve kept our community up-to-date through our Facebook page and weekly newsletters; and, importantly, we’ve rung the St John’s Church bell every day at midday to remind everyone that, although our doors may be closed, our hearts are not: we’re here to help and support each other and the general community now in finding ways to cope during the COVID-19 crisis and also in the longer term as we work towards recovering from its impact – financially, socially and spiritually.
On the weekend of Saturday 25th April, 2020, we wanted to create a powerful reminder of the service of our men and women in wartime as well as of the police who died on the Wednesday prior. We regard it as an honour to be able to participate and serve the community in this way.”
“Over the coming weeks we will continue to ring the St John’s Church bell every day at noon to remind ourselves, and the general community that, one day, when this virus is under control, we will all be able to answer its call and worship together inside our church again.”
Contact: The Rev’d. Dr. D. Paul Dalzell
Phone: 0467 682 036