Welcome to Southwater Parish Church

Southwater Parish Church is a welcoming Anglican Church in the Diocese of Chichester. It offers space and companionship to all those in the local community who seek the love of God.

THE CHURCH IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

“The Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of England have urged everyone to follow the instructions given by the Prime Minister to stay in their homes in a national effort to limit the transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
But they called on the Church to “continue to pray, to love, to care for the vulnerable”.
It follows the announcement by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson of sweeping restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the virus.

It means all Church of England churches will close with immediate effect in line with the Government’s instructions. There will also be no Church weddings or baptisms.
Funerals at the graveside or in crematoriums can still take place, but only in line with the Prime minister’s Statement.

In a joint statement the bishops said: “In the light of the Government’s measures, announced by the Prime Minister this evening, we urge everyone to follow the instructions given.
“We will give a fuller statement of advice as soon as possible. Let us continue to pray, to love, to care for the vulnerable, and build our communities, even while separated.”

Godfrey Kesari, our Vicar writes,

“We feel a deep sense of precariousness in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. We realise how fragile and vulnerable we are to outbreaks of infectious diseases. It is as if we are suddenly blindsided and brought to a standstill by the pestilence.

The steep economic downturn and concomitant loss of jobs and incomes, economic distress and lowered quality of life due to the pandemic deepens the all-round gloom. Whether COVID-19 poses an existential threat to the human race or not, it has certainly become a very serious global health crisis. It is spreading rapidly, assuming alarming proportions and causing a lot of psychological anxiety.

Nevertheless, the scripture invites us to trust that if God allows pain He will give us the strength to go through it and He will show us the way out of it. I pray that God will help us know His peace, comfort and healing in the midst of the pandemic we are going through at the moment. Please be assured of my love and prayers for the parish community at this difficult time. Also, if you have to self-isolate do get in touch if we can offer any practical help with picking up shopping or picking up medication or a friendly phone call.”

Holy Innocents Church, Church Lane, Southwater, West Sussex, RH13 9BT

Last updated 01/2020