Hello
Welcome to the November Livability Community Engagement E-Newsletter. In this edition:
- Reflection from Elizabeth Harrison - waiting in hope
- Join Livability for our virtual Christmas celebration event
- Get ready for Christmas with gifts and cards
- Join our Virtual Prayer Circle
- A new Advent resource from Sanctuary
- Watch The Nativity in Makaton
Elizabeth Harrison, Livability's Chaplaincy Manager, reflects on being hopeful and mindful while we wait through uncertain times.
I’ve personally been thinking about preparation a lot recently. My sister is expecting, but she can’t plan for the birth with any certainty while regulations are still changing. Myself, I am anticipating moving house in the next six months, but I don’t yet know when or to where. My sister and I are both
project managers and love to plan, but we’re each learning about uncertainty.
As we move into Advent, we prepare to celebrate Christmas, and we watch and wait for the coming of the kingdom. But how should we wait?
Don't worry about what you can't control
Which one of you, by worrying, can make the R number in your region any lower? We must learn to accept the things we cannot control, rather than dwell and worry.
I followed the American election. During the early days after the vote no amount of speculation could make the slow task of opening envelopes one by one any faster. And five days in, reporters who’d anxiously stayed awake to see every fresh batch of figures released were tired and wrung out.
We can wait in hope, and trust that in the fullness of time, all shall be well.
When there's nothing to be done, rest
“Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.” [Matthew 8:24]
I wonder how often passengers slept soundly, in a boat on the lake, with a crew of ex-fishermen at the helm? For many of us the next crisis could pop up as suddenly as an isolation text message. For my sister, she knows the hard work of raising a newborn is around the corner, perhaps without the easy help of friends and neighbours. But right now, we
wait.
I don’t know if your boat feels like it’s in the calm or the storm right now, but if it feels safe to take a nap, then rest.
Make space for what's to come
I love the line “let every heart prepare him room” in the carol Joy to the World. Whether we’re actively waiting for Christmas, or the coming of a kingdom of justice and peace, or just the practicalities of lockdown finishing, we can prepare our hearts for what’s next.
Starting the work of a new chaplaincy while I’m unable to visit any of the people we’re hoping to support in person has been very strange. But in waiting for the time that residential homes can safely welcome visiting chaplains, preparation. I’m learning from organisations whose work is similar, getting
to know residents by trialing online activities, gathering like-minded staff and volunteers, praying and listening.
In our waiting, we can watch and pray for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to turn a time of anxiety, vigilance and fear into one of peace, renewal and creativity.
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Join our virtual Christmas Celebration event
Like most things in 2020, Livability’s annual Carol Service will be a little different this year. We may be unable to congregate together in the beautiful setting of St Martin in the Fields on Trafalgar Square, but this gives us a fabulous opportunity to create a Carol Service that can be more inclusive than ever before, offering a celebration of Christmas filled with music, readings and joyfulness. Did we mention that it will be free to join us too!
Get ready for Christmas with Livability Christmas gifts and cards!
Support our incredible staff team by purchasing Livability Christmas cards this year. All money raised will go towards supporting people with disabilities in our services in the winter months ahead. It could help us purchase equipment such as tablets and indoor exercise equipment that will
help keep everyone positive and healthy in mind, body and spirit. There is a range of designs available, including some made by people within our services.
You can find the perfect unique Christmas gift on our Art To Fundraise postcard gallery, where you can find a variety of original artworks. Donated by a diverse selection of artists, these beautiful postcards can be yours with a donation to the Flourish eco-therapy project at Livability Holton Lee.
Join our virtual Prayer Circle
In a time where it is essential we continue connect with others, our Virtual Prayer Circle is a space available for all, every Wednesday at 12.30pm. Join us for 30 minutes to take time out to reflect and pray with Livability.
Topic: Virtual Prayer Circle
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82686808292
Meeting ID: 826 8680 8292
Password: 358967
If you can’t attend and would like us to pray for you, do send your prayer request to [email protected]
A new Advent resource from Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries
Our friends at Sanctuary have created Finding Light in the Deepest Dark: Journeying through Lament into Gratitude, to help Christians explore experiences of loss that have accompanied this year while rediscovering the hope of Christmas. The Advent resource offers an opportunity to prepare for Christmas during the pandemic by helping participants recognise both the gifts and the grief they may have
experienced in a difficult season.
The resource is available as a free download on Sanctuary’s website.
Developed by Becky George and friends, this retelling of the Christmas Story is perfect to use in your Christmas services. As well as acting by children and adults, there are signed songs throughout by groups, schools and charities. Becky has signed for Livability at festivals, and teaches Faith Signs in her online and in-person workshops.
// Watch The Nativity in Makaton
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