February 2020
Bryan enjoyed celebrating his 90th birthday. Evelyn’s operation to her eye was most successful; apparently it involved a transplant from a donor. Marica is now a member with all the privileges and responsibilities that are involved.
Although Palm Sunday will be Lee’s last service for us, it will not be the last time we see her for she will be back in May. It is quite a compliment that she has chosen us to be the venue for the service which will be supervised by Graham, her tutor. She has been accepted by each of a group of eight churches in Manchester to work with disadvantaged and homeless people.
Although our minister is pro-LGBT, he is doing a good job of convincing some of us that homosexuality is unbiblical. He is selecting certain well-known verses and explaining why they cannot be relied on as biblical truth. It seems to be a modern version of Genesis 3v1, ‘Did God really say?’. ‘Some of us’ know the bible well enough to see that the arguments are hollow.
April 2020
Covid-19 has not forced any of us into hospital, thank God. Marica, who works there, had the symptoms but recovered at home. She managed to return to work for one day and then tripped up and hurt herself at hospital just as a doctor approached. Margaret is now staying at a Care Home in Winsford. Isobel is not sure for how long. They miss each other but it is far better than the impossible situation they were in. Jean is sorting through her photographs, a few each day. Evelyn is looked after by friends and neighbours, Bryan is looked after by his family. For Derek there is no change from the past two years. Barrie has been gardening until his old trouble came back and he was restricted. Mim enjoys socialising by phone and computer. Elizabeth and Peter are enjoying dog-walks and pottering with the many jobs waiting in the garden and house.
It is wonderful that we all keep in touch and pray for each other.
June 2020
Our main concern is Barrie whose illness has not improved since March. Naturally Mim is very concerned about him. They still work in the garden. Jean’s family decided to take on the photograph sorting from her so she has been able to enjoy the sunshine from her balcony. Evelyn still helps other people and is helped by friends. Her hearing was cause for concern but is now under control. Her friend, Gladys, died suddenly and that was distressing. Bryan has enjoyed taking up painting and gardening again. Isobel enjoys a daily walk and Margaret is still quite happy in a Care Home. Peter and Elizabeth have been walking and working outside in this beautifully warm weather. Marica has been learning much about Christianity.
August 2020
We have been very concerned for Barrie and Mim whose health has beena problem for them. Barrie’s deteriorated in July and tests showed that he had prostrate cancer. The hospital waited for his strength to improve, and during that time the cancer went into his bones and is now terminal. It does make us wonder why God hasn’t answered our prayers by healing him. Jean’s daughter has cancer also and Evelyn’s brother died from it several years ago. Meanwhile Mim is putting up with her infirmities while she looks after Barrie. Margaret is happy in the Care Home. Marica, Bryan, Isobel, Elizabeth and Peter continue as they were, a little concerned about getting the church started again.
October 2020
Barrie died on 18th September. He will be a great loss to Mim, their family, friends, the walking group and others which I don’t remember. We also will miss his humour, his gentleness, his quickness, his concern for others, the list goes on and on. He did many jobs for church, including emptying the toilets, so his absence will be felt for a long time yet. Because only 30 people were allowed to attend the funeral on 8th October, we of the church will hold a special memorial service for him on 18th October. Hopefully it will be the same as the funeral service. We will not be allowed to sing. Apart from Mim, who has much to deal with just now, most of us are continuing as in August. Marica and Philip are working long hours so we don’t see or hear much from them. Bryan and Jean are not taking risks by coming out. Isobel, Elizabeth and Peter get out safely as much as they wish.