Dear Friends,
We’ve finally moved in to St. Oswald’s and are starting to put down roots, feeling an equal measure of trepidation and excitement. We are so grateful for the amazing work that has been done over the last years, for lives changed and for the faithfulness to God that has been shown by the Sisters at OHP. One of the most exciting things about taking on St Oswald’s is the huge amount of love and support that you have given … practical, prayerful, and financial. We are indebted to all of you for so many things, especially your love and encouragement.
We have used October to do some work on the house: making several rooms into twins and doubles; endeavouring to reduce our energy consumption by the use of LED lights; sorting and painting. The IT has been organised so that we now have wifi in most of the public spaces and some of the bedrooms. We are also exploring a sustainable and life-giving rhythm of prayer for the new community. All in all, things are the ‘same but different!’
The prime minister’s announcement on Saturday has brought challenges to us all. In our prayers we have been remembering the lonely and those who are frightened by the thought of another lock down. We pray daily for people we know as well as the country as a whole. Please feel free to contact us with any prayer requests you have.
For us, the lockdown means that the income we anticipated for November has evaporated. Lockdown gives us time to carry on with setting up here, but at the cost of people coming.
We are hoping that we will be able to welcome self-catering guests from 3rd December onwards (subject to the lifting of the lockdown) and are happy to start taking provisional bookings for that period. We also plan to be open for self-catering over Christmas and New Year (Wednesday 23rd – Sunday 27th Dec and Wednesday 30th Dec – Sunday 3rd Jan). We have space for individuals and small households. Please contact us if you would like to explore these options.
Obviously with coronavirus, the imminent lock down and the challenges of setting up, this is a difficult time for us. First and foremost, we ask for your continued prayers. However, if you would like to help us financially (either regularly, or as a one-off gift to help cover the many set up costs) our bank details are as follows:
Co-op bank: a/c no: 65995121; sort code 08 92 99; account name: St Oswald’s Community.
We are also happy to receive cheques (payable to St Oswald’s Community) by snail mail, at:
St. Oswald’s Community, Woodlands Drive, Sleights, Whitby YO21 1RY.
Despite the current challenges we look forward to offering a programme of retreats and other exciting opportunities as soon as we are able.
With our continued love and prayers, and hoping to see you soon,
Paul, Jackie and Michyla (who is joining us in December)
St.Oswald’s Community
