Cambourne celebrates Pentecost with a Zoom party

Craft-making, music and drama added zest to an online Pentecost party at St John Fisher in Cambourne. Loretta Pack reports from the parish.

At Pentecost we held a Zoom Party which some thirteen families – approximately 40 people – attended. We celebrated the gift of praying together and playing together. Ciaran Losasso from the Ignite Team gave a talk which people found impressive.

People shared their gifts and talents through different mediums. There was a craft-making session, instrumental music and heavenly singing. The young people even delivered a skit called the Fire Furnace (chapter three of the Book of Daniel).

This posed all kinds of communication issues, yet by the power of the Holy Spirit, and in less than 24 hours, it was directed, acted, edited and produced. Well done to Ashish, Maryam, Livia, Lucas, Nina, Rhea and Alfie who were all good sports and took up the challenge. They let their lights shine amongst us to bring joy.

The parish now meets regularly through social media. Fr John Minh says Mass twice daily on Facebook, which is a new phenomenon. Fr John was gifted a tablet a week or two into lockdown, and this has enabled him to reach his parishioners in Cambourne and Sawston. We have had the Stations of the Cross via Zoom, as well as a reflective session.

There is also a WhatsApp group that meets daily for prayer, which includes the Rosary. People type WhatsApp messages daily to let others know they are praying at a certain time. It has been a great source of comfort during lockdown. People know they are not alone in this difficult time.

Mel Ward updates the Facebook Page, as well as sending endless emails to help people feel up to date with their church community. Mel has also coordinated volunteers to deliver cards, newsletters and more recently Pentecost Gifts to housebound and more isolated people. Mel also goes to great lengths to make phone calls to those without social media to ensure they know their church family cares.

We have one parishioner aged 103, Beryl Webber, who until recently lived independently and this year moved into a care home. People in the parish take it in turns to call the care home to get messages to Beryl. She is a much-loved and valued member of our church and, as with our other vulnerable members, we want her to know we care. We want people to know that church is not a building – it is so much more. It involves reaching out and making an effort to be there in whatever way we can for those in need during this difficult time.

Pictured above is a moment from the Pentecost Zoom Party

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