MANCETTER VICAR SUGGESTS PASTOR ROLE FOR PEOPLE TO BE A 'GOOD NEIGHBOUR' TO ONE ANOTHER

A VILLAGE vicar is calling on people in Atherstone and district to take on street pastor duties administering "kindness and compassion" for those finding it hard to come to terms with the coronavirus crisis.

Mancetter priest Rev Linda Mudd has been posting "simple ideas" to bring communities together as the local population battles with the impact of Covid-19 lockdown measures.

The cleric at St Peter's church suggests solutions which include introducing people to video phone calls via Apple facetime or Google Duo, or starting a WhatsApp group to make sure your neighbours are safe and checking whether they are in need.

She added: "Become a street pastor and start praying each day for all your neighbours – letting it be known you will help in any way if someone is in trouble.

"Kindness and compassion go a long way in a crisis."

Her message through the Anglican Church's Easter season is to "make the most of the family".

She added: "Your children may drive you crazy at times but think about it, this may be the only time you may ever get to spend so much time with them.

"So do some home projects together, play games together, study together and cook together."

Church leaders found they are having to use social media to spread the word as their buildings have been closed since the beginning of the month in the Government lockdown.

Many delivered their Easter sermons through Facebook on Sunday.

The Anglican Church's most senior clergyman, Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Rev Justin Welby, has a strong connection with the area, having spent 15 years in the Coventry diocese where he began his training in 1992 as a curate in neigbouring Nuneaton.