This is a space for articles of various kinds related to the coronavirus emergency. They are offered by various church members.

This link is to a poem by Lois Cameron, used in worship on Sunday 19th April and below is a poem by John Coutts in tribute to all the Christian Aid Week collectors who will not be on out streets this year.

Look who's manoeuvring down our street!

It's Mrs. Magnolia, on middle-aged feet.

Carefully coping with every gate

On the even side....two....four....six....eight....

Heavily armed with faith and hope,

Coming to collect that envelope.

Mrs. M. has a stick-on smile.

Mrs. Magnolia is full of guile.

"Calling for the envelope - can't you find

It? Here's another one....Never mind....

Lots of little bits make a lot....!"

She took all the change I'd got.

Far away in Somewhere Land

Someone is comforting Somebody's hand.

Close to home, on well-worn legs,

Mrs. Magnolia beams and begs.

Far away, in ONE OF THOSE PLACES,

Happiness flickers on sad young faces.

Christian Aid is prowling near:

(We give something every year)

Faraway, in Disaster City

Somebody opens a packet full of pity.

Christian Aid is hovering over there,

Helping to show how much we care.

Far away, in a land forsaken,

Water laughs and green things waken.

Back in the Avenue it's getting dark.

Mrs. Magnolia avoids the park.

But over the seas in Terrible Town

Someone's fever....is....going....down....

As Mrs. Magnolia delivers the swag!

Envelopes crammed in a plastic bag.

Now she stumbles, fumbles for a key:

More than time for a cup of tea.

Out on the evens - back on the odd:

"Thank you very much indeed" says God.

Download "Kairos" by Annette Kukpe

Download "What is Life?" by Walter Attwood