It is with deep sadness and shock that we must acknowledge that until this health crisis eases that we can no longer gather together for Sunday worship services and weekday meetings and activities.
The premises will need also to close for lets as other groups will be under the same kind of restrictions. However, it is vitally important that we keep in regular contact with one another through this time.
The updated church directory has more contact details than previously and in future print runs can easily be updated further. It will allow us to maintain regular contacts. As soon as copies are printed they will be available to any person or household listed in it.
We need to remember that a small number of members in residential homes will only be contactable by written communications. Others do not possess computers but can be contacted by telephone. The vast majority of members have email and other social media communication tools at their disposal.
Brian Talbot the pastor is now writing a daily devotional message sent out by email. It is being sent to all who have given their email address in the church, but it is also going to a growing number of others outside the church who are happy to receive it.
On Wednesdays a longer message with points for prayer provides a resource for reflecting on God’s Word and praying for one another.
On Sundays a longer resource will also be produced as we prepare for home based worship for the time being.
Brian is also posting a very short message and Bible verse daily on his Facebook page and a Bible verse will be posted on the church Facebook page in consultation with Brian. In addition, on the Zoom platform a programme for our young adults will be launched this weekend. Parents of those attending Jam and Breakthrough will be contacted about what is being offered in the near future.
We have a lot of further work to do to ensure we are providing resources for supporting all age groups in our church family and we are open to suggestions or ideas that can be considered in due course.
We cannot overestimate the difficulties countries around the world are facing at this time, but as Christians we trust in a God who will sustain us through these difficulties and who will bless us in some surprising ways going forward.
There are many precious Bible verses we will rightly be reflecting on at this time. I leave you with these familiar words from Lamentations 3:22-23: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed for His compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.