COVID-19 UPDATE
an update from
the senior
leadership team...
Based on recent government guidance we’re making changes to our events and gatherings. We would like to assure you that the Leadership Team are reviewing the situation daily and how it will impact us over this coming period.
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As things stand on 17.03.20 we have made the difficult decision to cancel all current services, groups and activities including - Sunday mornings, Life Groups, Friends & Neighbours, Keep Fit, Highway Tots and the Friday Night Youth Club. We will be in touch shortly regarding how you can access our Sunday meetings and stay connected to the life of the church. Over the coming days we will be rolling out new ways of accessing content and supporting each other as a church community, so do stay in touch.
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We live in an extraordinary and challenging time with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic across the world and our nation. During this time we need to lock onto our verse for the year – 'Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.' Hebrews 12:2. Our conviction is this, that whatever the future holds for us personally, as a church or as a nation we will get through it/endure if we keep our eyes on Jesus. Jesus is the good shepherd who will lead us through any valley or storm.
How can we make a difference?
We can lean into faith
Whatever the consequences of this outbreak, fear is not the correct Christian response. Of course, we can bring our worries to God, but He intends for us to leave them with Him. The best definition I've ever heard of anxiety is "imagining the future without Jesus in it." When we realise that Jesus is present today and will be present tomorrow, we can be set free from worry.
Apparently, the length of time you should wash your hands for is about the time it takes to say the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), so why not use the need to do this as a way to pray more!
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We can be loving our neighbours
We may have to show love by restricting what we'd normally do in order to prevent the virus spreading; we may show love by going places where no-one else will go in order to bless the isolated and vulnerable.
We may support those fearful or anxious; care for those at greater risk; stay in contact with those who are isolated at this time; encourage those who are working hard to keep others safe; and share the hope we have in Jesus Christ
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We can pray
Let us be praying for an end to Coronavirus and praying for people around us. Let's pray for the government officials and scientists who are trying to prevent things getting worse, that they would have wisdom and success. Let's pray for medical professionals, that they would have grace and strength to deal with the workload. Let's pray for those who are sick, that God would comfort them and heal them. Let's pray for those who are fearful, that they would put their trust in God alone.
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We can be a beacon of hope
Amid all the bad news in the headlines, the Good News of Jesus Christ is more relevant than ever. Although the church may have to function differently for a time, the mission of the church remains unchanged; the tools and environments may differ to our usual methods, but we must continue to care for the vulnerable, share the message of Jesus and be a light on a hill in this ever-changing situation.