Our Response to Coronavirus
Our initial response is to follow these government guidelines. This means we will not meet physically on Sundays, in housegroups or any other midweek events such as coffee mornings and prayer meetings. We do this motivated not by fear but love for our neighbour, concerned primarily that we don’t spread the virus to others. As government advice is issued we will review how this impacts us as a church and be quick and clear in communicating this.
Our Life Together
At a time when many amongst us will feel isolated, it is important we proactively connect and care for one another as church family in whatever ways are still possible. Church isn’t a meeting, but a family and family life should continue in whatever ways possible. Soon we will be contacting housegroup leaders about ways to connect and care for each other as a group. If you’re not part of a housegroup, please contact a group leader, or one of the leadership team letting us know you’d like to be part of one, so you don’t miss out on this ongoingly vital aspect of church life! Be encouraged that “for those who love God all things work together for good” (Rom 8:28). God has great things in store for us as a church through this time.
As we have been learning about in our recent teaching series, we want to shepherd the flock as best we can and enable us all to access teaching that will encourage us through unique and disorienting times. We will be recording a message to listen to, which will be sent out on Sunday morning. In the near future we will produce our own resources and draw on the resources of others we’re connected with, to provide further teaching and encouragement.
Care for One Another
We want to ensure we are caring for one another so please let your housegroup leader and one of the leadership team know if you are self-isolating and have practical needs such as shopping. This will enable us to organise those who are available to help so that we can meet needs as they arise. If you are not self-isolating and not in an ‘at-risk’ group and able to help, please also let us know. Look out in particular for those who don’t receive enews and aren’t online. As leaders we will endeavour to contact those we know of who are offline.
An Opportunity to Witness
We will also be considering how we can use this unique opportunity to witness to our communities and bless our towns. Do look out for communication via enews as we flesh out our plans. Jesus tells us to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Keep praying that God would use this significant moment to bring many to him. Across our nation people will have increased opportunity to reflect on the fragility of life and consider the hope we have in Christ for themselves.
A Call to Prayer
One key aspect of church life that is vital in this moment is prayer. Alongside this letter we have provided a prayer guide to stir us to pray together into the situation. There is also a great opportunity to join with thousands across our family of churches in corporate prayer at Enough, this Friday evening from home. You can register and find out more on the Relational Mission website:
https://prayersofmany.org/home-hub
I’m struggling and need support
If you are personally struggling then please do reach out to your House Group or if you need further support or have other questions then please do email