In this period, we will have to work harder than ever to stay in touch with one another, and look after the elderly and vulnerable members of the congregation, especially. To this end, we are asking the deacons and deaconesses to stay in touch with designated church members, once a week, to check that you are OK. So, if you get a text or a WhatsApp message, phone call or e-mail, please reply, and if you need help, say so! If you would like to be on the church’s WhatsApp platform, but aren’t yet on it, please e-mail Elder Sam, sampat34@yahoo.com, to be included.
We will be exploring other technological ways of staying in touch. ‘Zoom’ video conferencing was first tested for a board meeting on Monday and may be a good way of continuing to enjoy interactive Sabbath services on Saturdays. and will be tried further at Cheltenham this week before extending to Swindon next week, at the usual times.
Of course, there are also a whole host of online resources from Hope Sabbath School, Pine Knoll Sabbath School, and Adventist Radio London , 3ABN , as well as the services that the SEC will be broadcasting. The BUC has also published a list of all those churches that are live streaming. The site also informs on how local churches can connect with each other. I learned this week, for instance, that Newbold will record a service, without the congregation present.
We also want to serve our community, where many elderly and vulnerable people will be self-isolating. To that effect, we will be distributing cards to the houses around the church offering to do shopping, pick up deliveries, or just a chat or a prayer. If you would like to be put on a rota to do this, please send an e-mail to Chinedu John: chinedu0710@yahoo.co.uk.
Please be patient with us. This is a totally new situation, and we have to come to terms with a totally new way of working. There are lots of things that can be done and it may be a necessary catalyst to get us thinking about what is really essential in a church. What is sure is that we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to know which ideas to prioritize.
Above all, now is the time to deepen our relationship with God in prayer. The Coronavirus epidemic is a wake up call for all of us, to ensure that we are in daily communion with our Lord Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit! Never has it been more important.
Please pray
for those members of our congregation who work in the NHS, health and care sectors. They need God’s special protection at this time.
Today, join us as we fast and pray for God’s guidance and His protection.
God bless you all!
Pastor James