A message from Simon Tomkins about the Coronavirus Situation

Dear friends,

The latest C of E advice says we need to stop meeting on Sundays for at least the next few weeks.  That means none of our 5 Sunday services will be taking place until further notice, and all mid-week groups are stopping until further notice. The office is closed for now, but you can reach me, Scott and Georgie by phone and email or through the website contact form.  It also means that the weekend away, Easter Services and mission week will have to be postponed until a later date.
 
We're working with the Methodists and others to run a landline for people who need help self-isolating - the number is 01782 720392.  Please get in touch if you need help, or are able to offer it.
 
This is all pretty overwhelming and shocking, but it's often been said that no change is ever spiritually neutral.  As individuals and as a church we'll either grow to be more like Jesus through this, or drift away from Him.  If we're at home a lot over the coming weeks, what a great chance to get into the Christian book we've always meant to read and never started!  To have an unhurried time to pray and feed off God's Word in the morning.  To show our children that Jesus really is enough.  To serve our community when those around us are very scared.  To trust Him when we or loved ones get ill.  To grieve, but not as though who have no hope when loved ones die.  And if we're called to go Home, then to die rejoicing in a Saviour Who defeated the grave.
 
Hebrews 10.24,25 commands us: 'And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.'  We're going to have to find new ways to do that  - let's keep picking up the phone to each other (perhaps people we wouldn't normally call?), even if it's just for a quick chat and to ask 'What can I pray for you?'. 
 
May the Lord bless you and keep you, and make His Face shine upon you, and grant you His peace.

Simon Tomkins

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