22 Nov Church During Current Covid Restrictions
I hope and pray this message finds you well.
I’m sure you are aware of the change in regulations announced by the NI Executive on Thursday 19th Nov, which are taking effect from Friday 27th Nov until Thursday 11th Dec. The steps announced are wide-ranging and no doubt will affect many of our church family in many ways – if there is anything that we as a church can do to help or support you or your family through these days, please do let us know – we want to be able to care for one another with the love, prayer and practical support we need at this time, so please know you’re not alone.
One of the measures announced was the closure of places of worship through this period. This is obviously upsetting as we so value the times that we’re able to be physically together – either on Sunday mornings or midweek for prayer and Bible study.
Although regrettable, we will be moving our church activities online for this short period, meaning our Sunday services (29th Nov and 6th Dec) and midweek groups (Prayer meeting on the 2nd Dec and Life Groups on 7-10 Dec).
I want to stress that this DOES NOT MEAN THAT ‘CHURCH’ IS CLOSED. We continue to meet together (although virtually), support one another in our discipleship, seek to reach out to those around us who do not yet know Jesus – God’s mission hasn’t stopped in these days! So although it seems difficult and perhaps we need to think creatively about how we do things, can I encourage you to keep ’spurring one another toward love and good deeds’.
One way in which we hope to do this is by gathering together before our online services. So from 10.30am on Sunday 29th Nov & 6th Dec, we will be gathering on Zoom to catch up, say hello, see and hear one another, and prepare ourselves to worship God together. It would be wonderful to see you there if you’re able to join!
If you have any issues with accessing any of the online activities, please do let us know and we’ll do all we can to help.
As I close, I realise these are uncertain and difficult days for many, if not all, of us. We serve, worship and follow a great and sovereign God, so I pray that you know His presence, His comfort, His strength, His wisdom, His Truth, His grace, His love and His enduring care today, and in the days that lie ahead.
For His glory and in His Name,
Drew