Not much has changed since the last article on the website. Restrictions are easing but we have not rushed into reopening, being very aware of our responsibility for the large number of vulnerable people in our congregation. Pastor has collated the results of our questionnaire; rather than paraphrase him I have reproduced his letter below.
Covid 19 Congregational Questionnaire
Firstly, can I thank all of those of you who have taken the trouble to complete and return the
Questionnaire and for the careful and prayerful considered responses you have made.
With over two thirds of the questionnaires returned, initial analysis suggests that a return to some form of
regular Public Worship in our building is desirable.
To help the Leadership Team in their deliberations, can I urge those of you who have not yet responded
and returned your questionnaire, to do so, as soon as possible, in order that any decisions reflect the
responses of the majority of us.
Any return to Public Worship will, of course, need to observe the restrictions and guidance of HM
Government and the Baptist Union regarding Covid 19 Secure Gatherings. We are all becoming well
experienced with social distancing, face coverings and the like, and of course there will be no singing or
opportunities to fellowship informally together.
Once the Leadership Team have been able to evaluate the responses received, full details of the
arrangements that will be put in place will be circulated to everyone.
In the meantime, the Sanctuary will be open for Private Prayer this coming Sunday 2 August between 2 pm
and 3 pm. Covid 19 Secure measures will be in place. Those wishing to present offerings they have
accumulated at home may wish to bring them on this occasion – a basket will be available on the offertory
table in the front.
In these still anxious and uncertain times, my particular prayers are offered for those who have indicated
that, at present, they would wish to remain Home Worshippers.
My prayer for us all is that: Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through
whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of
the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering
produces perseverance, perseverance, character and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us,
because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5.1 – 5
In closing, can I once again thank each and every one of you for the ways in which you have sought to
preserve our fellowship, through friendship, acts of kindness, regular contact and by your prayers. As we
continue to journey together, I hope, there are lessons we can learn about maintaining our sense of
community, through adversity, which will further strengthen the bonds between us in the days, weeks,
months, years that lie ahead.
Blessings
Pastor Seyan
