Following the Diocesan advice at the Red setting of the Traffic Light System (TLS); and given that our approach has been that our gatherings remain available for all, we will move to an online and ‘House Church’ model after our last January service this Sunday (please note the changes around the NVP and VP services for this Sunday due to Red settings).
Although we may not see this as ideal, small group gatherings (and online options) are not only valid but are a potentially positive way of being the church during this time. Along with the practical considerations of protecting those most at risk and doing that in a unified way, this model allows us to continue to engage in prayer, Bible study, and faith-sharing and can be a tool for God’s ongoing work among us. Along with the Sunday service continuing as an online option, small groups can consider the ways in which they might be called to develop the church’s ministry and mission.
Some recommendations:
We are planning to meet with care cell leaders and any others willing to be hosts of groups as soon as possible. Please be in touch with us with any issues you have so we can assist in any way.
We have been greatly encouraged over this time with people’s desire to continue to gather. So to finish, some words from scripture I shared with the VP gathering on Sunday.
Although we may not see this as ideal, small group gatherings (and online options) are not only valid but are a potentially positive way of being the church during this time. Along with the practical considerations of protecting those most at risk and doing that in a unified way, this model allows us to continue to engage in prayer, Bible study, and faith-sharing and can be a tool for God’s ongoing work among us. Along with the Sunday service continuing as an online option, small groups can consider the ways in which they might be called to develop the church’s ministry and mission.
Some recommendations:
- There will be various resources available for you and these can be used according to your groups needs and abilities. The sermon is an aspect of our community that can keep us journeying along together as a wider congregation so we encourage you to watch that and engage with it as a group. Likewise, communion is a key part of our unity as a body and while the frequency of celebrating that can vary, we encourage you to find a rhythm that works for your group. Again, resources will be provided for that.
- While there is flexibility of when to meet, try to meet on Sunday. This time is already part of the rhythm we have and can help others who may want to join.
- Think invitational and missional – this may be the opportunity to invite someone along who may not be comfortable in a traditional church building setting. You could run the service around a meal and organise what you do more around guests.
We are planning to meet with care cell leaders and any others willing to be hosts of groups as soon as possible. Please be in touch with us with any issues you have so we can assist in any way.
We have been greatly encouraged over this time with people’s desire to continue to gather. So to finish, some words from scripture I shared with the VP gathering on Sunday.
Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”
– John 6:66-69
– John 6:66-69
I encourage you that, although we find ourselves in difficult times, let’s continue to meet together around Jesus, the one who has the words of eternal life.
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