Dear friends
When I led the Covenant service in Bramhope last Sunday, I expected to be doing the same in Guiseley and Yeadon on these coming Sundays but – as happened so often last year – things have changed very fast. The country has entered a new lockdown and, although churches are permitted to continue to worship in church, a consensus has been reached within our Circuit that it’s not wise to do so. Tim Perkins, our Superintendent minister, explains the decision to cancel church services in January in his pastoral letter (click here).
Those of us who have enjoyed meeting together for worship during September, October and December will be disappointed about this but I hope you can also see it as a positive move. With the new variant Covid-19 there has been an alarming rise in infections and, sadly, deaths. We have been asked to keep our social contacts to a minimum. Continuing with services would create a real dilemma for many preachers, stewards, organists and members of the congregation. The Circuit decision, which will be reviewed for February, is a small contribution to reducing the spread of infection. We’re giving up something we value for a short time in order to benefit our community.
With no services in church, we’re going to try having a Zoom service every Sunday morning at 10.30am with the chance to chat afterwards. I know this won’t suit everyone but, if you’ve not tried a Zoom service yet, I warmly invite you to give it a go.
If you are reading this via our website, and would like access to our Zoom services, please contact me on roger.smith@methodist.org.uk for the details.
The services will be recorded and made available to watch later. A small picture of you may feature briefly but only the speakers will be heard. The recordings will be available via a circulated link; they will not be accessible to the general public.
I’ll be leading the service this Sunday 10th January at 10.30am and we’ll say the Covenant Prayer printed below. Whether or not you can join the service, say the prayer at home. It reminds us that the Christian journey is not always easy but also that we’re not alone and that this is the best possible path to follow.
If you need help with anything, do contact Jenny, me or anyone from church.
Roger
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