Dear <<First Name>>,
In this email you'll find the usual links to our online gatherings and prayer points, and it would be great if you could join us in our times together, as well as continuing to pray for those people and situations that are highlighted. Next Saturday we're hosting a parlour games afternoon (details below) and we'd love it if you could invite others to this too, so please spread the word. Also below are details about The Marriage Sessions from Care For The Family which are starting soon.
But first, a reflection...
As a bit of a geek I sometimes like to take a look at the Flightradar website, which shows aircraft movements around the world. It might be that an aeroplane flying overhead has piqued my curisoty as to what type it might be and where it is going, leaving me imagining far off lands and holiday destinations. Inevitably, once I've looked up one I'll take a look at others and marvel at the ability to have this wealth of information about the skies overhead at my fingertips - OK so I'm a geek! One of the interesting things is seeing the air-corridors, the highways in the sky, mapped out as the images of planes criss-cross the globe. Yet lately there has been a distinct lack of planes flying. The map of the UK looks decidely bare and the boundaries of the air-corridors have become less defined. But it is not just a lack of aeroplanes flying that has led to clearer skies. So too, the lack of other forms of transport has led to a big reduction in air pollution as pictures in the news from Delhi show (BBC News) and the state of our own highways network testifies.
In the news this week there have been indications of some metaphorical clear sky ahead, yet there is still some sense of uncertainty. Sticking with the aeroplane theme, British Airways have indicated that they may not reopen their base at Gatwick, indicating a significant change in how and where they operate. But it also highlights the human impact of this possible change of course as many find themselves suddenly and unexpectedly without a job to go back to. It perhaps begs the question as to how the church may act and look as we move forward, especially given the opportunites to engage with our community in new ways. The booklet "Everyone Welcome Online" published by CPAS has, and continues, to provide much food for thought and reflection as I ponder these sort of questions.
Much like the empty skies overhead, we have been given time and space to think. This is certainly one of the big messages I've been hearing from the wider church, not least our own Baptist family. The clutter that is normally swirling around has, for the most part, been removed, giving each of us those metaphorical clear skies to think more deeply about who and where we are, as individuals, as a community and as a part of the church of Jesus Christ. So what is He saying to us at this moment in time? Much as the air-corridors and cities like Delhi look different, so too church currently looks different. But if we appreciate not having our skies crowded by aeroplanes, or our air polluted to the extent that we cannot see clearly, then perhaps another question we might ask is; if we appreciate this new viewpoint of the world, can things really go back to how they were? But here's the crunch: our answer to that question must inform our answer when it comes to church otherwise it is nothing short of hypocrisy. It is a challenge, but one which I believe we must take seriously. So may we continue to keep our eyes fixed on our Saviour Jesus as He leads us into a new lease of life, in whatever form that may take.
Until we meet again and with every blessing,
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Links For Sunday's Online Events
- To join us for prayer before the livestream click on the blue button
- To join us for the livestream click on the red button
- To join us for a general chat click on the yellow button
- To join the Baptists Together prayer gathering click on the green button
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Unable To Access YouTube?
If you or someone you know is unable to join in with the Sunday Worship Livestream on YouTube, but have access to a DVD player, then you can request a DVD. If you would like a copy, please let me know (either by replying to this email or telephoning/texting me) and I can add you to the list to get one dropped off to you during the week.
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A series thinking about Paul's letter to the church in the city of Philippi and what it might be be saying to us today in this time of uncertainty. Find out more by visiting our YouTube channel and watching live on Sunday mornings at 10:30am or catch up at anytime.
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Just because we're not able to meet in person doesn't mean the fun has to stop. You are invited to our interactive parlour games afternoon on Saturday 9th May at 3pm. All you need to do is to grab a pen and some paper and click on the link below to play with us via Zoom. It will be great to see you.
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Care For The Family are passionate about supporting couples in their relationships. They are going to be streaming The Marriage Sessions, direct to your home – free of charge!
It’s a four-part resource exploring how couples can build a lasting relationship. Whether you’re newlyweds or have been married for years, these sessions will help your marriage blossom during these uncertain times – and all you need is an hour a week.
The key themes that are covered in the four sessions are:
CHERISH – the forgotten vow and how to keep your love alive
CONNECT – understanding each other and the art of communication
COLLABORATE – dealing with pressure points and handling conflict well
COMMIT – love is a choice when the going gets tough
Click on the button below to visit the Care For The Family website to find out more and to sign up.
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Church Prayer Points
- For our church leaders who will be meeting on Monday via Zoom.
- For those who are homeless and struggling at this time.
- For families who are suffering with poverty and unemployment.
- For Compassion Acts and the work they do to support the vulnerable.
- For Tim & Linda Darby our BMS World Mission links working in Uganda.
- For those who have been bereaved.
- For the NHS, emergency services and key workers; that God will watch over them and protect them.
- That the world may know God's peace and His presence.
If you have a prayer request, please let Dan know for this email list and Mary know for the telephone chain.
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