COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update 17th March 2020

By now you may already be aware of today’s communication from the Archbishop’s of Canterbury and York announcing that  “public worship will have to stop for a season. Our usual pattern of Sunday services and other mid-week gatherings must be put on hold”. Here at Christ Church, we have already been planning for various outcomes and – although sad - at least we can move forward with some sense of certainty.

Today, I am able to confirm that all upcoming church activities are postponed immediately. Further, whilst we intend to maintain and staff the church office as normal, we cannot receive visitors so please contact us by phone or preferably email initially.

Be assured that we fully intend to provide ministry and support to our congregation and wider community. Starting on Sunday, I will be sharing a live stream from the church online. Exactly what that looks like is hard to define right now but we will be presenting God’s love and hope to you, albeit in a very new way! Why not tune in to find out more, look out for details before Sunday?
Clear communication is going to be vital in these fast paced and changing circumstance that we find ourselves in. The team is busy preparing ways to share information and to continue to make the Good News of our Lord central in that. Expect an update from me before the end of the week – and regular ones from now on.
What can we all do? Prayer is the first thing. We are also looking to keep in contact with our congregation with regular calls and support. The harsh reality is that several people in our congregation have already taken the decision to self isolate for an extended period. Out of sight is definitely not out of mind and we will love and support each other through this testing time. If you would like to be a part of this team making calls happen please email the office. Also, please do communicate this email to other members of the church who may not be connected or for whom we do not hold details.
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I will keep this note short today except to say that I believe that God uses every circumstance for good and we will see Him working in this time.
Please look out for more information in the coming days and keep looking to the Lord.
With love and prayers for you all
John