‘And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ St. Matthew 28: 20.
‘‘I am the Alpha and the Omega’, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’ – The Revelation to John 1: 8.
Church life in the era of Coronavirus: This is a time of trial, stress and worry. At such times, it is important that we remember that God is with us throughout the difficulties of life, even in the most worrisome of times. The two words of Scripture quoted above (from the first and the last books of the New Testament) are a testimony to this great fact. Therefore, we can pray to Him in confidence that He is there, our Comforter. We also remember the words of Psalm 145 verse 18 ‘The Lord is near to all who call on Him’.
Pastoral visitors. Pastoral visitors will to be in regular contact by phone (preferably) or email with anyone who is on their pastoral list. Anyone outside of the church community may be added to a pastoral list with their permission. If you would like to be added to a pastoral list please contact Revd. James H. Grayson at stocksbridgechristiancentre@outlook.com.
Worship and prayer. Every week, the minister will provide a set of Bible readings for each day of the week, and some words of prayer and topics for prayer. For Sunday, the weekly readings will also provide an order of service appropriate for the season of the Christian year.
These readings will be distributed by email to anyone who is on the minister’s distribution list, and for anyone not on email it will be distributed by post.
If you would like to receive the weekly readings, please contact Revd. James H. Grayson at stocksbridgechristiancentre@outlook.com and give him either your email or postal details.
Community prayer. The church continues to pray for the community around it, and for ourselves. As we cannot meet together at 2 on a Wednesday for the duration of the epidemic, we will pray as a church for our community and ourselves in our homes on a Wednesday at 2.
Our outreach worker, Phil Hall, will be in contact with people to suggest topics and prayer concerns. If you would like to contact him, his email address is philtheowl@hotmail.com.
Reflective Bible study. We will continue to reflect on the Sunday lectionary readings. Before the epidemic, we met at 1:15 PM on a Monday. During this time of isolation, we will read the set lectionary readings before 1 PM on a Monday. Whoever is able to do so, should in an email provide any comments on a particular reading (one email per reading). The minister will use our email distribution list to pass on anyone’s reflections or comments. Anyone not on email will receive a message by either telephone or post.
This is not the same as our face-to-face meetings, but it will enable us as a community to maintain the rhythm of reflective study. Deepening our understanding of Scripture is crucial to the continued growth of our spiritual life, and can be a means by which we can bring others to faith.
If you would like to participate in this form of study, please contact Revd. James H. Grayson at stocksbridgechristiancentre@outlook.com and give him either your email or postal details.
Cornerstone Drop-in Café. The team will continue to maintain contact with the friends who attend the café by phone, email or post. Further details may be obtained from the manager of the café, Rachael Horner at rachaellouisehorner@gmail.com.
The Hanger Youth Drop-in Centre. The Outreach Worker, Phil Hall, is developing creative means to maintain and develop the relationships we have with the youth for the duration of the epidemic period. If you would like to contact him, his email address is philtheowl@hotmail.com.
Tuesday Lunch Club. The leaders will be in regular contact with anyone attending the lunches. Further details may be obtained from the minister. Please contact the Revd. James H. Grayson at stocksbridgechristiancentre@outlook.com.
