Elders' Response to Covid-19 Concerns

 

Friday, 13th March 2020 - 11:47pm

 

Dear GraceLife London Family,

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).

We’re taking this exhortation very seriously and trying to apply it to the congregation as the situation is changing rapidly in regard to the concerns about the coronavirus, Covid-19.

The government advice at present can be summarised as a call for self-awareness and self-responsibility. They have not yet required a closure of public meetings like ours.

However, we don’t want our church family to be exposed to the virus unwittingly, or for anyone to be harmed by a lack of caution while the situation is unfolding. In the spirit of Philippians 2:4, we’ve decided to have the congregation stay home and Livestream our service at 11:00 am and 6pm on Sunday's.

As is typical at this time of year, a number of people in the congregation are unwell and would need to stay home anyway.

We’ll be trying to stay in touch with those who are ill to be sure all is well with them, and we’ll also be monitoring the government advice about public meetings, so we can keep you updated about our plans for the coming weeks.

Since we have to worship from home this week, we want to be faithful still to pray with, and encourage each other as we are able. The Livestream will include an opening prayer, Scripture reading, sermon, and closing prayer.

We are going to ask everyone to be continuing their worship in giving online, as we won’t be able to collect an offering as normal.

We’ll also give you some recommended songs to sing at home as part of your personal worship, and we’re praying it will be a special time as we all take time to draw near to God!

Don’t forget that we also need to,

“consider how to stir up one another to good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews. 10:24-25).

In this present situation, while we cannot meet in person, let us remember that social distance must not become social isolation. Please take extra time to be communicating and praying with other members of the body by calling, texting, emailing, etc.

Please join us via Livestream at Sunday at 11:00 am and 6:00 pm.  For more information please visit our events page.

 

May the Lord continue to uphold each of us as we continue to worship and serve Him.

In the Grace of the Lord,

 

Your Elders