A message from the Superintendent Minister of West London Mission 30.4.20
Whose voice do we hear?
A former Bishop of the Church of South India, Dr P.J. Lawrence, wonders why, when coronavirus strikes and kills thousands and crashes stock markets, it receives 24/7 news coverage. He writes, ‘9 million people die per year from starvation! 25,000 deaths per day! The media never mention it.’ His analysis is that coronavirus has struck rich countries as well as poor, so those countries report it.
I wonder whether the reporting of the deaths and the stringent measures to reduce the spread of the virus we see in the UK, is reported because the death rate is so much greater than usual, and without the public health alarm, would be higher still. Every life lost represents a grief and a tragedy. But Dr Lawrence’s point is, in what we might call ‘normal times’, we routinely ignore a daily global crisis which ought to shock us as much as our current news.
The President of the Methodist Conference, Rev. Dr Barbara Glasson visited Rohingya refugees in refugee camps. Campaigning for All We Can’s emergency appeal, she wrote ‘with cases of coronavirus already confirmed in the town nearest to the camps … it is only a matter of time before this deadly virus reaches the communities in the camps – who have already suffered such unthinkable trauma since fleeing their homes in 2017.’
Writing from Fiji, Upolu Luma Vaai says, ‘Easter reminds us of the story of God who suffered through Jesus not merely to ‘carry our suffering’ as we often claim but really to carry us, as we seek to understand our faith through suffering.’
We are rightly shocked by the number of deaths in the UK. Coronavirus has forced us to recognise the contribution of health care professionals and key workers in essential services that, in ‘normal times’, go un-noticed. Perhaps coronavirus should also force us to hear the voices of those from across the world, who live with shocking death rates, daily, in ‘normal times.’
Easter God, transform us into those who hear the cries of suffering, in our community, or across the world and help us to recognise your love in care and compassion. Amen.
Rev Peter Cornick
Sources:
https://www.methodist.org.uk/media/16587/ecumenical-reporter-covid-poverty-csi.docx
https://www.allwecan.org.uk/emergency-coronavirus-appeal-launch/
https://www.methodist.org.uk/media/16782/easter-pastoral-message-ptc-churches-partners-easter-2020-pacific-council-of-churches.pdf
A message from the Superintendent Minister of West London Mission 23.4.20
Our experience of the risen Christ during ‘lockdown’, suggests a re-think is required for on-line communion.
I have been asked by several people, why we cannot celebrate communion in our on-line worship? Easter Sunday, without presiding at, or receiving communion, was a challenge to my spirituality. In the light of such vast and tragic loss across the world, the absence of communion might be regarded as a discussion which is something of a luxury. But if communion is central to our worship and Christian life, it deserves reflection. It is after all, an expression of the life, death and resurrection of Christ.
The reason for not celebrating communion on-line is quite simple. The Methodist Church, at its Conference in 2015, resolved that it would not be appropriate. Whilst I’ve read of clergy ignoring their respective authorities on this issue in our extreme circumstances, such an approach appears individualistic and pays no respect to our shared discipleship with the wider ‘communion’ of Christ, represented in Methodism by the Conference. Ironically, the Conference initiated a wider discussion concerning on-line communion which was to report this year.
There are several issues to consider; here are a few. Being the body of Christ is important to any church. There is a fear that communions taken in isolation diminish this. Gatherings conducted live on Zoom might well represent the ‘body’, but what of a recording accessed later, ‘on demand’? Are some virtual platforms more acceptable than others for the ‘body of Christ’ to meet? The presence of a ‘presbyter’ is required; again, a discipline of our Conference. Is the presbyter’s presence possible in multiple living-rooms? Can ‘one’ bread be broken in a number of places? And what of ecumenical considerations; should Methodists act independently before conversations with partner churches?
My experience of worshipping on-line in this crisis, has been one of connectivity. In a period of isolation, familiar faces and voices have helped us all to remain a ‘body of Christ.’ It has, to a large extent, been inclusive. What a delight to worship with people who for various reasons, have not worshipped at Hinde Street for a long time. Equally, I am aware of those who have not felt able to participate. I would ask Class Leaders particularly, to enquire again, whether we can provide assistance or reassurance to any of our friends in joining the on-line worship.
Many of us would bear testimony to the powerful presence of each of our preachers over the Easter season. There is no suggestion that their preaching from home has lessened their presence; nor more importantly, the presence of the Spirit within their preaching. Quite the reverse. I have found the re-discovery of Love Feasts a true blessing in these times. They have historically been lay led celebrations, not implying the sacrament of communion. During the Love Feasts, we have been able to eat and drink together; a symbol of our bond of faith and thanksgiving for the presence of God in our lives. Reading the story of the Emmaus Road this week, it struck me how it was the presence of the risen Christ, who made the feast. I have felt no lack of ‘presence’ in the risen Christ, as we have walked our unexpected ‘road’. Indeed, rather like those disciples, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’ (Luke 24: 32)
John Wesley believed communion was a confirming and converting ordinance; it is then central to our mission. This crisis has demonstrated the need for a more flexible approach to worship and pastoral care. The necessity of worshipping on-line means we have inadvertently stumbled upon a means of growth, inclusivity and evangelism. A contemporary phrase I hear is, ‘things can’t go back to how they were.’ I would offer to the Conference, my experience of worship in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic; an experience which demands an urgent review of on-line communion, for the sake of mission. If communion is the central liturgical act celebrating the life, death and resurrection of Christ, people of faith need to participate in it, during a time of crisis.
Rev Peter Cornick
A message from the Superintendent of West London Mission 9.4.20
Easter is a celebration of new life, hope and resurrection. At a time when to watch the news is almost too much to bear, Easter seems a long way off. To watch the film of nurses and doctors caring for a patient in a hospital, brings home the magnitude of the crisis and the thankfulness we have for those professionals on the frontline. To know the Prime Minister is in an intensive care unit, reminds us that this virus does not discriminate. We wish him a speedy recovery. But our prayers are with those who operate the frontline, all patients who are currently suffering the effects of COVID-19 around the world, and those who have been bereaved. May God be with each one. So where is Easter?
Jesus has suffered on the cross. God has suffered on the cross. Fundamentally, God has experienced the pain of living in this world; has experienced death; God knows our crisis. The hope of Easter is not that resurrection does away with the uncomfortable images of death. Easter expresses, through resurrection, how God continues to live and be present throughout our crisis, including death. Paul writes, that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of God, in Christ Jesus. God is wounded by suffering, the scars on the hands and feet are witness to that, but light and love are not to be extinguished.
Perhaps the real hope of Easter, for those whose lives have been dramatically changed by what we are experiencing, is that God, though wounded, lives and is present with us to transform our lives.
Christ has risen and forever
lives to challenge and to change
all whose lives are messed and mangled,
all who find religion strange.
Christ is risen. Christ is present,
making us what he has been –
evidence of transformation
in which God is known and seen.
(Singing the Faith 296: John Bell & Graham Maule)
Rev Peter Cornick
A message from the Superintendent of West London Mission 2.4.20
Several people last week, phoned friends from Hinde Street, to help them get online or phone into the Sunday worship. This gave opportunity, not just for technical assistance – we’re all much better at Zoom now! – but for conversation and connecting. Both Hinde Street and King’s Cross are reporting higher than usual attendances at online worship.
People want to pray.
Both churches have had opportunity to shop or care for others – keeping social distance. Some have been referred to us through the Council, others are people we know. One person, self-isolating and temporarily housed by the Council, was so grateful for the shopping, they expressed feeling cared for and being treated humanely. Whilst exercising, I have found myself walking into the road to create social distance. However, this might have created feelings of suspicion and alienation. We must hold on to the feelings of humanity expressed by the person receiving the shopping, for this restores our souls and we see God breaking into the fear.
As a staff team, we shared and prayed together – on Zoom which is the new normal. My colleague Rev. Kong Ching Hii led a reflection on Palm Sunday. He suggested that Jesus, entering Jerusalem, was entering a time of being out of control; he was at the mercy of others; everything for Jesus and the disciples was uncertain. It was a different situation of course, but, he observed, how strangely pertinent to our situation. Jesus was not in control, yet continued to rely on his Father.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowd shouted ‘hosanna.’ Translated, it means, ‘save us.’ Save us from forgetting those who feel isolated; save us from suspicion and fear; save us from missing the grace of gratitude and the holiness of humanity restored.
Rev Peter Cornick
A message from the superintendent of the West London Mission 28.3.20
I received so many messages following last Sunday’s online worship. They all expressed thanksgiving that we could gather as a community to pray and share in fellowship. Separated by distance, we were united in concern for one another and the world in worship. To be able to see or hear each other in such circumstances was a true blessing of this internet age. As I have spoken to people on the phone or on Zoom this week, the sense of gathering together and reducing isolation has become a significant pastoral opportunity. I want to thank all those who made the worship possible, those who have visited by phone, those who have helped to make difficult decisions around closure and those who have dealt with church business issues in a new way.
Following the government announcement, and after seeking advice, we were unable to run Wednesday Club. Westminster City Council sent me this message which I hope will be of some comfort to our friends from both the Wednesday Club and Winter Night Shelter: ‘Significant additional provision is being made for rough sleepers including hotel provision and this is very actively being worked on this week. This is being done with a number of our partners. Our outreach team and partners with transport firms are taking clients to these hotels. Dogs are also being taken to a foster centre. Our café (Unity Kitchen) is providing packed lunch and dinners to those in hotels, supported housing and hostels and this started yesterday. As a result of this, the street population has reduced significantly.’ Westminster City Council have also been in touch with me about how the church may be able to help their emerging emergency plan. Watch this space.
At the end of this week, I reflect that as a church, whether it be through participating in a new online prayer group, sharing with colleagues or Class members over the phone, or worshipping in a new way, we have been challenged to change as never before. And the response has been one of thanksgiving, that in adversity, our most pressing need has been to meet as a Christian community; to recognise God is with us.
This prayer was written by The Revd Barbara Glasson, President of the Methodist Conference.
Loving God,
If we are ill, strengthen us.
If we are tired, fortify our spirits.
If we are anxious, help us to consider the lilies of the field and the birds of the air.
Help us not to stockpile treasures from supermarkets in the barns of our larders.
Don't let fear cause us to overlook the needs of others more vulnerable than ourselves.
Fix our eyes on your story and our hearts on your grace.
Help us always to hold fast to the good,
See the good in others,
And remember there is just one world, one hope,
One everlasting love, with baskets of bread for everyone.
In Jesus we make our prayer,
The one who suffered, died and was raised to new life,
In whom we trust these days and all days,
Amen.
Rev Peter Cornick
A message from the Superintendent of West London Mission
updated 20.3.20 @ 3.30pm
Dear friends,
This week has been extraordinary. I want to acknowledge the intense anxiety and stress that people are under as routines and support mechanisms change. The pastoral and office staff together with various volunteers have worked tirelessly this week to try to adapt to the situation. I commend them all. The suggestion that staying at home would give us more time has not been the experience this week! As a church, we have been responding to public safety, communicating our closure, planning for the near future - including Sunday - and responding to pastoral need. Change is difficult – but enforced and sudden change needs clear decisions – sometimes unpopular – and faith that we belong to God even in the worst of storms.
We started on Monday, with a meeting to discuss how we would manage a gradual diminution of staff, volunteers and preachers. By the evening, we had to close. Deciding to close the Westminster (Winter) Night Shelter at short notice was a very hard decision; telling the men even harder. It was with the best interests for their health and that of our volunteers and to not spread the virus and put pressure on the NHS. Likewise, the closure of the anonymous groups has been difficult. People have been stoical as well as frustrated. We were able to offer a much reduced Wednesday Club, (this is largely, although not entirely, for people sleeping rough) serving tea and soup from the front steps of the church. The guests were enormously grateful.
Worship, as you will see in the ‘Weekly’, will be an attempt to bring us together ‘virtually’. Again, we are in the realms of faith and hope that this may work and it aims to include people. We are also posting some prayers and meditations on the website – do look out for them.
Some churches are offering quiet spaces – keeping a distance – for people to pray. Each church needs to respond according to its situation. Our ability to manage such a venture with so few volunteers, and to clean afterwards with limited ancillary staff, needs to be taken into consideration. Our response is emerging but our weekday priority, at this time, is to concentrate on trying to provide something for Wednesday Club for as long as we safely can. Our Sunday priority is to offer one ‘virtual’ service and this will develop over the weeks. The same will be true for Holy Week. Please continue to look at the website for more information.
Deacon Belinda has contacted all Class Leaders who are each contacting their Class to offer prayer and support. For any pastoral need or offer of help, please contact Belinda in the first instance. If you think you have the virus or are self-isolating, please let Belinda know – we may be able to help with prescriptions, food etc. and the ministerial staff would wish to pray for you. For any issues regarding worship or the church and office generally, please contact me, Peter.
Many of you will be feeling frightened and confused. Some of you, I know, are self-isolating or may be experiencing the symptoms of the virus. Others will fear for their jobs or be worried about loved ones. The thoughts and prayers of myself, Deacon Belinda, Miriam, the stewards and office staff, are with you all.
A thought for the day.
Jesus is in Gethsemane, aware of the suffering he will undergo. He invites the disciples to sit, whilst he prays but the disciples are overtaken by fear and exhaustion. On his return from prayer, Jesus finds them asleep. ‘Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ Even in fear and exhaustion, might we continue to sit with Jesus. To remember, he intercedes for us and the world community, especially those who are vulnerable. Half way through Lent, there are temptations we didn’t think of at its beginning such as hoarding or unnecessary travel. Can we keep watch and pray with Jesus? Pray for those looking out for their neighbour and how you can support someone perhaps with a phone call; those in front line care, particularly our WLM care staff; for those who are sick or fearful.
Whose voice do we hear?
A former Bishop of the Church of South India, Dr P.J. Lawrence, wonders why, when coronavirus strikes and kills thousands and crashes stock markets, it receives 24/7 news coverage. He writes, ‘9 million people die per year from starvation! 25,000 deaths per day! The media never mention it.’ His analysis is that coronavirus has struck rich countries as well as poor, so those countries report it.
I wonder whether the reporting of the deaths and the stringent measures to reduce the spread of the virus we see in the UK, is reported because the death rate is so much greater than usual, and without the public health alarm, would be higher still. Every life lost represents a grief and a tragedy. But Dr Lawrence’s point is, in what we might call ‘normal times’, we routinely ignore a daily global crisis which ought to shock us as much as our current news.
The President of the Methodist Conference, Rev. Dr Barbara Glasson visited Rohingya refugees in refugee camps. Campaigning for All We Can’s emergency appeal, she wrote ‘with cases of coronavirus already confirmed in the town nearest to the camps … it is only a matter of time before this deadly virus reaches the communities in the camps – who have already suffered such unthinkable trauma since fleeing their homes in 2017.’
Writing from Fiji, Upolu Luma Vaai says, ‘Easter reminds us of the story of God who suffered through Jesus not merely to ‘carry our suffering’ as we often claim but really to carry us, as we seek to understand our faith through suffering.’
We are rightly shocked by the number of deaths in the UK. Coronavirus has forced us to recognise the contribution of health care professionals and key workers in essential services that, in ‘normal times’, go un-noticed. Perhaps coronavirus should also force us to hear the voices of those from across the world, who live with shocking death rates, daily, in ‘normal times.’
Easter God, transform us into those who hear the cries of suffering, in our community, or across the world and help us to recognise your love in care and compassion. Amen.
Rev Peter Cornick
Sources:
https://www.methodist.org.uk/media/16587/ecumenical-reporter-covid-poverty-csi.docx
https://www.allwecan.org.uk/emergency-coronavirus-appeal-launch/
https://www.methodist.org.uk/media/16782/easter-pastoral-message-ptc-churches-partners-easter-2020-pacific-council-of-churches.pdf
A message from the Superintendent Minister of West London Mission 23.4.20
Our experience of the risen Christ during ‘lockdown’, suggests a re-think is required for on-line communion.
I have been asked by several people, why we cannot celebrate communion in our on-line worship? Easter Sunday, without presiding at, or receiving communion, was a challenge to my spirituality. In the light of such vast and tragic loss across the world, the absence of communion might be regarded as a discussion which is something of a luxury. But if communion is central to our worship and Christian life, it deserves reflection. It is after all, an expression of the life, death and resurrection of Christ.
The reason for not celebrating communion on-line is quite simple. The Methodist Church, at its Conference in 2015, resolved that it would not be appropriate. Whilst I’ve read of clergy ignoring their respective authorities on this issue in our extreme circumstances, such an approach appears individualistic and pays no respect to our shared discipleship with the wider ‘communion’ of Christ, represented in Methodism by the Conference. Ironically, the Conference initiated a wider discussion concerning on-line communion which was to report this year.
There are several issues to consider; here are a few. Being the body of Christ is important to any church. There is a fear that communions taken in isolation diminish this. Gatherings conducted live on Zoom might well represent the ‘body’, but what of a recording accessed later, ‘on demand’? Are some virtual platforms more acceptable than others for the ‘body of Christ’ to meet? The presence of a ‘presbyter’ is required; again, a discipline of our Conference. Is the presbyter’s presence possible in multiple living-rooms? Can ‘one’ bread be broken in a number of places? And what of ecumenical considerations; should Methodists act independently before conversations with partner churches?
My experience of worshipping on-line in this crisis, has been one of connectivity. In a period of isolation, familiar faces and voices have helped us all to remain a ‘body of Christ.’ It has, to a large extent, been inclusive. What a delight to worship with people who for various reasons, have not worshipped at Hinde Street for a long time. Equally, I am aware of those who have not felt able to participate. I would ask Class Leaders particularly, to enquire again, whether we can provide assistance or reassurance to any of our friends in joining the on-line worship.
Many of us would bear testimony to the powerful presence of each of our preachers over the Easter season. There is no suggestion that their preaching from home has lessened their presence; nor more importantly, the presence of the Spirit within their preaching. Quite the reverse. I have found the re-discovery of Love Feasts a true blessing in these times. They have historically been lay led celebrations, not implying the sacrament of communion. During the Love Feasts, we have been able to eat and drink together; a symbol of our bond of faith and thanksgiving for the presence of God in our lives. Reading the story of the Emmaus Road this week, it struck me how it was the presence of the risen Christ, who made the feast. I have felt no lack of ‘presence’ in the risen Christ, as we have walked our unexpected ‘road’. Indeed, rather like those disciples, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’ (Luke 24: 32)
John Wesley believed communion was a confirming and converting ordinance; it is then central to our mission. This crisis has demonstrated the need for a more flexible approach to worship and pastoral care. The necessity of worshipping on-line means we have inadvertently stumbled upon a means of growth, inclusivity and evangelism. A contemporary phrase I hear is, ‘things can’t go back to how they were.’ I would offer to the Conference, my experience of worship in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic; an experience which demands an urgent review of on-line communion, for the sake of mission. If communion is the central liturgical act celebrating the life, death and resurrection of Christ, people of faith need to participate in it, during a time of crisis.
Rev Peter Cornick
A message from the Superintendent of West London Mission 9.4.20
Easter is a celebration of new life, hope and resurrection. At a time when to watch the news is almost too much to bear, Easter seems a long way off. To watch the film of nurses and doctors caring for a patient in a hospital, brings home the magnitude of the crisis and the thankfulness we have for those professionals on the frontline. To know the Prime Minister is in an intensive care unit, reminds us that this virus does not discriminate. We wish him a speedy recovery. But our prayers are with those who operate the frontline, all patients who are currently suffering the effects of COVID-19 around the world, and those who have been bereaved. May God be with each one. So where is Easter?
Jesus has suffered on the cross. God has suffered on the cross. Fundamentally, God has experienced the pain of living in this world; has experienced death; God knows our crisis. The hope of Easter is not that resurrection does away with the uncomfortable images of death. Easter expresses, through resurrection, how God continues to live and be present throughout our crisis, including death. Paul writes, that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of God, in Christ Jesus. God is wounded by suffering, the scars on the hands and feet are witness to that, but light and love are not to be extinguished.
Perhaps the real hope of Easter, for those whose lives have been dramatically changed by what we are experiencing, is that God, though wounded, lives and is present with us to transform our lives.
Christ has risen and forever
lives to challenge and to change
all whose lives are messed and mangled,
all who find religion strange.
Christ is risen. Christ is present,
making us what he has been –
evidence of transformation
in which God is known and seen.
(Singing the Faith 296: John Bell & Graham Maule)
Rev Peter Cornick
A message from the Superintendent of West London Mission 2.4.20
Several people last week, phoned friends from Hinde Street, to help them get online or phone into the Sunday worship. This gave opportunity, not just for technical assistance – we’re all much better at Zoom now! – but for conversation and connecting. Both Hinde Street and King’s Cross are reporting higher than usual attendances at online worship.
People want to pray.
Both churches have had opportunity to shop or care for others – keeping social distance. Some have been referred to us through the Council, others are people we know. One person, self-isolating and temporarily housed by the Council, was so grateful for the shopping, they expressed feeling cared for and being treated humanely. Whilst exercising, I have found myself walking into the road to create social distance. However, this might have created feelings of suspicion and alienation. We must hold on to the feelings of humanity expressed by the person receiving the shopping, for this restores our souls and we see God breaking into the fear.
As a staff team, we shared and prayed together – on Zoom which is the new normal. My colleague Rev. Kong Ching Hii led a reflection on Palm Sunday. He suggested that Jesus, entering Jerusalem, was entering a time of being out of control; he was at the mercy of others; everything for Jesus and the disciples was uncertain. It was a different situation of course, but, he observed, how strangely pertinent to our situation. Jesus was not in control, yet continued to rely on his Father.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowd shouted ‘hosanna.’ Translated, it means, ‘save us.’ Save us from forgetting those who feel isolated; save us from suspicion and fear; save us from missing the grace of gratitude and the holiness of humanity restored.
Rev Peter Cornick
A message from the superintendent of the West London Mission 28.3.20
I received so many messages following last Sunday’s online worship. They all expressed thanksgiving that we could gather as a community to pray and share in fellowship. Separated by distance, we were united in concern for one another and the world in worship. To be able to see or hear each other in such circumstances was a true blessing of this internet age. As I have spoken to people on the phone or on Zoom this week, the sense of gathering together and reducing isolation has become a significant pastoral opportunity. I want to thank all those who made the worship possible, those who have visited by phone, those who have helped to make difficult decisions around closure and those who have dealt with church business issues in a new way.
Following the government announcement, and after seeking advice, we were unable to run Wednesday Club. Westminster City Council sent me this message which I hope will be of some comfort to our friends from both the Wednesday Club and Winter Night Shelter: ‘Significant additional provision is being made for rough sleepers including hotel provision and this is very actively being worked on this week. This is being done with a number of our partners. Our outreach team and partners with transport firms are taking clients to these hotels. Dogs are also being taken to a foster centre. Our café (Unity Kitchen) is providing packed lunch and dinners to those in hotels, supported housing and hostels and this started yesterday. As a result of this, the street population has reduced significantly.’ Westminster City Council have also been in touch with me about how the church may be able to help their emerging emergency plan. Watch this space.
At the end of this week, I reflect that as a church, whether it be through participating in a new online prayer group, sharing with colleagues or Class members over the phone, or worshipping in a new way, we have been challenged to change as never before. And the response has been one of thanksgiving, that in adversity, our most pressing need has been to meet as a Christian community; to recognise God is with us.
This prayer was written by The Revd Barbara Glasson, President of the Methodist Conference.
Loving God,
If we are ill, strengthen us.
If we are tired, fortify our spirits.
If we are anxious, help us to consider the lilies of the field and the birds of the air.
Help us not to stockpile treasures from supermarkets in the barns of our larders.
Don't let fear cause us to overlook the needs of others more vulnerable than ourselves.
Fix our eyes on your story and our hearts on your grace.
Help us always to hold fast to the good,
See the good in others,
And remember there is just one world, one hope,
One everlasting love, with baskets of bread for everyone.
In Jesus we make our prayer,
The one who suffered, died and was raised to new life,
In whom we trust these days and all days,
Amen.
Rev Peter Cornick
A message from the Superintendent of West London Mission
updated 20.3.20 @ 3.30pm
Dear friends,
This week has been extraordinary. I want to acknowledge the intense anxiety and stress that people are under as routines and support mechanisms change. The pastoral and office staff together with various volunteers have worked tirelessly this week to try to adapt to the situation. I commend them all. The suggestion that staying at home would give us more time has not been the experience this week! As a church, we have been responding to public safety, communicating our closure, planning for the near future - including Sunday - and responding to pastoral need. Change is difficult – but enforced and sudden change needs clear decisions – sometimes unpopular – and faith that we belong to God even in the worst of storms.
We started on Monday, with a meeting to discuss how we would manage a gradual diminution of staff, volunteers and preachers. By the evening, we had to close. Deciding to close the Westminster (Winter) Night Shelter at short notice was a very hard decision; telling the men even harder. It was with the best interests for their health and that of our volunteers and to not spread the virus and put pressure on the NHS. Likewise, the closure of the anonymous groups has been difficult. People have been stoical as well as frustrated. We were able to offer a much reduced Wednesday Club, (this is largely, although not entirely, for people sleeping rough) serving tea and soup from the front steps of the church. The guests were enormously grateful.
Worship, as you will see in the ‘Weekly’, will be an attempt to bring us together ‘virtually’. Again, we are in the realms of faith and hope that this may work and it aims to include people. We are also posting some prayers and meditations on the website – do look out for them.
Some churches are offering quiet spaces – keeping a distance – for people to pray. Each church needs to respond according to its situation. Our ability to manage such a venture with so few volunteers, and to clean afterwards with limited ancillary staff, needs to be taken into consideration. Our response is emerging but our weekday priority, at this time, is to concentrate on trying to provide something for Wednesday Club for as long as we safely can. Our Sunday priority is to offer one ‘virtual’ service and this will develop over the weeks. The same will be true for Holy Week. Please continue to look at the website for more information.
Deacon Belinda has contacted all Class Leaders who are each contacting their Class to offer prayer and support. For any pastoral need or offer of help, please contact Belinda in the first instance. If you think you have the virus or are self-isolating, please let Belinda know – we may be able to help with prescriptions, food etc. and the ministerial staff would wish to pray for you. For any issues regarding worship or the church and office generally, please contact me, Peter.
Many of you will be feeling frightened and confused. Some of you, I know, are self-isolating or may be experiencing the symptoms of the virus. Others will fear for their jobs or be worried about loved ones. The thoughts and prayers of myself, Deacon Belinda, Miriam, the stewards and office staff, are with you all.
A thought for the day.
Jesus is in Gethsemane, aware of the suffering he will undergo. He invites the disciples to sit, whilst he prays but the disciples are overtaken by fear and exhaustion. On his return from prayer, Jesus finds them asleep. ‘Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ Even in fear and exhaustion, might we continue to sit with Jesus. To remember, he intercedes for us and the world community, especially those who are vulnerable. Half way through Lent, there are temptations we didn’t think of at its beginning such as hoarding or unnecessary travel. Can we keep watch and pray with Jesus? Pray for those looking out for their neighbour and how you can support someone perhaps with a phone call; those in front line care, particularly our WLM care staff; for those who are sick or fearful.