Pastor's Coronagate Email to Attenders

I've just sent this email out to all those for whom I have email addresses. If I haven't got yours, and you come to us, this is what I have sent:

Dear all

I wish to confirm that the chapel will be open this Sunday for divine worship at 10.45 and 6pm. Both preachers have confirmed, though I’m preaching out in the morning. Similarly, the prayer meeting and Bible Study will take place as usual, though hand-washing shall be encouraged. This will be the case until further notice. Those of you who wish not to attend will be in our prayers. If you have ‘underlying health issues’ and/or are in your eighth decade, government advice is to restrict attendance at public gatherings. Let each make up their own mind and do whatever is the right thing. Anyone who acquires a sore throat, temperature or flu-like symptoms is asked to isolate. Some sensible advice from Martin Luther might here be read:

http://www.martintop.org.uk/blog/luthers-advice-regarding-pandemic

I will be halting my usual rounds of home visitation. I will visit, but only on request. This will save anyone the embarrassment of refusing me admittance. I work in a school which means my immunity may be high, but yours might not be. If anyone is isolating, and wishes me to bring them supplies from the shop, just phone or email a list and I shall see to it. Sermons are on the website and daily blog posts may offer some encouragement. The latter will not keep focussing on this virus.

Thirdly, let me draw some spiritual points. When, at our January 1st watchnight service, we commended 2020 to the Lord, He knew this event would take place. He is neither taken by surprise nor worried by what might happen. Let’s therefore trust Him to see us through.

Ps 91:3-6:

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler

And from the perilous pestilence.

He shall cover you with His feathers,

And under His wings you shall take refuge;

His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,

Nor of the arrow that flies by day,

Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,

Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

This virus may well be with us for 12 months. Keep trusting Him.