Coronavirus/COVID-19 update

 

To Our Church Family

 

​

Dear All,

​

It feels like we are all caught up in a whirlwind or some kind of alternative reality perhaps it feels like some kind of bad dream that we'd just love to wake up from.

As we enter the government's 'stay at home - stay safe' phase of response, we are going to need each other much more, and each of us needs to reflect on how we can be "church" where we are, even if we are not able to get along to services.

​

How might we be the fragrance of Jesus in our community, in our street, even in our home? It's often easy (well it is for me) to focus in on our own needs and forget that there are others in need too. But we can be beacons of hope and trust in our community. If we are able to make contact and keep up with those in our community. Whilst visiting someone is no longer permitted, certainly giving them a call would be, particularly those who live on their own and might like a chat with a 'real' person.

 

I have outlined, below, some other ways in which we can stay connected during this time.

As Moses prepares to handover to Joshua and the people of Israel look across the Jordan River he says to Israel: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.' Deut. 31:6

 

To keep in touch, we recommend that...

 

....you join the Church What's App Group
           (to do this you need to send your mobile number to Marc 07920805703)

 

....you regularly check this Church website and The Madoch Centre Facebook page for updates.

 

 

Care

On the advice of the Church of Scotland COVID Task Group, all routine pastoral visiting has been suspended until further notice.

However, pastoral phone calls can be arranged, and you are encouraged to call the Church office on 01738 861023 or email to mbircham@churchofscotland.org.uk to arrange this when required. Please add any prayer requests to the WhatsApp page, the Prayer Request page of this website or email Marc - please let him know if the request is confidential.

We will also endeavour to keep in touch with the most vulnerable members of the Church through phone calls and cards. We have already had offers from folk willing to phone people or help stay in touch.

 

We are helping the wider community through the Community Larder and will advertise through Madoch Facebook Page as to what we are needing. The 'Community Larder' has been created in the container at the back right-hand-side of the Centre where non-perishable foods and some necessities can be accessed.

These goods have been donated by individuals or businesses and provide a way of local people getting things they may require. It obviously saves unnecessarily journeys in to town. The idea is you just help yourself.

If you or someone you know has a need of food or some other essentials to tide them over at this time, please give us a call.

 

You can still go for a walk (1 hour a day on your own or with a family member), but please follow government guidelines. This can be a great opportunity for prayer.

 

Worship and Nurture

As gathering in the building for worship is suspended, a Sunday reflection will be available on the WhatsApp page and the Church website (at the top of this page).

 

Finances & Giving

As there is no public gathering for worship naturally our church finances will be significantly affected. If you gave through open plate or FWO envelopes you can still put the money aside each week until it will be possible to deliver it to church. However, should you wish to, it would be helpful if you were able to set up a standing order during this time.

To set up a standing order you will require the appropriate information so please contact the Centre office and we will get this information to you.

​

Keep in Touch

 

Please keep in touch!

 

This season of uncertainty will pass and although there will be challenges there will be opportunities to give and receive love and care. We will grow as disciples as we pray, engage with the word and worship together although in a different way. If you are anxious, share it, if you have gifts, share them and let's spur one another to lift our eyes and hearts to God!

 

You are loved and valued, and we are grateful to have you as part of the church family.

 

With gratefulness and dependence on God,

​

Marc

​

2nd April 20

​

Click here for a useful guide to reflective bible reading from The Scottish Bible Society.

​