The Methodist Church has now updated its’ guidance for churches during the coronavirus/ Covid-19 pandemic, and excerpts from this are below:

“It is with sadness that we recommend that worship services in Methodist Churches are suspended for the time being in line with Government guidance. We would encourage people who lead services to think about how worship might be offered in different ways, including online and using worship at home sheets.

You can find the full guidance here: https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/coronavirus-guidance/ 

The Church is also making available a number of resources for worship in the home:https://www.methodist.org.uk/our-faith/worship/singing-the-faith-plus/seasons-and-themes/worship-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/ including a weekly service sheet and links to churches which stream services online.  There is also a list of upcoming worship broadcasts on TV and Radio available via https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?resid=9794450737E6583D!8825&ithint=file%2cdocx&authkey=!AIRgxFvQjbE2rYY  created by Paul Parker- you may like to pass this information on to those who are less comfortable with computers.

All other church activities, and other room bookings at Central have also been cancelled for the coming weeks.

Please do continue to pray for the situation and for those dealing with it, particularly our health services, and remember that we have faith in a God who is in control – even when the situation is difficult.  

God of all hope we call on you today.
We pray for those who are living in fear:
Fear of illness, fear for loved ones, fear of other’s reactions to them.
May your Spirit give us a sense of calmness and peace.

We pray for your church in this time of uncertainty.
For those people who are worried about attending worship.
For those needing to make decisions in order to care for other
For those who will feel more isolated by not being able to attend.
Grant us your wisdom.

Holy God, we remember that you have promised that
Nothing will separate us from your love – demonstrated to us in Jesus Christ.
Help us turn our eyes, hearts and minds to you.

Amen