Dear Friends,
It is anticipated that this coming weekend the Govt will make an announcement concerning a ‘route map out of lockdown.’ We should not expect anything to happen immediately; certainly not before the end of May. Of course, all of us are looking forward to what might happen, but as the saying goes, ‘we should be careful What we wish for.’ It would be a great shame if the progress made during the lockdown period is jeopardised by an over exuberant response to even the most modest lifting of restrictions…
…And we need to be realistic. Until a vaccine is made available to us all, much of what used to be regarded as ‘normal life’ will have to remain on hold for large numbers of us, particularly the elderly and the vulnerable…
…As a Church we will of course be monitoring closely everything that is said by Govt. Sooner or later we will have to decide when it will be appropriate for us to open the church building for worship, and what provisions we will have to make to ensure that anyone attending can do so in safety. We will have to be similarly circumspect in respect of opening up the Free Church Hall to any of the various user groups who may wish to use it. We cannot be too careful, but at the same time we have to continue to think carefully about when would be the ‘right time’ to act accordingly…
…With that in mind, I want to thank the Officers, Elders & Deacons of the Church who bear the responsibility for the ongoing oversight of the Church; its premises, and its activities. It is likely that this responsibility will weigh even more heavily upon their shoulders in these coming days as they grapple with what is best for us all as we move forward…
…But until then, we continue as we are; staying in contact with each other as best we can. Most especially, praying for one another – use the church manual, read out the names of everyone in it, pausing now again, reminding ourselves of who we are and asking God to bless us, wherever we are – This is something we all can do. Indeed, it is something we all ought to do…
…We may think of this weekend’s impending announcement as ‘the light at the end of the tunnel’, and yes it may seem like that to many of us. But we should remind ourselves that at the heart of the Christian Gospel is the affirmation that the Light shines in the Darkness, and the Darkness will never overcome it. In these ‘dark days’ be comforted, be assured that the Light of Christ is shining brighter than ever….
…Please continue to stay safe, and to keep well…
Ian Tutton