Dear Friends,

There is a verse in the Book of Proverbs which reads, ‘where there is no focus, the people cast off restraint’ (Prov. 27, 18). It is strange how Bible verses have that uncanny ability to speak directly into a particular situation far removed from when they were first written down. During recent weeks we have seen so many people responding with reckless abandon to the easing of Lockdown; losing focus, casting off restraint. This coming weekend will see the lifting of even more restrictions concerning where we can go and what we can do. It is vital that we do not lose focus on what continues to be vitally important; maintaining our discipline, holding our nerve, following the rules, staying safe. What is happening in Leicester, and in other parts of the country & the world, should serve as a timely reminder that now is not the time to play ‘fast and loose’ with Covid-19…

…One restriction that is being lifted from this weekend onwards is in respect of gathering for worship. We are now able to open the church building for a worship service, not just for private prayer. I know a lot of us are impatient to get back into the building. I understand that. I share your desire. But we have to keep focussed. During the next couple of weeks Trustees and Officers will be meeting to make what arrangements are necessary to ensure that we can return, safely, to our regular Sunday worship service. But please realise this: we have to be restrained; cautious, sensible, and realistic…

…We hear too of the need to ensure that the economy needs to be ‘rebooted’. Quite understandably the country has suffered a massive economic downturn, whilst at the same time having had to find increasing sums of money to ensure public services were properly financed, and that people did not suffer financially just because of the effect of the pandemic. What is true for the nation is also true for us as a church. We have suffered a dramatic loss of income that would usually come from users of the Free Church Hall and the Church Rooms. At the same time the bills have had to be paid. Many of you have responded magnificently to this challenge by increasing your regular giving to the church; thank you….

…During the month of June, we have been running our annual ‘Gift Day’ appeal when we ask everyone to consider making an additional donation to the church as a way of thanking God for the way each of us has been blessed, even in adversity. If you have already responded, again thank you. But if you haven’t and would like to, please contact me directly and I will give you the details of how to give…

…But above all, please stay focussed. Please continue to pray for those in authority as they wrestle with making decisions that could well have far reaching consequences for us all. And continue to pray for our own church officers as they too seek to discern what is right for the church at this time…

Where there is no focus, the people cast off restraint