Church Update
Church Update
16.06.2020
As you probably noticed, the more stringent lockdown restrictions are currently easing. We are optimistic about positive developments but realistic in our preparations for the coming weeks and months. Please continue to pray for healing for those affected, comfort for those who have been bereaved over the preceding weeks, and wisdom for us as we try to map out what is to come.
Open Church for Prayer
Having been closed for quite a long while, it has been such a blessing to open the church doors these first two mornings (see picture attached). We will continue to be open for private prayer every weekday morning between 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. You are most welcome to come and take time in prayer.
Please note:
Though we are doing all we can to ensure the space is safe, we strongly recommend that if you are sheltering, vulnerable to Covid-19, or are over 70 you continue to shelter in place (please get in touch if you, or someone you know, needs us to check in on them).
If you are interested in being one of the angels who keep the doors open, perhaps even at a different time than advertised above, then let me know and we can together make it happen.
Sundays
It may be the case in the coming weeks that government advice on large gatherings changes to allow churches and other places of worship to run services of some kind. We are currently working on how to facilitate that safely and will let you know what shape our services will take once the road ahead has a little more clarity.
For now, we continue to gather online via Zoom, Youtube, and Facebook.
Ps: Our website is a good place to start if any of the above platforms malfunction. Apologies for those who follow via YouTube. Zoom updates this Sunday meant it was impossible to live-stream.
Giving
Thank you so much to all of you for the gift of your time and resources. Our ability to extend God's love to those who live and work around us depends on your generosity. As we continue to adapt to the impact of the global pandemic, our eyes are set toward loving those most affected in our community - not just for the short term but in the months and years that follow.
You are a BIG part of God's plan to teach us how to love one another and extend that same love outward. By volunteering your time and being generous with your finances, we will be able to team up, dream, plan, and make positive change.
If time is what you can give, please hit reply and we can work out how best to apply your hands.
If you are able to give financially or would like to amend how you support the future at St Stephen's then visit our giving page by clicking here.
Final thought…
This time last year my family and I had just moved into the vicarage. I was unpacking boxes while preparing for my licensing and very much looking forward to my first Sunday with you. The year has been one full of surprises. Its challenges have been incredible and proved to be important spaces for me (and us) to grow in trusting God.
I look forward to what the next few months and years bring; praying constantly for all of you.
Blessings
Denis Adide
Vicar @ St Stephen's Church.