Sunday's coming!

Have not had nearly as much time as I expected to write on this blog. Perhaps that will change in the next weeks, as so much is changing , so quickly . Here is what I've just written for our Synod Newsletter: "“The church is closed”....no -  “the building is closed”. We are the church. The speed with which things have changed in the last week has been dizzying. We are now far more restricted than we ever thought possible and of course our church buildings are closed. We may be feeling isolated, confused, uncertain. But now more than ever we need to dig deep in our faith and ask how, as Christians, we can face the future with hope. We are still able to follow Jesus It is hard to come to terms with the loss of the ability to gather together in church, but Jesus said ‘follow me” not “go to church”. I am trying to use some of this strange time to read, pray and reflect more and be more deeply aware of God’s presence in my home.. since I cannot go to church. Even from o...

Life is suddenly very different. Yesterday we asked all Synod Office staff to work remotely and I sent out a letter to all local churches in the SW Synod recommending the closure of church buildings for hirings, to protect the public, and that church communities should think hard about whether to gather for worship. Most are now closing their doors. We don't know for how long and we don't really know what church life will look like when this is over. Instead of posting sermons here (which Ive been really bad at lately anyway!) I have decided to post some thoughts about theology and church as the situation in the UK changes and evolves. I begin by posting the close of my letter to churches in the South Western Synod: "Being a church is about more than just gathering for Sunday worship. We can continue to pray together: you might like to join me in prayer each evening at 19.00 to pray for all those affected by Corvid 19; there will be news of ‘streamed’ service coming...