Dear all,

In light of the updated guidance from the Church of England (click here), we are letting you all know that the church and community centre are closed with immediate effect. All church groups, services and external hires will stop until further notice.

We know that this will be a huge blow to all of you – it is to us too. We will be spending the rest of this week in preparation for taking church online at the weekend. We’re not sure exactly what this will look like just yet, but we will be in touch to let you know how and when you’ll be able to access it. We will also be in touch with details of the pastoral support available to you.

As a church member recently said “We will all have more time as social distancing kicks in so let’s make it a time when we pray more, not less! We can choose to respond in faith not fear. We can choose to show love not judgement and can offer support to vulnerable people in our streets. Every one of us will face sacrifices because of coronavirus, for some of us they may be really serious.

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful… Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Writes Paul in Colossians 4.

And as Clare our Children and Youth Director said to our Refresh family – “God is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t worry.” Deuteronomy chapter 31 verse 8.

We will be updating regularly. The church will not be open for visitors this week, but there will be a skeleton staff in every day, who can take phone calls.

We are encouraging everyone to sign up to our email newsletter, which will have updates regularly, click here to go to the sign up form.

With all love and blessings,
Andy and the team