Suspension of Worship & Community Activities at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church
It is with sadness that worship services at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church are suspended for the time being in line with Government guidance.
Suspending services means that baptisms and weddings will not take place. While funerals may still take place, we would advise that the number of people attending is limited as per the Government’s advice.
In terms of Church business, all meetings including church councils and circuit meetings are cancelled. Districts chairs will be in touch about Synods.
Other community activities:
The likes of all Church and Community Groups who would normally meet on the premises are suspended.
Pastoral visits: in these extraordinary times, pastoral support is incredibly important and it’s likely it may increase but we would advise that you contact people by phone in the first instance to check they are still happy for you to go in person. If you’re visiting a care home or hospital take your guidance from them. You should also be mindful of updated safeguarding guidance which you can find here
Pastoral concerns
Now is a good time to be thinking proactively about who in the church might need extra help should they decide or be required to self-isolate. Is there the need to create a plan for shopping for more vulnerable members of the community for example?
If you have someone who is not able to join your services, please consider printing a service sheet and dropping it round to them for them to use at home or email them this link to live services.
Remember that many people are anxious and a reassuring phone call and an offer to pray might be very much appreciated.
Helping others
People who rely on extra support to receive essential food and resources may find the next few months particularly challenging.
The Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) have produced a simple guide on how you can support foodbanks during the coronavirus pandemic.
Worshipping at home
Last week we provided a worship at home service sheet. We will endeavour to coordinate this for the coming weeks. A new section on the Singing the Faith plus website has been created to host these materials. See Worship during the coronavirus pandemic.
If you are willing to draft a similar act of worship please email Gabriella Mahadeva mahadevag@methodistchurch.org.uk who will send you guidelines and allocate you a particular Sunday.
Our friends at Family Friendly Churches – are offering, free of charge, weekly prayers, address and a couple of hymns as videos (with words and music) for use within the home. These can be found at: www.ffctideas.org.uk/Corona.php