what to expect on Sundays

Our response to COVID-19 virus…

On Sunday 15th March, I preached about how in the next while, each of us will need to make some adjustments in our lives. That evening our president addressed the nation regarding taking extraordinary measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. This included prohibiting meetings of more than 100 people, including church meetings.
 

Firstly we don’t need to worry and be fearful during this time – For the Spirit God gave us does not make us fear, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

 

We do need to make some practical changes to the way that we do church on Sunday’s.
 
Secondly, we acknowledge our government’s speedy response to try and curb the spread of this virus throughout our country and prevent unnecessary deaths. As a church we want to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem so, I’d like to encourage you to do your very best to honour what our president has asked us to do – especially to ensure that we live as hygienically as possible.
 
So what are we going to be doing as a church over the next few weeks?
 
1. We are moving our Sunday meetings from our church building into homes
We’ve often spoken about the fact that the church is not a building but that it’s made up of people – you and me! So even though we can’t meet together in the building, we can still meet in smaller groups as the church. Acts 5:42 speaks of the early church meeting in the temple courts and from “house to house”. Large gatherings at present have been prohibited, so we’re going to meet from “house to house”. We’re asking you to be part of a GraceHill@Home Sunday Service.
 
We are going to be providing groups with a resources in order to facilitate GraceHill@Home Sunday services.
 
2. Join a group if you’re not already part of a group
We have a number of groups currently running in the Upper Highway area, and we can help you find one that suits you. You may even consider gathering a couple of your neighbours, some friends or family to meet on a Sunday morning if you’re not already part of a group. (Please make contact with us if you’d like to do this via the form beneath Brad’s video on our home page)
 
3. Look out for others
It’s possible that we get into a mindset of being very internally focused at a time like this. But the Gospel calls us to look outwards: 
  • By inviting others to join our groups – wouldn’t it be amazing when we meet again in our building that many more people would have joined our church because of your invitation at this time?
  • Taking care of others – is there someone who needs shopping done, a caring phone call or encouraging message? How can you reach out to people who are going through a difficult, time feeling lonely or possibly sick?

 

When we, as the church, get together and exercise our faith during times like this, who knows what God will do in us and through us.
 
God Bless,
Brad, Este and the eldership team