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Dear Church Family
Given recent government guidance regarding the Covid-19 Pandemic the leadership have taken the decision to cancel all church activities and worship services until further notice.
Obviously, this is hugely disappointing and a massive shift in how we do church, but we want to be subject to our leaders, and wise in avoiding all unnecessary risks to the welfare of our church family and the wider community whom we seek to serve.
What we will still be doing??
- Preaching the word - Our STAND FIRM series in Ephesians 6 will be recorded and can be accessed from this Sunday at 10.30am at www.greenislandbaptist.com or on Facebook
- Caring for our people - We are conscious that the current crisis is hugely impactful on all our lives, and that there are also many ongoing pastoral needs in our fellowship. Our Elders and Pastoral Staff will work at keeping in contact with the church family via phone calls and whatsapp messages. As ever if you have a need please don’t hesitate to contact any of us. We also know you are excellent at looking out for each other and encourage you to keep doing so!
- Serving our community - We are conscious that people will have practical need at this time- if you or someone you know requires assistance with a food hamper Tel:07828 733074.
If you want to contribute items for the hampers, we will receive donations dropped off in the church entry-way every Tuesday between 10am-1pm. You can also help with distribution by contacting Jacqui on the above number. - Praying for each other - The prayer text service will still operate manned by Elders and Staff. If you want to receive prayer, or if want us to relay a prayer request to the wider church you can Tel: 07410 902541.
If you are a regular at GBC and want to be added to this text service and join us in praying for one another just send “JOIN” and your name to 07410 902541 - Communicating with you regularly - we will be posting weekly updates on our website and social media platforms to let you know what is happening in the life of the church. We will also be using our Facebook and Instagram to signpost you to useful resources that keep you informed and encouraged during this difficult time.
What can you be doing?
- Keep in touch with us - “let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24)
If you haven’t already please do check in with Pat, Jamie or Louise to make sure that we have your correct contact details. - Plan your giving - ”For in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part” (2 Cor 8:2)
You can give to the church by using the following bank details:
Building Fund: Sort: 95-06-11 A/C:10080098
General Fund: Sort: 95-06-11 A/C:20076201
You can give by using the Donate button under the church logo on the left side of the screen of the live-stream. - Pray - “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 3:6)
Pray for our world, for our nation and for our leaders and front-line workers as we face unprecedented times. People’s lives are endangered, and livelihoods affected, all of us are impacted and some are extremely isolated and vulnerable; this naturally leads us to feel anxious and fearful. BUT may we remember the firm hope we have in our good and sovereign God; the same God who so loved this world that He sent His one and only Son.
Pray that God in His grace would lead many to repent of their sin and put their trust in the one who is the way, the truth and the life- the Lord Jesus.
Pray also that God would strive with us as a church in these difficult days, that we would be drawn back to our first love, and grow deeper in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.
Pray that God would see fit to use His church to be salt and light; ministering His love and speaking His truth to others, and welcoming many more into His Kingdom.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:1-3,7
It was a privilege to gather as church today whether in person or through the wonders of technology! We hope and pray it was a blessing to you.
As announced, the leadership and staff met this morning and have taken the decision to cancel all planned activities this week. We will issue further information later this week about our services next Sunday.
The church office will be closed although the building will be open on Tuesday morning between 10am and 2pm for CAP drop offs. Items needed include toilet rolls, soap, hand sanitizer, wipes and tinned foods.
Can we continue to ask that if you are a member or regular attender at GBC you do the following:
- Make sure we have your contact details so we can stay in touch with you and send you the very latest updates and information. You can also be added to our prayer text service. You can email us at info@greenislandbaptist.com
- Remember that giving is an important and necessary act of worship, we still have the mortgage and members of staff to pay, and missionaries to support. You can give to the church by using the following bank details:
Building Fund: Sort: 95-06-11 A/C:10080098
General Fund: Sort: 95-06-11 A/C:20076201
You can give by using the Donate button under the church logo on the left side of the screen of the live-stream.
Thank you for your prayers, patience and understanding as we seek to be a light in our community at this time. Take care of yourselves and each other.
"Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are sacrifices that please God."
Hebrews 13:6
Our 10.30am and 7pm worship services are still happening this Sunday March 15th
HOWEVER, given the current health crisis, and in an effort to reduce unnecessary risks we will be cutting back in the following areas:
- Our planned Missions Take-over with various agencies represented will not take place
- There will be no Creche, Sunday Club or Youth activities
- There will be no communion, or refreshments following the service
- We will be asking everyone to sanitize or wash hands upon entering the building
- We will be avoiding hand shaking and hugs
- Offering will be collected at the door at the end of service
Why these changes?
While we believe in the power and privilege of gathering together as God's people, we also recognise that we have a duty of care to one another and to all who enter our building. We also understand that this is an extremely anxious time for people in our community; especially those with underlying health conditions or family members in that situation. Basically, we are trying to balance all these things and lead in a way that is honouring to the Lord but avoids harm to His people.
For those who cannot attend our Sunday services this week; they will be webcast as ever and you can access the live-stream of the service via our church website or Facebook page. You can also access this link: http://gbcni.sermon.net/LIVE/live/20878304 It is likely in coming weeks that we will not be able to gather for worship services (at least not in the usual ways). The leadership and staff will put plans in place to maintain fellowship and continue the equipping of the saints and preaching of the Gospel. Plenty more information will be forthcoming.
In the meantime…
Can we ask that if you are a member or regular attender at GBC you to do the following:
- Make sure we have your contact details so we can stay in touch with you and send you the very latest updates and information. You can also be added to our prayer text service. You can email us at info@greenislandbaptist.com
- Remember that giving is an important and necessary act of worship, we still have the mortgage and members of staff to pay, and missionaries to support. You can give to the church by using the following bank details:
Building Fund: Sort: 95-06-11 A/C:10080098
General Fund: Sort: 95-06-11 A/C:20076201
You can give by using the Donate button under the church logo on the left side of the screen of the live-stream. - PRAY for the church leadership, for one another, and for our testimony as seek to live faithfully for the Lord in times which for many seem uncertain and unnerving. Ask that God would clothe us anew with courage and compassion, that we might point others to the hope of His sovereign care and saving power which are made known in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus.