The church is more than Sunday

It brought me great sadness to learn that we need to suspend services for a while in the Methodist Church. It will be difficult for us not to meet together, but then it is a simple reminder that the church is much more than a gathering of people on a sunday (and for us Methodists, even more than its meetings!).

God has not changed and neither has our relationship with God. There is great power in us gathering but as the church spread out into our communities there is much we can do to support others through this difficult time.

Our top priority must be to pray – I hope that was obvious. Read your Bibles – there are plenty of online resources to help. Read other Christian books. Do some reflecting on your relationship with God and how it might be improved.

But can we also find some practical support we can offer to each other and our neighbours (I mean neighbour as Jesus described the word). Make good use of your telephone and try to ensure that those who are vulnerable or on their own still have the occasional someone to talk to. Those of us who use the Web or Social Media etc. can make use of it as well. If people are shut in near you (and you know about it) why not offer to help with shopping etc. Don’t put yourself at risk to do this (leave shopping on door step, etc) but some folk might need our support. Let’s show the world what Christians can do.

I have a saying when I go walking with young people – every hill has a top. When you are struggling up a long steep hill it is wise to remember this. We are struggling up that long steep hill together now but remember that this will come to an end.

We are more than Sunday mornings.