Pursuing our Church Vision during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Resuming Services in the Church Building - Update from 1st Sep 2021
Sunday Morning Service at 10:30am
We have been meeting for our 10.30am Sunday morning service in the building since 2nd May 2021, with health and safety precautions meeting all Government guidelines.
Sunday Evening Service at 6:15pm
There is no longer a 6pm Zoom Service online, and from Sun 5th Sep 2021, the evening service will resume in the Church building at 6:15pm, with refreshments - we'd love to see you there!
For now, unless exempt, we are still strongly recommending the use of face coverings whilst in the Church building - particularly while singing - and the use of hand sanitiser when entering the Church. Thank you for continuing to follow this guidance to protect and love one another.
Please note: If infection rates were to get rapidly worse, we may need to review how we manage services. The URC Guidance says that we should make the opening of the Church relate to the local circumstances. For example, if at some point in the future leisure and non-essential retail premises are closed locally, then we will likely close the Church services in the building also.
We have been meeting for our 10.30am Sunday morning service in the building since 2nd May 2021, with health and safety precautions meeting all Government guidelines.
Sunday Evening Service at 6:15pm
There is no longer a 6pm Zoom Service online, and from Sun 5th Sep 2021, the evening service will resume in the Church building at 6:15pm, with refreshments - we'd love to see you there!
For now, unless exempt, we are still strongly recommending the use of face coverings whilst in the Church building - particularly while singing - and the use of hand sanitiser when entering the Church. Thank you for continuing to follow this guidance to protect and love one another.
Please note: If infection rates were to get rapidly worse, we may need to review how we manage services. The URC Guidance says that we should make the opening of the Church relate to the local circumstances. For example, if at some point in the future leisure and non-essential retail premises are closed locally, then we will likely close the Church services in the building also.
Update from National URC on Reopening Buildings - 11 March 2021
The Synod Moderators of the national United Reformed Church have issued guidance to URCs on the reopening of church buildings, including the following:
"We want to urge continued caution, both in the timing for reopening and what happens afterwards. Information is still being gathered about how new variants are spreading and whether people who have been vaccinated spread the virus. The pandemic is not over and neither shall it be for some time yet...
The decision to re-open must properly be made by Elders’ Meetings... Even if/where it is permitted, we urge churches to consider carefully whether they should open as soon as Easter Day, unless the current improvements are sustained and the risks are properly assessed and managed. Rather, we suggest that Pentecost may be a better time to consider as a point for the resumption of in-person worship, subject to a number of important conditions being met...
We want to state clearly that decisions must not be governed by dates – whether proposed dates for the staged easing of restrictions or particular festivals or anniversaries. The driving factor must be public safety".
You can read the statement in full here.
What does that mean for West Kirby URC?
As throughout the pandemic, the elders at West Kirby URC continue to follow the national URC's recommendations. We are therefore planning towards Easter online and very much hope that it will be right and safe to resume services in the church building on Pentecost, 23 May, as the URC currently advise. In the meantime, we will continue our services online and to keep in touch with those who don't use the internet.
What next?
We VERY much look forward to re-opening the church building when the URC recommend that we should do so. A West Kirby URC 'roadmap' has been planned out for the resumption not only of services, but of in-person fellowship groups, team meetings, outdoor activities and more, when the time is right. In light of the elders' decisions, our Health & Safety team met earlier this week to action plan to this end, and the Finance & Property committee will meet next week to ensure that the building is ready to use.
The intention for the months ahead is that where the URC make recommendations for its churches, the elders will follow them for West Kirby URC. Where no recommendation is made, the elders will follow the government's guidance as far as is safe and practical for us. For youth and children's work, we continue to follow the recommendations of the National Youth Agency, whose work is fully endorsed by the national URC.
We understand that this update may come as a relief to some people, but a sadness or frustration to others. If you have any questions, or if you would just like to understand a little more of the current position, please contact your own elder directly.
"We want to urge continued caution, both in the timing for reopening and what happens afterwards. Information is still being gathered about how new variants are spreading and whether people who have been vaccinated spread the virus. The pandemic is not over and neither shall it be for some time yet...
The decision to re-open must properly be made by Elders’ Meetings... Even if/where it is permitted, we urge churches to consider carefully whether they should open as soon as Easter Day, unless the current improvements are sustained and the risks are properly assessed and managed. Rather, we suggest that Pentecost may be a better time to consider as a point for the resumption of in-person worship, subject to a number of important conditions being met...
We want to state clearly that decisions must not be governed by dates – whether proposed dates for the staged easing of restrictions or particular festivals or anniversaries. The driving factor must be public safety".
You can read the statement in full here.
What does that mean for West Kirby URC?
As throughout the pandemic, the elders at West Kirby URC continue to follow the national URC's recommendations. We are therefore planning towards Easter online and very much hope that it will be right and safe to resume services in the church building on Pentecost, 23 May, as the URC currently advise. In the meantime, we will continue our services online and to keep in touch with those who don't use the internet.
What next?
We VERY much look forward to re-opening the church building when the URC recommend that we should do so. A West Kirby URC 'roadmap' has been planned out for the resumption not only of services, but of in-person fellowship groups, team meetings, outdoor activities and more, when the time is right. In light of the elders' decisions, our Health & Safety team met earlier this week to action plan to this end, and the Finance & Property committee will meet next week to ensure that the building is ready to use.
The intention for the months ahead is that where the URC make recommendations for its churches, the elders will follow them for West Kirby URC. Where no recommendation is made, the elders will follow the government's guidance as far as is safe and practical for us. For youth and children's work, we continue to follow the recommendations of the National Youth Agency, whose work is fully endorsed by the national URC.
We understand that this update may come as a relief to some people, but a sadness or frustration to others. If you have any questions, or if you would just like to understand a little more of the current position, please contact your own elder directly.
Health & Safety team
Fun continues at Children's Church
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For those offline, Coffee, Cake & Communion in a bag!
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A Pastoral Letter from Rev. Louise - 8 January 2021
Dear friends,
As we all know we are in a third lockdown following rising Covid-19 figures across the country. The rising numbers on the Wirral are a concern to us all and so whilst the Government are legally allowing gathered collective worship to happen, the Elders and I did not feel that was a wise and safe decision. The United Reformed Church Moderators have also strongly recommended that churches should cease to meet for in-person worship (you can read that statement in full here) so there will be no 4.30pm services in the church building until further notice. We will continue with online worship for this next season until we feel it is safe to return to the building. And in doing so we are continuing to serve, love and connect our community to Christ, loving them and each other as neighbours.
The implications of what that looks like for us at West Kirby URC are explained in greater depth on the church website and I encourage you to read the latest information @ www.wkurc.org.uk/covid-19 [below].
In the eMessenger, you can read about fresh ways we'll be Connecting Your Community to Christ during this lockdown, including Alpha Online, a new 6pm service on Zoom and more! If you've got any ideas for online social events, please get in touch.
So, we continue loving one another, our community and our neighbours by staying at home. None of us expected this to still be happening in 2021 and you may be having a whole range of responses to this situation continuing. If you are struggling, let me reassure you that you are not alone. We all have days when we find this hard! I encourage all of us to carry on connecting with one another. Check in with your friends, with your Elder and Pastoral Assistant, with your Fellowship Group – let's continue walking with one another in love and fellowship and serving our community, those we know already and the online community we are continuing to connect with.
In hope and friendship,
Rev Louise Franklin.
As we all know we are in a third lockdown following rising Covid-19 figures across the country. The rising numbers on the Wirral are a concern to us all and so whilst the Government are legally allowing gathered collective worship to happen, the Elders and I did not feel that was a wise and safe decision. The United Reformed Church Moderators have also strongly recommended that churches should cease to meet for in-person worship (you can read that statement in full here) so there will be no 4.30pm services in the church building until further notice. We will continue with online worship for this next season until we feel it is safe to return to the building. And in doing so we are continuing to serve, love and connect our community to Christ, loving them and each other as neighbours.
The implications of what that looks like for us at West Kirby URC are explained in greater depth on the church website and I encourage you to read the latest information @ www.wkurc.org.uk/covid-19 [below].
In the eMessenger, you can read about fresh ways we'll be Connecting Your Community to Christ during this lockdown, including Alpha Online, a new 6pm service on Zoom and more! If you've got any ideas for online social events, please get in touch.
So, we continue loving one another, our community and our neighbours by staying at home. None of us expected this to still be happening in 2021 and you may be having a whole range of responses to this situation continuing. If you are struggling, let me reassure you that you are not alone. We all have days when we find this hard! I encourage all of us to carry on connecting with one another. Check in with your friends, with your Elder and Pastoral Assistant, with your Fellowship Group – let's continue walking with one another in love and fellowship and serving our community, those we know already and the online community we are continuing to connect with.
In hope and friendship,
Rev Louise Franklin.
Lockdown #3 Update - Wednesday 6 January 2021
At West Kirby URC, we have a vision “…to serve the community” and since the Prime Minister’s announcement of a third national lockdown, the elders have given careful consideration to how the church should respond.
Unlike many venues, places of worship are allowed to open, but as the URC have advised previously “this is permissive, and not an obligation. The Elders’ Meeting are best placed to understand and assess the risk locally”. After prayer and email discussion, our Elders Meeting has decided to close services in the building for the duration of this lockdown. This decision has been endorsed today by a statement from the moderators of the national URC, directing the churches that they "strongly recommend that [we] should cease to meet for in-person worship". You can read this statement in full here.
As you can imagine, the decision to suspend the services in the building was taken with a heavy heart, but for now we know that the very best thing we can do is to support the ‘Stay at Home’ message. Wherever we are, whether in the church building or at home, we're thankful that all of God's promises still stand forever and for always "we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:19).
Keep safe, keep connecting, and we look forward to seeing you again when we can.
God bless,
Kath Hilborne, on behalf of the elders and staff team
Unlike many venues, places of worship are allowed to open, but as the URC have advised previously “this is permissive, and not an obligation. The Elders’ Meeting are best placed to understand and assess the risk locally”. After prayer and email discussion, our Elders Meeting has decided to close services in the building for the duration of this lockdown. This decision has been endorsed today by a statement from the moderators of the national URC, directing the churches that they "strongly recommend that [we] should cease to meet for in-person worship". You can read this statement in full here.
- What about the 4.30pm service?
- There will be no 4.30pm services in the building until the lockdown lifts and the elders feel it is safe to re-open. Team members, please take this message as a ‘stand down’ from the rotas.
- When will the 4.30pm service be back on?
- At this stage, it is difficult to confirm an exact return date for services in the building but we will keep everyone informed when we can.
- The government guidelines currently point towards schools returning on 22 February, which gives an indication of how this lockdown may last six weeks or more.
- Will there be services online instead?
- Yes! We will continue to share in the 10.30am service on Facebook Live each Sunday morning.
- There will be Children's Church on Zoom every Sunday afternoon - find out more here.
- The evening service team are just beginning to explore holding a worship and prayer time with a talk or reflection on Zoom on Sunday evenings from 6-7pm. We hope this will begin on Sunday 17 January – sign up to receive the Zoom code here!
- What will happen with the church building?
- Only the most essential access to the building will be permitted.
- Dan and Kath can access the building when necessary for the course of their work and to complete essential tasks on behalf of others. They will undertake regular safety and security checks and the Property committee will continue to give their support from-home for the maintenance and care of our church.
- Key Holders - As far as possible, please ask Dan or Kath to complete tasks on your behalf. If you have an essential reason to access the building, you must contact Kath or Ted in advance to make an arrangement and ensure a record is kept of your visit.
- What about youth and children's work?
- Youth and children's work is moving online! Follow the links above to see the new programmes.
- We have taken guidance from the National Youth Agency and, as in the November lockdown, there is provision in the government guidelines for face-to-face youthwork with those most in need of this so if your young person would benefit, please contact Dan directly. The elders have given permission for use of the church entrance lounge for this important purpose.
- What about pastoral care and safeguarding?
- We recognise this is a really tough time. It's okay not to be okay.
- If you would appreciate some support, a chat or some prayer, please get in touch with someone you trust, and please let your elder and fellowship group know if you become unwell, so the church can support you.
- Anyone in the church or community is welcome to fill in the Say One for Me prayer form @ www.wkurc.org.uk/prayer for any prayer need at all. Please feel free to share this link with friends, family, neighbours who would appreciate being remembered in prayer.
- If you have an urgent / confidential prayer need, please contact Louise Franklin for this to be shared on the Prayer Chain (a separate group to Say One for Me team).
- West Kirby URC is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk and to ensuring their well-being. During the pandemic, our safeguarding policy and procedures here still stand, and the URC have provided a Quick Guide: Covid-19 and Safeguarding too.
- For more information about prayer support, safeguarding and more, check out the help pages here.
- What church events can I look forward to?
- We're exploring fresh ways we can be 'Connecting Your Community to Christ' during this lockdown, including online socials and fun! If you've got any ideas, please get in touch with Louise.
- Look out for the eMessengers over the next few weeks as plans develop.
- Alpha Online will still be going ahead, beginning on 25 January. We're praying for those already signed up, and that many more people will use their time at home to join in Alpha Online too. Who could you be inviting along? All the information and sign-up form is here.
As you can imagine, the decision to suspend the services in the building was taken with a heavy heart, but for now we know that the very best thing we can do is to support the ‘Stay at Home’ message. Wherever we are, whether in the church building or at home, we're thankful that all of God's promises still stand forever and for always "we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:19).
Keep safe, keep connecting, and we look forward to seeing you again when we can.
God bless,
Kath Hilborne, on behalf of the elders and staff team
Lockdown #2 Update - 26 November 2020
From Wednesday 2 December, places of worship are allowed to open again for a small number of specific purposes, subject to COVID-security.
Sunday Services?
The elders have agreed that West Kirby URC will open for the 4.30pm service on Sundays, beginning on 6 December. However, it is important that everyone is aware that the government rules state that, in tiers 2 and 3, people in places of worship cannot interact with anyone outside their household or support bubble. Please respect this throughout your time on the church premises.
To book into the service on 6 December, please click here. Those who don't use the internet are welcome to book by contacting Maxine Slade.
Groups in the Building?
Sadly, fellowship groups and teams should assume that they will need to continue meeting online or keeping in touch on the phone for the foreseeable future. At the most optimistic interpretation, the only provision in the government Winter Plan for adults to possibly meet in the church building (outside of services/weddings/funerals) would come if we move into Tier 1, and even then it would only be groups of 6 or fewer, and the elders would have to give this very careful consideration at the time.
We await information from the National Youth Agency regarding face-to-face youth work. Please continue to remember the young people in prayer.
Access for Key Holders?
Outside of services, the building will remain closed except for:
We will continue to connect online and to "Connect your Community to Christ" in all the ways we safely can and look forward to our Christmas programme here. The Say One for Me team would love to pray for you this week, for your loved ones, your hopes, your fears… please share any prayer requests @ www.wkurc.org.uk/prayer
Sunday Services?
The elders have agreed that West Kirby URC will open for the 4.30pm service on Sundays, beginning on 6 December. However, it is important that everyone is aware that the government rules state that, in tiers 2 and 3, people in places of worship cannot interact with anyone outside their household or support bubble. Please respect this throughout your time on the church premises.
To book into the service on 6 December, please click here. Those who don't use the internet are welcome to book by contacting Maxine Slade.
Groups in the Building?
Sadly, fellowship groups and teams should assume that they will need to continue meeting online or keeping in touch on the phone for the foreseeable future. At the most optimistic interpretation, the only provision in the government Winter Plan for adults to possibly meet in the church building (outside of services/weddings/funerals) would come if we move into Tier 1, and even then it would only be groups of 6 or fewer, and the elders would have to give this very careful consideration at the time.
We await information from the National Youth Agency regarding face-to-face youth work. Please continue to remember the young people in prayer.
Access for Key Holders?
Outside of services, the building will remain closed except for:
- Staff who work there.
- Individual key holders who make an arrangement in advance with Ted or Kath in order to complete a specific task necessary to prepare for services (e.g. programme the heating) or to exercise essential care for the building.
- Contractors completing necessary work arranged by the Finance & Property team, subject to their agreement to a specific risk assessment.
We will continue to connect online and to "Connect your Community to Christ" in all the ways we safely can and look forward to our Christmas programme here. The Say One for Me team would love to pray for you this week, for your loved ones, your hopes, your fears… please share any prayer requests @ www.wkurc.org.uk/prayer
Autumn Update - September 2020
Please note, these plans are subject to change or cancellation if there is updated guidance from government or URC or if the elders (trustees) believe this is necessary for safety reasons.
We will keep you informed as much as possible.
We will keep you informed as much as possible.
SUNDAYS THIS AUTUMN...
Thank you to everyone who completed the returning to church survey, the results of question one are above. The elders and staff team considered all the survey data carefully, alongside the guidance from the national URC and government and at their meeting on 2 September agreed this plan for the autumn:
The 10.30am service will continue each Sunday on Facebook Live
This service has the most engagement online and offers something special for many people, including those who could not go to the church building and those who are exploring faith for the first time. The Morning Thoughts will also be continuing each weekday for the moment.
Beginning on Sunday 27 September, we will hold a short service in the church at 4.30pm each Sunday
COVID-19 restrictions mean this service will be very different to those we have known before, with social distancing, face coverings and many other limitations. Although we won't be able to sing or share refreshments, we can explore fresh ways to worship, spend more time in prayer and go deeper into God's Word. We’re still about Connecting Your Community to Christ and know the service will start simple but can evolve as guidance allows. Many thanks to those who indicated they could volunteer - we'll be in touch in due course.
Holding this service at a new time makes clear that this is not 'the morning service' or 'the evening service' but something unique for this autumn, as we transition back into the building. It's a service everyone is welcome to, whether you would usually attend the 10.30am or 6.15pm, Something New or Coffee, Cake & Communion, and you will be asked to book in advance as social distancing gives the church a limited capacity of 60.
There will soon be a letter and video available, sharing how the church will be COVID-secure and explaining what you will need to do to stay safe at the service. Please look out for this coming soon.
Since the survey took place, guidance on children's work has developed and we're delighted that we are now permitted to hold groups and activities for children during the service. Dan is in the process of exploring all the best options for youth and children's work this autumn, reviewing guidelines, talking with parents and young people, and preparing all the necessary documentation.
The last online 6.15pm service, for now, will be on 20 September. We really value the evening service, and this is not the end of those aspects we love. For this autumn, though, we know we couldn't manage to lead three services every Sunday, so we'll be incorporating elements of the evening service into the morning and afternoon.
If there were to be a COVID-case in the building, or if the government or national URC say churches must close again, this plan would be suspended.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FELLOWSHIP GROUPS & MEETINGS...
The elders had hoped to open the building to bookings for church fellowship groups and team meetings, and risk assessments were prepared to this end. However, local restrictions were introduced in September 2020.
After a great deal of consideration, the elders have decided to postpone opening the entrance lounge and small hall for bookings by fellowship groups and church teams until the local health situation improves. It has also been decided to postpone the re-commencement of official church men's events in pubs / cafes. This means that church groups return to meeting online or keeping in touch over phone / email, as outdoor gatherings over six and visitors to the home are no longer permitted by government.
These decisions were not taken lightly, as the elders/staff team weighed up many pastoral considerations alongside the health & safety rules and guidance. With the local lockdown, then further government announcements, we reached a stage where we could not in good conscience encourage gatherings, and to operate such meetings safely would have placed a very heavy burden of responsibility on the meeting leaders.
We appreciate these decisions will be a relief to some people, whilst a disappointment to others. We will keep all this under review, and have all the plans and risk assessments ready to roll out as soon as it is felt safe to do so.
Thank you to everyone who completed the returning to church survey, the results of question one are above. The elders and staff team considered all the survey data carefully, alongside the guidance from the national URC and government and at their meeting on 2 September agreed this plan for the autumn:
The 10.30am service will continue each Sunday on Facebook Live
This service has the most engagement online and offers something special for many people, including those who could not go to the church building and those who are exploring faith for the first time. The Morning Thoughts will also be continuing each weekday for the moment.
Beginning on Sunday 27 September, we will hold a short service in the church at 4.30pm each Sunday
COVID-19 restrictions mean this service will be very different to those we have known before, with social distancing, face coverings and many other limitations. Although we won't be able to sing or share refreshments, we can explore fresh ways to worship, spend more time in prayer and go deeper into God's Word. We’re still about Connecting Your Community to Christ and know the service will start simple but can evolve as guidance allows. Many thanks to those who indicated they could volunteer - we'll be in touch in due course.
Holding this service at a new time makes clear that this is not 'the morning service' or 'the evening service' but something unique for this autumn, as we transition back into the building. It's a service everyone is welcome to, whether you would usually attend the 10.30am or 6.15pm, Something New or Coffee, Cake & Communion, and you will be asked to book in advance as social distancing gives the church a limited capacity of 60.
There will soon be a letter and video available, sharing how the church will be COVID-secure and explaining what you will need to do to stay safe at the service. Please look out for this coming soon.
Since the survey took place, guidance on children's work has developed and we're delighted that we are now permitted to hold groups and activities for children during the service. Dan is in the process of exploring all the best options for youth and children's work this autumn, reviewing guidelines, talking with parents and young people, and preparing all the necessary documentation.
The last online 6.15pm service, for now, will be on 20 September. We really value the evening service, and this is not the end of those aspects we love. For this autumn, though, we know we couldn't manage to lead three services every Sunday, so we'll be incorporating elements of the evening service into the morning and afternoon.
If there were to be a COVID-case in the building, or if the government or national URC say churches must close again, this plan would be suspended.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FELLOWSHIP GROUPS & MEETINGS...
The elders had hoped to open the building to bookings for church fellowship groups and team meetings, and risk assessments were prepared to this end. However, local restrictions were introduced in September 2020.
After a great deal of consideration, the elders have decided to postpone opening the entrance lounge and small hall for bookings by fellowship groups and church teams until the local health situation improves. It has also been decided to postpone the re-commencement of official church men's events in pubs / cafes. This means that church groups return to meeting online or keeping in touch over phone / email, as outdoor gatherings over six and visitors to the home are no longer permitted by government.
These decisions were not taken lightly, as the elders/staff team weighed up many pastoral considerations alongside the health & safety rules and guidance. With the local lockdown, then further government announcements, we reached a stage where we could not in good conscience encourage gatherings, and to operate such meetings safely would have placed a very heavy burden of responsibility on the meeting leaders.
We appreciate these decisions will be a relief to some people, whilst a disappointment to others. We will keep all this under review, and have all the plans and risk assessments ready to roll out as soon as it is felt safe to do so.
Personal Risk Assessment - July 2020
Everyone has a different attitude to risk so the national United Reformed Church are encouraging churches to share the survey on this video (also in writing here) to help individuals to consider their response as lock-down lifts. Do have a look and feel free to chat with someone you trust if anything concerns you
Update from the Elders ~ Friday 5 June 2020
Over the past month, the elders and staff team have been prayerfully considering guidance about re-opening the church building as lock-down eases. There is a huge amount to think about, far more than many of us anticipated, and we are now fully aware that prayer gatherings or services held under strict social distancing would be completely different from those we know and love.
The safety of everyone is of the utmost importance to us, and we don’t want to leave anyone behind. We therefore intend to continue our current programme over the summer with:
We will continue to monitor the situation through the summer months, and a full review is currently planned for the elders/staff meeting at the beginning of September. We are aware that any changes we can make then might still be limited in scope.
We understand that this update may come as a relief to some people, who were anxious at the thought of returning to church, but a frustration to others. If you have any concerns or questions, or if you would just like to understand a little more of why we reached this decision, please get in touch with your elder.
We know that it may feel hard when shops reopen and we, the church, do not – especially when we long to be ‘Connecting your Community to Christ’. Sadly, the infection rate would be much higher in a church context than when popping in and out of a shop. We therefore believe that the best thing we can do this summer is to continue as we have been, with an active online presence and many expressions of love and service to the local community. So, keep loving your neighbour, keep connecting with your friends, keep walking close with Jesus, day-by-day. “Shine like stars” (Philippians 2:15) in your love and witness where you are.
We are keeping a watching brief on all the government’s guidelines and aware that it may be possible for small groups of friends to meet before it is possible for services to take place. Each of us has our own health, family situation and circumstances to consider, and we can all extend grace to one another as we each reach our own decisions about who we can safely socialise with. Please continue to follow all the instructions we are given, and stay safe.
You have our love and prayers and, as we’ve said since lock-down began, when we are all back together again, it will be a little foretaste of Heaven.
God bless,
Kath Hilborne, on behalf of the Elders & Staff Team
The safety of everyone is of the utmost importance to us, and we don’t want to leave anyone behind. We therefore intend to continue our current programme over the summer with:
- The building remaining closed.
- Sunday services and midweek groups online.
- Continuing pastoral care for all, especially those who don’t have internet access.
We will continue to monitor the situation through the summer months, and a full review is currently planned for the elders/staff meeting at the beginning of September. We are aware that any changes we can make then might still be limited in scope.
We understand that this update may come as a relief to some people, who were anxious at the thought of returning to church, but a frustration to others. If you have any concerns or questions, or if you would just like to understand a little more of why we reached this decision, please get in touch with your elder.
We know that it may feel hard when shops reopen and we, the church, do not – especially when we long to be ‘Connecting your Community to Christ’. Sadly, the infection rate would be much higher in a church context than when popping in and out of a shop. We therefore believe that the best thing we can do this summer is to continue as we have been, with an active online presence and many expressions of love and service to the local community. So, keep loving your neighbour, keep connecting with your friends, keep walking close with Jesus, day-by-day. “Shine like stars” (Philippians 2:15) in your love and witness where you are.
We are keeping a watching brief on all the government’s guidelines and aware that it may be possible for small groups of friends to meet before it is possible for services to take place. Each of us has our own health, family situation and circumstances to consider, and we can all extend grace to one another as we each reach our own decisions about who we can safely socialise with. Please continue to follow all the instructions we are given, and stay safe.
You have our love and prayers and, as we’ve said since lock-down began, when we are all back together again, it will be a little foretaste of Heaven.
God bless,
Kath Hilborne, on behalf of the Elders & Staff Team
Pursuing our Church Vision during the Coronavirus Pandemic
A letter to the church on Tuesday 17 March 2020
Dear church family and friends
Church Building is closed due to Coronavirus
It is with real sadness, following both the Government guidelines and the latest URC recommendations, that earlier today, the elders/staff and I decided that we should close the church premises in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. We don’t make that decision lightly, but there is simply no other option.
All of the groups that hire our premises are being notified about this. All of our church groups and activities are suspended from now on until further notice.
What happens about worship, pastoral care etc.?
We will not be meeting at church on Sunday for worship. There will, however, be a form of online worship which you are invited to join in with on the church Facebook page (www.facebook.com/westkirbyurc) from around 10.30am on Sunday. We are hoping to make the technology work for live streaming and for there to be regular spiritual input available through the week on our social media and website (www.wkurc.org.uk). Please do check the church Facebook page (even if you don’t have your own Facebook account, you can view things) and the church website regularly, if you are able to do so. We also have a Twitter account @WKURC.
I realise that not everyone has the ability to access the internet, so we will also be working on other ways in which we can be helpful for those without technology. We will be in touch about that soon, but for now the best thing to say is simply this:
Keep in touch with one another, and keep praying for one another.
There are lots of ways we can support one another, even if not face to face! The Elders and their Pastoral Assistants will be actively keeping in touch by phone and if we can think of other creative ways of doing that – we’re open to suggestions. And do please keep in touch with one another in ways which honour the government guidelines about social distancing. We can love one another remotely, we can carry on praying, we can help one another – we are still church!
If you become unwell or have any urgent practical needs or prayer requests, please let your elder and, if applicable, your fellowship group know in the first instance, so that they can do all they can to care for you. Kath, Dan and I continue to be at work full-time, but will be working from home much more, so please contact us via our mobile numbers (at the end of this letter) – please don’t drop in to the church office.
Remember, this is temporary
Nobody knows when churches will be able to resume gathering to worship. But a worldwide virus outbreak does not mean that Jesus has fallen off his throne! He remains King and we are a people of hope who constantly look forward to the day when He will bring sorrow and sickness to an end and make all things new.
In the meantime, we are called to live our daily lives in a way that demonstrates that He really is our Lord and our Saviour. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
‘For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39 (NIVUK)
And we are still called to witness and love our neighbours, still Connecting your Community to Christ, in whatever ways we can during this extraordinary time.
We are hoping to partner with Lattetude Café to explore how we can help with the distribution of food parcels for the more vulnerable in West Kirby and if you are fit and well and not in the groups asked to isolate yourselves, perhaps that is an option of love and service at this time. We’ll share information about that as it becomes available.
A couple of people have questioned why we “really need” to do this. May I remind everyone why this is so very important. The distancing measures that the government have put in place aren't simply about protecting ourselves or the elderly and at risk people we might know, but it is to aid society as a whole. Even if all of our elderly and at risk people avoided church and self-isolated, we would still be providing a space where people could come into contact and spread the infection, even if they themselves are showing no symptoms. And given that the incubation time (the period when you are infectious but have no symptoms) is on average 5 days and can be up to 14 days, it’s slightly more complicated than simply saying that those with symptoms can’t come! We are called to love our neighbour as ourselves, and we can witness to our love by being socially responsible for our community, challenging though that will be.
Kath, Dan and I met this morning (and will continue to do so remotely) and we all share a heart to care for the church at this time and to continue our discipleship and pursuit of our vision of ‘Connecting your Community to Christ’. We are working on ways in which the church can be actively supported, and we ended our time together in prayer and hope: hope of the time we are all reunited, thinking it will be a foretaste of Heaven as we join together for worship… So until that time, you have our love, our prayers – keep in touch, keep the faith and love your neighbour.
In His name and in His service,
Your Minister and friend,
Rev Louise Franklin
Church Building is closed due to Coronavirus
It is with real sadness, following both the Government guidelines and the latest URC recommendations, that earlier today, the elders/staff and I decided that we should close the church premises in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. We don’t make that decision lightly, but there is simply no other option.
All of the groups that hire our premises are being notified about this. All of our church groups and activities are suspended from now on until further notice.
What happens about worship, pastoral care etc.?
We will not be meeting at church on Sunday for worship. There will, however, be a form of online worship which you are invited to join in with on the church Facebook page (www.facebook.com/westkirbyurc) from around 10.30am on Sunday. We are hoping to make the technology work for live streaming and for there to be regular spiritual input available through the week on our social media and website (www.wkurc.org.uk). Please do check the church Facebook page (even if you don’t have your own Facebook account, you can view things) and the church website regularly, if you are able to do so. We also have a Twitter account @WKURC.
I realise that not everyone has the ability to access the internet, so we will also be working on other ways in which we can be helpful for those without technology. We will be in touch about that soon, but for now the best thing to say is simply this:
Keep in touch with one another, and keep praying for one another.
There are lots of ways we can support one another, even if not face to face! The Elders and their Pastoral Assistants will be actively keeping in touch by phone and if we can think of other creative ways of doing that – we’re open to suggestions. And do please keep in touch with one another in ways which honour the government guidelines about social distancing. We can love one another remotely, we can carry on praying, we can help one another – we are still church!
If you become unwell or have any urgent practical needs or prayer requests, please let your elder and, if applicable, your fellowship group know in the first instance, so that they can do all they can to care for you. Kath, Dan and I continue to be at work full-time, but will be working from home much more, so please contact us via our mobile numbers (at the end of this letter) – please don’t drop in to the church office.
Remember, this is temporary
Nobody knows when churches will be able to resume gathering to worship. But a worldwide virus outbreak does not mean that Jesus has fallen off his throne! He remains King and we are a people of hope who constantly look forward to the day when He will bring sorrow and sickness to an end and make all things new.
In the meantime, we are called to live our daily lives in a way that demonstrates that He really is our Lord and our Saviour. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
‘For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39 (NIVUK)
And we are still called to witness and love our neighbours, still Connecting your Community to Christ, in whatever ways we can during this extraordinary time.
We are hoping to partner with Lattetude Café to explore how we can help with the distribution of food parcels for the more vulnerable in West Kirby and if you are fit and well and not in the groups asked to isolate yourselves, perhaps that is an option of love and service at this time. We’ll share information about that as it becomes available.
A couple of people have questioned why we “really need” to do this. May I remind everyone why this is so very important. The distancing measures that the government have put in place aren't simply about protecting ourselves or the elderly and at risk people we might know, but it is to aid society as a whole. Even if all of our elderly and at risk people avoided church and self-isolated, we would still be providing a space where people could come into contact and spread the infection, even if they themselves are showing no symptoms. And given that the incubation time (the period when you are infectious but have no symptoms) is on average 5 days and can be up to 14 days, it’s slightly more complicated than simply saying that those with symptoms can’t come! We are called to love our neighbour as ourselves, and we can witness to our love by being socially responsible for our community, challenging though that will be.
Kath, Dan and I met this morning (and will continue to do so remotely) and we all share a heart to care for the church at this time and to continue our discipleship and pursuit of our vision of ‘Connecting your Community to Christ’. We are working on ways in which the church can be actively supported, and we ended our time together in prayer and hope: hope of the time we are all reunited, thinking it will be a foretaste of Heaven as we join together for worship… So until that time, you have our love, our prayers – keep in touch, keep the faith and love your neighbour.
In His name and in His service,
Your Minister and friend,
Rev Louise Franklin
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