MY THOUGHTS NOT OFFICIAL ONES

Tomorrow we meet for public worship.  I don't know what we will do next week, that will depend on the latest advice from the Scottish Government and Baptist Unions (although aligned with different governments, both BUS and BUGB are, this far, giving virtually identical advice on practical, pastoral and prayerful responses to Covid-19;obviously being in Scotland, BUS is the one that we will follow most closely if they differ).

This week, I recorded the prayers, Bible readings and sermon as a precaution in case we needed to 'lock down'.  I will continue to do so until/unless this possibility passes.  I am really grateful for the internet and for clever phones and laptops that allow such things to be done from the comfort of my living room.  There might be odd sounds of clocks and kitties in the background, but it's not bad!

This morning, I sewed a washable liner for a basket that we will use for the offering tomorrow - collection bags passed hand to hand are a hygiene nightmare, so this week we are using a basket for people to drop in their offerings as they arrive.  The liner doubles as a draw string bag to hold the money without anyone needing to touch it, and it can simply be popped in the washing machine ready for next week. 

Tomorrow, we are using wrapped biscuits. Other churches have stopped biscuits, and some have stopped tea and coffee.  We may revise this next week, if advice changes, but for now, this seems a reasonable and proprotionate response.

Risk management isn't an exact science, there are always different, justifiable responses and arguments.  We are doing our best, based on the advice of official bodies to keep ourselves and others safe and well - which is both about physical health and emotional and spiritual well-being.

In the meantime please remember...

• Handwashing is the best defence
• Self isolate if you have a cold, cough or anything that might be infectious
• Avoid unecessary travel and consider alternatives to meetings/events that involve lots of people (currently over 500 is not allowed in Scotland)
• Use technology where/when you can to keep in touch
• Food banks, shelters and animal rescues still need donations
• Check on elderly neighbours
• Hoarding is selfish and leaves those who are most vulnerable or poor unable to obtain what they need