One of the wonderful things about our church is that we post audio of almost all services online, so anyone unable to get out to church can pick a service and listen... there are hundred to choose from!!

Click here and enjoy...

The word that strikes me at the moment is 'well-being' which include physical health, but is so much more.  Indeed, it is possible to have 'well-being' and be physically unwell, or to be physically well and not have it.

At the moment we are working out the best way forward for our church community - a good, caring and sensible group of saints-in-the-making - during a time of uncertainty.

It's likely that we will have to move worship 'on line' for an indeterminate period.  It's also the case that we will be looking out for each other as best we can - perhaps with virtual small groups, perhaps with small real world meets, perhaps with walks, perhaps with practical help such as shopping.  In all of this, we are trying to look out for each other and to keep well, whatever that means.

We will follow closely the advice of the Scottish Government, we will listen to the Baptist Union(s), Health Care Professionals and other wise people.  We will manage risk as best we can, and we will try to care for each other's well-being - which might sometimes look unusual.

Today was one of those where you metaphorically tear up the sermon you prepared and offer something else, and it's 100% the correct call.  However, as I had recorded today's inputs 'just in case' we were locked down, I thought I'd try to share them for anyone who is interested.  You will need to click the 'media' buttons to listen to each section.  I've added the relevant part of the PowerPoint file, which is helpful for the sermon (which I've broken into five chunks for upload purposes) though not essential.

If/when we do become 'locked down' people who are way more tech savvy than I will help us find far better methods of recording (video and/or live streaming rather than just audio) and we'll also look at DVD/CD for those who don't have the tech for such things.

Today's actual service will, in time appear on our recording website, here,  so do go there too!

The Opening Words of Scripture

The opening prayer

The Bible Readings

The PowerPoint (possibly best to open in a new tab so you can 'toggle' between audio and visual)

For Blog 15 March.pptx

Reflection Part 1

Reflection Part 2

Reflection Part 3

Reflection Part 4

Reflection Part 5

Blessing

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

This afternoon I've recorded my inputs for Sunday's service - it's amazing what you can do with a laptop these days!  OK, so you can hear Sophie's bell jingling, Sasha attacking something on the floor, and even the clock chiming, but overall it's 'not bad.'

Should we need to 'lock down' I am ready.  Should we not, I've had a good rehearsal. Win-win.

Always better to be prepared for something you don't need than not prepared for something you do.