Coronavirus Communication
Dear Ballysillan Church Family,
As has been quoted by many - these are unprecedented times. In response to Coronavirus, a situation that is developing quickly and will affect everyone in our community, the Presbyterian church on Tuesday [17th] issued the formal advice that to all congregations that;
As a church family, we will heed the advice given. It is important that all of us in the current circumstances take time to pray and read Gods Word. If you are anxious or afraid - the book of Philippians give us instruction on Gods prescription:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4,6–7
As a church leadership we will endeavour to support you in this time. We plan to maintain with contact by telephone and if you practically need help- eg. with shopping if you are in self-isolation, with collecting prescriptions if you are unable to get to a chemist, and in other needs, please do get in touch. All numbers of myself and elders are listed below,
Reuben 07548605525
Fred 07845499180
Joanne 07719533654
Harry 07801372279
Joe 07759212179
Jeff 07483892493
Billy 07808720126
Anthony 07936382243
Anita 07837174277
Gervais 07967121022
In the moment, can I suggest some practical things for you to do:
And more importantly some spiritual practises-
There is a chance that this may last for months. At this point, no one knows. Think through how you might live in this season in such a way that your faith and life will be used by God to bring glory to Him. Do not hesitate to contact me with any need,
Grace and Peace,
Reuben and Elders,
As has been quoted by many - these are unprecedented times. In response to Coronavirus, a situation that is developing quickly and will affect everyone in our community, the Presbyterian church on Tuesday [17th] issued the formal advice that to all congregations that;
- All congregational organisations and activities should cease until further notice.
- All Sunday gatherings for worship should also cease until further notice.
As a church family, we will heed the advice given. It is important that all of us in the current circumstances take time to pray and read Gods Word. If you are anxious or afraid - the book of Philippians give us instruction on Gods prescription:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4,6–7
As a church leadership we will endeavour to support you in this time. We plan to maintain with contact by telephone and if you practically need help- eg. with shopping if you are in self-isolation, with collecting prescriptions if you are unable to get to a chemist, and in other needs, please do get in touch. All numbers of myself and elders are listed below,
Reuben 07548605525
Fred 07845499180
Joanne 07719533654
Harry 07801372279
Joe 07759212179
Jeff 07483892493
Billy 07808720126
Anthony 07936382243
Anita 07837174277
Gervais 07967121022
In the moment, can I suggest some practical things for you to do:
- Don’t watch too much TV- Allow yourself to be formed by the Bible rather than the BBC. Stay informed but not frayed by ‘breaking news’
- If you are able to, do some exercise- go for a walk, up and down the street, around your garden.
- Check on your neighbours. If you are able, offer to help them if they need you to pick up messages/prescriptions. Leave your number with them so they can ask if in isolation.
- Eat healthily- Plenty of fruits & vegetables and all the things you know are good for you. Don’t move to the sofa and live on crisps!
And more importantly some spiritual practises-
- Continue with your regular bible devotions- Be consistent and persistent!
- Use the free time to read further. Start with the book of Mark. You can also use the Psalms- the prayer book of the Bible - to aid your own prayers.
- Write down the anxieties you have and pray them all out to God. You might do this, 2 or 3 times a day.
- Give someone in church a telephone call- even someone you don’t know- just to say I’m thinking of you and wondering how you are.
- Pray and read the Bible with your children/ grandchildren.
There is a chance that this may last for months. At this point, no one knows. Think through how you might live in this season in such a way that your faith and life will be used by God to bring glory to Him. Do not hesitate to contact me with any need,
Grace and Peace,
Reuben and Elders,