In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Session had been hoping we could still meet together physically for worship tomorrow. However as the situation continues to escalate, we have reluctantly decided that for now this is no longer an option. We will continue to review this week by week, and may look to hold open-air services.
However given that tomorrow is still the Lord’s Day and that the worship of God is still our greatest privilege (and that we need to seek him more than ever at a time like this), Stephen will still be preaching two sermons in the church building at the usual times of 11:30am and 6:30pm. You will be able to watch via a livestream (broadcast of a live video over the internet) or listen to by phoning in (details below).
While no substitute for it in any normal circumstances, please still treat this as public worship. While we are perhaps used to having online videos on in the background while we are doing other things, you are still joining with God’s people to worship him, only separated by distance. It is not a time for doing other things , rather this time should be set aside specifically for worship.
To watch the livestream:
You can access it via our facebook page here (you do not need a facebook account). The video will become live around 11:30am.
To dial in:
Call 0330 606 0403 and use the access code 642106. We will try and have this set up from 11:25am.
All of us:
Remember that even while you are unable to join with God’s people, the fourth commandment still applies: ‘Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy’. It is not a day for shopping/housework/entertainment etc. We are not to go our own ways, seek our own pleasure or talk idly, but to call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the LORD honourable (Isaiah 58:13-14).
While there will be less opportunities for fellowship after worship and in each other’s homes, consider using the day as a particular opportunity to keep in touch with people by phone.
We will shortly be posting some suggested resources that could be used to help keep the day special, both for adults and children.
If you are self-isolating and need groceries/prescriptions:
Stephen has already been in contact with those in the congregation who are in vulnerable categories to offer to help. If you can’t get out and need help (or know of others who could do with it), please let Stephen know.
NB: At this time, you may want to consider posting your tithes and offerings to Gerald as a cheque, or setting up a standing order, as a way to continue to fulfil 1 Corinthians 16:2. This month has also been designated by Presbytery as an opportunity to give specifically to the work of training men for ministry. If you would like to give to this fund, please state that on the envelope.
Please note that the RP Church of Scotland has designated Saturday 28th March as a day of solemn fasting, prayer and repentance. Stephen will speak more about this as part of his Sunday evening sermon, and more information will be available here on our website soon.
PS: An interesting historical reference to how a similar crisis affected the RP Church in Dumfries in the 1800s is provided below in the quote below from John G. Paton’s autobiography. Kyle Borg provides discusses the current crisis in light of another historical situation here.
