Dear church,
We are living in unprecedented times and we know that for many the uncertainty of what we are facing is very alarming. At this time we have an opportunity to trust in God as we deal with the reality of the Coronavirus and the knock on effect of significant economic disruption and social isolation.
We've met as a team over the last 24 hours to consider our options for how we function as a church in the light of the Coronavirus. These are our decisions based on the latest information from the government. The Prime Minister issued his guidance on Monday evening "Now is the time for everyone to stop all non-essential contact with others. Avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such venues."
We therefore believe it's the responsible decision to stop gathering publicly as a church and in small groups.
This disruption to normal life could last for many months. We want to emerge from this time as a stronger community, having lived wisely, loved well and reached out in the Spirit and power of Christ. It will require creativity, courage and compassion to express our faith and values in a different way.
We are a loving community where each member is valuable and we want to ensure that we navigate this well together.
So what will we do?
Sundays - We will be live streaming each Sunday (including week 4 in the month) to enable us to worship and focus on God's word together. A small team will be facilitating this and the building won't be open to the public in any way, so we do encourage you to connect with us online. The broadcast will start at 10:30am each Sunday and it will be available to watch live or at a later time in the day. Simply go to our website: bvc.so/livestream to join.
Small groups - We'll be providing resources for all small groups and church members in the weeks ahead. We're looking at producing video resources and we have invited small groups to facilitate connection through social media or video calls. You can chat to your small group leader for more info.
Daily prayer. We plan to lead The Lord's Prayer with a moment for personal prayer and reflection every day (Monday to Friday) at 1:00pm. This will be hosted on Facebook Live by one of the team. We will also be gathering again on the same platform at 6:00pm to read God's word and pray for 10-15 minutes. Maybe set an alarm on your phone to connect at those times!
To join, simply go to www.facebook.com/vineyardbham/
If you aren't on Facebook these will be available shortly afterwards on www.bvc.so/livestream
The church office - We'll remain open so we can receive calls and co-ordinate our responses to those in need and for the whole church. We're not open to drop-in appointments but we can coordinate compassionate responses by being present. The staff team will meet " virtually" every day with half of the team working from home.
The staff team. We'll be focusing all of our energies, creativity, leadership and prayer on how to best serve the church and wider city in the coming weeks and months. We'll be keeping in close contact with Community Leaders so we are aware and responding to the most vulnerable in our church family.
How to keep updated? Check our website, social media and your email for resources, requests and ways to connect. If you know people who are not on our mailing list, encourage them to get connected.
Making a difference. In these uncertain times we all have the opportunity to look out for our neighbours, friends and colleagues. We have so many options to practically live out our faith, in how we respond and in how we serve others.
How can we work together at this time?
If you are sick or self-isolating and you'd appreciate being added to a prayer list, please let us know at info@birminghamvineyard.com.
If you are aware of anyone who needs practical assistance then consider how you might respond and please talk to your small group or community leader who will let us know.
Finally, please join us in praying that God's Kingdom will come and His will be done through this time.
We look forward to connecting with you in many different ways over the coming weeks and months and we're praying for God's strength and protection for each one of you.
With much love,
Andrew & Rosie