Thought For The Week 22 March 2020

Well folks, we are in the middle of a serious disease outbreak world-wide.  There’s a few things that we can  remember to help us get through this  difficult time.Stay SafeCurrently our government and the church nationwide is following the best advice on how to contain the Coronavirus, based on evidence from countries that are managing well overseas.  There are a few things that we can do to help ourselves and others stay safe at this time

• Stay home if you’re unwell. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a cold, or a tummy bug, or COVID-19, the best thing we can do to help our communities stay healthy and help our health carers to cope is to reduce the spread of ALL bugs.
• Stay home if you’ve been asked to. There are many reasons that you might be asked to stay in self-isolation at this time.  Even if you’re feeling well, you’re not an exception to this rule.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. 20 seconds is best.  Try    singing a verse of Amazing Grace, or the chorus of How Great Thou Art
• Avoid touching each other. We all need human connection, but at this time we need to find creative ways of expressing that
• Avoid touching your face. That’s where the bugs get in.

Have faithIt is all too easy to let worry and panic set in.  We are loved by the same God who helped us in ages past.  This is the God who helped us through world wars.  This is the God who helped us through previous outbreaks.  This is the God who leads us through all of the beauty and brokenness of this life.  He sent his Son to enter into our lives and save us from the inside out.  This does not make you immune to Coronavirus, but He is the help that comes from the mountains, He is the light that shines in the darkness, He is the One who answers our prayers, and never, ever, ever leaves us alone.Care for each otherJesus calls us to love God and to love our neighbours as we loves ourselves.  At this time there are many, many people in our communities who are worried and afraid.  Reach out.  Live and Share God’s love.  You may not be able to give them a hug just now, but you can call, you can offer help.  You can display random acts of kindness.  At this time it is all to easy for “social distancing” to turn into social isolation.  Let’s reach out to our neighbours in need.As a congregation, we plan to increase our communication and connection, to stay close. We will follow the government’s advice as it evolves, we will find creative  solutions to the problems we face.  We will continue to live and share God’s love.Arohanui,Rory