Thought For The Week January 30 2022

Welcome to Church this morning.

As you will no doubt be aware, last Sunday 23rd Jan, at 11:59pm, the entire country went into the Red traffic light setting in response to the community outbreak of the Omicron variant of the virus.

At Parish Council last Wednesday, we discussed our church’s response to this new environment.  An outline of the action we are taking and the measures we are asking from our members is listed below. These measures may change as new information comes to light.

Before we get into the details, though, I’d like to share some thoughts about how we can get through this difficult time together. So here are my COVID ABCs.

Many Blessings,

Rory

A

Adapt

It seems like every 5 minutes our circumstances change.  As I write this, there are no community cases in South Canterbury. That may have changed by the time you read this. It will almost certainly change in the coming weeks.

We may continue to worship together in person, or we may revert to online services. Parish Council will endeavour to make wise choices, and to communicate those choices with the congregation as we go.   If we try to cling on to some rock of certainty within our circumstances, then we will be disappointed. If, instead, we are flexible and adaptable, relying on God to carry us through trying times, then we will be sustained.

B

Be Prepared

We are in trying times. It is perfectly natural to be fearful and uncertain about the   future.

I encourage you to be prepared, but not to be overcome by fear. Medical care and  essential supplies will continue to remain available.

Perhaps more important than being prepared physically, is being prepared emotionally and spiritually. As we read scripture God calls ordinary people to follow him through thick and thin. Again and again God reassures his followers: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

“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

God is with us, always.

When it comes to your physical preparation, there is a helpful guide on the Government COVID 19 website: https://covid19.govt.nz/be-prepared

C

Connect

When we are under pressure, when we are concerned about our own wellbeing, it is all too easy to become isolated and alone.

You don’t have to do this on your own.  As the Bible reading from 1 Corinthians 12 reminded us last week, we are one Body together, and when one part is hurting, we are all hurting.

I heard some probing questions asked the other day. When COVID comes to our community:

Who will you look after if they become ill?

Who will look after you if you become ill?

We are much more comfortable answering the first question, but it is just as important to answer the second.

So, if you’re unwell, if you’re struggling, even if you’re simply unsure, then please reach out to your friend, your neighbour, your brother or sister in Christ. And you can always contact Rory, Brent or Lois, any time, for prayer and support.

30 January—Extra Mission Project

Raising funds for the CWS Tonga Appeal —The underground volcano Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai erupted violently on January 15, part of continuing activity.  The initial ash plume is estimated at 15.2 km and reached 30km high.  It triggered a tsunami that touched much of the Pacific.  Many parts of the country are  covered in ash, damaging food crops and water supplies.  Acid rain has contaminated fish, crops and water       supplies.  Homes and infrastructure have been damaged and destroyed.
Communications are limited and many have been unable to contact family members.

We encourage you to be generous in your support for our Pacific neighbours in their time of need.