Connection

Firstly, how are you and your family? I hope you are well and keeping safe.

I send my best wishes and prayers to you and those you love at this time of uncertainty, unprecedented in modern history. We are living in challenging times and as such are called to live as the Church in a different way these days.

As you may be aware the Methodist Church in Britain has made the decision to suspend regular services and gatherings on its premises. This has been done to ensure that we are compliant with the UK Government's guidance during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

This means that everything in my diary is cancelled and all my Holy Week and Easter services will have to be done differently. It also means that Helen and I are unable to visit our family and friends in Hull. However, we have been contacting our family via FaceTime and HouseParty.


Houseparty is a social networking service that enables group video chatting through mobile and desktop apps. Many countries have gone into lockdown during the 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic, so the app has experienced a large increase in popularity. People can play epic games, so Helen and I are using this to communicate and have fun with our family. Helen's cousin joined us from Portugal. I recommend Houseparty during lockdown.


Me and Helen playing a game on Houseparty with James.

Helen and I are miles apart from our family, but we feel connected because of social media. I want us to look briefly at been connected.

Now that we can't meet together as a church it is time to ask how we can pursue our mission and ministry during this period of social distancing?

The Revd Dr Jonathan Hustler, Secretary of the Conference said: "We are asking people to change their way of 'going to church' to help to protect themselves and others."

In the words of Dr Hustler, we are encouraged to think differently on how to be church.

It is encouraging to see churches of all traditions finding creative ways to share the Gospel of Jesus.

Here are some examples of my ministry online...

Sunday morning service live-streamed 

Alpha via Skype 

FaceTiming our Young People

Pastoral letters with worship at home ideas for those not on social media. 

Methodists belong to local churches, but are part of a larger connected community called The Connexion. A sense of being connected makes a difference to how Methodism is structured and at its heart is an understanding of the Christian community as the 'body of Christ'.

During these challenging times, we need to remain connected as Christians via the World Wide Web, social media, Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, telephone, letter or WhatsApp. Just as sisters and brothers around the world and throughout history have taught us is when the world feels darkness it is time for the church to shine the light of hope, peace, love, and we can do this online. 

It's doing church differently!


Finally, it was very moving to stand on the doorstep and join our neighbours in showing our appreciation for all those serving us so wonderfully in our NHS. It was nice seeing good old British spirit in times like these.




People are looking out for each other.
Stay blessed and be connected 

Link to my Vlog page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfpBJL5R1klPWYbTHqcjgNA 

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