17th March 2020

Dear TBC family,

As a church we are deeply aware of the unprecedented times we find ourselves in because of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Naturally our overwhelming desire is to adopt an attitude of love and concern for others.

What we do as a church community is very important but as our current activities and events are currently exposing you, and your families to potential risk we need to take measures to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone concerned.

We are currently discussing what our Church activities might look like across this time whilst ensuring we are minimising risk. Given the advice from yesterday’s Government press conference and from the Baptist Union we believe the following measures need to be taken while we work through this.

Consequently:

With immediate effect all current TBC run activities are to be postponed until further notice.

This includes large & small gatherings such as Sunday worship, House Group Bible Study, the weekly prayer meeting, day-time parent & child gatherings and all other church run events.

What we are doing:

Our Pastoral Care Team has been expanded with temporary cover being added to ensure practical and spiritual care is maintained for every individual and family that calls TBC their home church.

Plans are being formulated to arrange live-streamed services and online teaching that can then be accessed by anyone in their home that has a suitable device and an internet connection. We will let you know by email when this will be available.

Everyone is encouraged to do what they can to provide support, care and encouragement to any in their community that you feel may need it. Whilst doing this we would remind you to please follow health & safety guidelines to protect yourselves so that you may stay strong and more able to be a help to others.

Supporting those most in need at this time
Clearly this is an extraordinary time and we are acutely aware that those living in poverty, suffering with mental ill-health or other vulnerabilities will be most affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and we are mindful of the measures needed to be put in place by the Government to delay its spread. Many families in our communities will be worried and in need of practical support.

We want to work with other local organisations to ensure that we can continue to bring real support and the love of Jesus, where it is most needed. The local Church has never been more essential.

While the same services may not be possible, other acts of compassion, generosity and love are. Again, we require some time to think this through and will be working to look at what we can offer in the coming week.

We want to hear from you and learn what you’re doing so we can share ideas and be united together in this.

There is no doubt that this is a difficult time, but we remain confident in the assurance that we have in Jesus. Hope is real, God is good and we place our firm trust in him at this time, knowing that: ‘There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…’ 1 John 4:18.

Please know we are praying for you and seeking to support you all as we face this time together.

If you think that anyone you know might not be able to receive this message electronically, please call them to let them know.

Yours in Christ,

Pete & James