At the start of the Coronavirus lockdown when we began discussing what we should do as churches, one of the main areas of debate was about whether or not we could and should still share the Lord’s Supper (communion). All sorts of reasons were given on both sides of the debate. As you know, I… Continue reading If it feels like excommunication, you are probably doing it wrong
Tag: Coronavirus
Learning the wrong lessons: virtual church and remote pastoring
What happens to church during lockdown? There are essentially * answers to that question Option 1: Physical gathering never mattered much, the spiritual was always what mattered and therefore virtual online church is great. It is at least the equal if not better than physical gathering in buildings. Option 2: It is impossible to physically… Continue reading Learning the wrong lessons: virtual church and remote pastoring
Learning the Wrong Lessons: Lies damned Lies and Statistics
Every day brings more news about new coronavirus cases and a rising death toll. The figures are put under intense scrutiny. Questions being asked are Is the rate of infection increasing or slowing? Is the figure accurate, does it confuse those who die from an illness with those who die with? Does it include all… Continue reading Learning the Wrong Lessons: Lies damned Lies and Statistics
Rest: Sabbaths, cycles, recessions and plagues
I remember listening to a lecturer at University argue that you could track world economic activity against 50 year cycles. Each cycle would include a period of growth and a period of decline. He argued that in fact there was little that government intervention could do to change the overall direction of things. In his… Continue reading Rest: Sabbaths, cycles, recessions and plagues
How Long ?
Do you find yourself asking “Why hasn’t God stopped the pandemic yet?” How would you respond to someone asking that question? In John 11, we read that Jesus gets word that his friend Lazarus is ill in Bethany. Yet, Jesus decides not to go immediately to him. Later, Jesus says to his disciples that they… Continue reading How Long ?
Learning the wrong lessons – A vaccine and the mark of the beast
Whilst some people are working hard to find a vaccine for coronavirus, the scare stories are already doing the rounds even before the drugs are available. The vaccine will lead to other illness, will cause autism, etc – the same kinds of worries raised about MMR. At the same time, Christian speakers with a focus… Continue reading Learning the wrong lessons – A vaccine and the mark of the beast
Church in the new normal
I wanted to share a few reflections on our experience so far during the Coronavirus lockdown. It has been tough and challenging but in other ways, refreshing and encouraging. These are not structured thoughts – just some jotted reflections and interaction with concerns of others. Body ministry kicks in … if it is already in… Continue reading Church in the new normal
A strange Easter?
Easter Sunday is going to be weird this year. We are used to celebrating in style. For Bearwood Chapel, Easter means a week long festival including gatherings, a breakfast and communion on Good Friday, children’s clubs and usually some special events such as Arts Days and café nights. Then on Easter Sunday we all gather… Continue reading A strange Easter?
The absence of mourning?
A few years ago, one of our young mums had sad news, her sister back in her home country had died. Due to her immigration circumstances, she could not return for the funeral. So, we offered the opportunity for a memorial service here. It hopefully eased the pain but clearly was not the same as… Continue reading The absence of mourning?
Food from around the World Wide Web
Friday 10th April 2020 Qualified well wishes aren’t well wishes and in this case aren’t human … what do you do if someone you disagree with politically falls ill? You just wish them well. Stephen Kneale argues that if you need to explain your political disagreement whilst wishing them well then you are falling into… Continue reading Food from around the World Wide Web
Faithroots 