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37% of the responses highlighted to stay/feel more connected |
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16% of the responses highlighted ongoing sense of fellowship |
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“Huge variety of speakers, who have offered many different insights. Ability to share the services with others- Christians and non-Christians.” “I still felt connected with church. It reminded me again how church is about the people, not the building. It being online has also meant that on tiring weeks knowing you can do church from home rather than having to go out all the time has been a blessing. Church has felt very focused on things that mattered and not doing things for the sake of tradition. Reflection time was also very important to let the Holy Spirit move and have time to reflect on where I was with God at that moment.” |
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“The services and Zoom meetings have been accessible to many people for whom conventional church is difficult. They have 'mixed things up' so that more voices have been heard and relationships built. Moments of stillness in the on-line services, breathing space to be quiet before the Lord.” “It would be great to continue some kind of Bible 'zoom' to give people opportunity to discuss the reading and sermon and how to apply it in our lives. Could that be around a table/ in table groups over coffee after a service? Can we continue to livestream or record and stream our services so that those who are not able to be present can still join in? It has actually reduced the feeling of 'business' of conventional Sundays in terms of getting ready, travelling into town, parking and coming home again x 2. I have felt that I have had more time to focus upon God and to rest during the day, conscious of His presence.” “It has helped me to keep in touch with church and our church family. My knowledge of modern technology (limited as it is) has been extended through necessity I have been able to point others to telephone messages (i.e. recorded talks from Sunday services) and also pass on and share church news.” “At a time of continued uncertainty it helps to know that it is not just me. It's a powerful weekly reminder of where my rock lies. It's refreshing.” |
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“For us, like Jesus, there is a purpose in these times of retreating. The desert is the place of formation. We receive from God so that we can re-engage with the world, with a fresh power and passion.” Pete Hughes, KXC. “This is a scary and dangerous time. But a crisis is also a time of opportunity and this is I believe a significant time of opportunity and therefore a time when we need some courage together and I believe that God is saying to his people at this time be strong and courageous.” Pete Greig, 24-7 prayer movement. “Maybe we are experiencing ‘enforced Sabbath’? Maybe it is God’s way to enable us to press ‘hard reset’? Maybe it’s a gift? A gift of time. A gift of space. We may never have this time and space again in our lifetimes.” Billy Kennedy, Southampton Community Church. |
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While restrictions continue, we will continue with what is ‘on offer.’ We are actively working on a phased-return while recognising that the online offerings will need to continue for the immediate future. As restrictions ease, we’ll be considering opportunities to meet together (safely) such as the recent prayer gathering, prayer walk and wellbeing café picnic. |
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Though the mountains be shaken Isaiah 54:10 |
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