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31% of the responses highlighted to focus more on God |
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25% of the responses highlighted my personal study/discipleship |
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23% of the responses highlighted it's not about the building |
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“We have been reminded of the truth that God is always with us, whatever the circumstances and He can still minister to us through technology in these circumstances in a powerful way; that when all of the peripheral 'clutter' has been stripped away, our personal relationship is always there; that church generally gives us the opportunity to encourage each other and share experiences- even though distant; that, very obviously, church is much much wider than congregating in a specific building, especially in respect of evangelism. These present circumstances have given challenges, but also opportunities for more obvious sharing, especially with non-Christians.” “That the Holy Spirit is not only present in church. Maybe if the church is worshipping in many locations maybe it gives opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to work in those locations.” |
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“Church isn't just a building, it's the people. We are part of a big family eg we have joined other church services and Christian events. God is with us even in tough times.” “I've been reminded of the importance of my own daily times with the Lord and of going deeper in my relationship with him. At the same time, I've realised how important 'the body' is to all of us, and so have missed meeting together. I've been reminded that our purpose is to be salt and light in the places where God has called us to be (families, workplaces and communities) and that therefore what we do together as a church should be helping us to be better equipped and supported in doing that.” “Less corporate worship has been really helpful in resetting a need for personal walk with God and also pro-actively seeking fellowship. Prayer seems to have gone up as a priority and this needs to be maintained.” “The importance of a really good daily prayer time. The extra time being at home, not working has allowed me to spend more time 'with ' God in prayer and being conscious of His presence throughout the day. It has been good to slow down. Being Church is about what I do where I am, at home, in my road, and less about how many physical church services I go to! In a strange way, it feels good that the church 'has left the building', not just St Giles but worldwide. It's an exciting and challenging opportunity. Let's not rush back to what was 'safe'. Let's see what God wants to do with us in our neighbourhood and our country!” “When you are in Christ, HE is our foundation and we are with Him always, HE will always be our bedrock and to go where HE wants us and the church to go. It should always start from the place of resting in our Lord before setting off wherever!” “Be prayerful. Support one another. Listen more. Read the scripture and try and follow in our Lord’s footsteps. Be patient - that’s the biggest one! All prayers will be answered in God’s own time. There is a reason for all that has happened. The world needed a break from pollution. It’s us that has caused the world to break down, not God. Only we can’t put things right without God.” |
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“Love is your mission statement.” Tear Fund creation care seminar. “This time was a divine invitation to consider what matters most. Eternal qualities that we can invest in now that will never fade. There are 3 things that remain – FAITH, HOPE & LOVE.” Danielle Strickland. “Many of the myths we’ve built up abut competency, power, ourselves are being pulled down. We don’t have control. We haven’t conquered nature. We need to draw closer to God and embrace powerlessness and vulnerability. What will cut through? Not the platform but spiritual authority. Someone not seeking to do it in their own strength. Someone given over to God. Empowered by the Spirit. Pursuing holiness. People who are humble. People like Moses and Joshua.” Mark Sayers.
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We have identified 3 key priority areas to focus on in the autumn term: PRAYER, WORSHIP and OUTREACH. The Prayer Course will be offered again via Zoom. As we consider how to pursue these, we recognise that we won’t be returning to the building immediately. We will therefore need to support, encourage and nurture what has been helpful in sustaining people through this difficult season. We’ll be offering a range of resources to home groups for the coming term. |
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Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6: 4 - 7 |
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