Message from the General Assembly Moderators

27 March 2020

A message to all who are the

United Reformed Church

from Derek Estill and Nigel Uden

Moderators of the General Assembly

Amid this Covid-19 shaped world, we greet you in the name of God –

by whose grace we were created,

by whose mercy and love we are sustained,

by whose love we will be held forever.

Even as we are moderators of the General Assembly, so we are immersed in local churches, and it is as your companions on the Way that we wished to write to you this weekend. Our experiences mirror yours – we, too, are distancing ourselves physically from others, we too are feeling uncertain, sometimes even fearful.

Coronavirus Covid-19 has been creeping up on us. We watched its effect upon other countries and washed our hands as we sang ‘Happy birthday’. Now it is affecting us, and last Sunday Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister, punctured any complacency there may have been, saying, "life should not feel normal", and if it does, you should ask "if you are doing the right things". It’s a new world, and we don’t always feel so brave.

How should we react? There have been essential things to do. Far from having less on our agenda, many of us have been burning the candle at both ends. And there was no alternative; stuff was happening, and we needed to deal with it. But it seems Covid-19 will shape our lives for some time to come. In the coming weeks it will be good if we can regain a balance between activity and reflection, for few of us can thrive on the freneticism and angst that has suddenly overtaken us. It has been said that a person best deals with a new situation not by hitting the ground running, but by hitting the ground kneeling. The place of prayer in this coronavirus situation, we would suggest, is vital. Prayer can maintain our own equilibrium, as it opens us to the peace and grace of God. We will also surely want to intercede in prayer, holding before God people who are unwell or bereaved, people who are giving their all to bring us through the pandemic, and people whose all has been taken from them through the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, of a business or of mental health. And then there is the need for prayer with those in countries that have neither the finances nor the health service of ours. The call to pray last Sunday evening at 7.00pm, placing a candle in a street-facing window, was moving. May we commend that to you as a weekly observance? Even when we are feeling frustrated that we cannot do much to help, we can all pray, and there is something strengthening when we do so together, simultaneously.

 Part of what is carrying us through is the devoted and tireless leadership of many people. We are more grateful than we can say for our General Secretariat and all their colleagues at Church House, for the Officers of the Assembly, for our committees, for our Synod Moderators and all who work with them in those thirteen councils of the church. And we are mindful of all those who are leading the responses of local churches. We hear of ministers and elders, members and friends who have strained every sinew to arrange pastoral care, to make it possible for us to worship in our homes, and to be part of our neighbourhoods’ reaching out to people in need. Other than mixing ‘from’ and ‘form’, one of Nigel’s most frequent typos is to press the w and the e at the same time when starting the word elders. Yet how right that is; welding joins two pieces of metal so that they become one, and so that they withstand the forces to which they may be subjected. Many people are welders in every sphere of the church, as well as in every layer of government, and in society at large. For each sense in which are being held together, we give thanks for welders.

Who knows where this will lead us? Quite probably, not to exactly where it found us. Society will be different; we will each be different; and the church will be different. In 1949, R. W. Hugh-Jones was called to be the minister of Warwick Road Congregational Church in Coventry. The city remained devastated after the blitz of November 1940. It needed rebuilding, renewing. Something different was being asked of the church, too. Years later, Hugh-Jones recalled that he had been persuaded to accept the call when a deacon said to him, ‘there is nothing in this church that cannot be changed as long as the Gospel is preached, and the Kingdom of God extended.’ Even if we might use slightly different words, pondering what rebuilding and renewing the future will require, maybe what that deacon said could speak to us, even for us all.

And what of God? Sam Wells, Vicar of London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields, speaks of God being ‘for’, and being ‘with’. Wells under values neither, but observes that in the Jesus narratives, God’s work for is focussed on a brief moment in Jerusalem, 1% of his life, whereas Jesus is faithfully with us far more, 90% in Nazareth, 9% in Galilee. Is that not a central conviction of the Bible? Hebrew and Christian writings alike have God with us, a light to accompany us through the shadows. Given we appear to be in this crisis for the long haul, if we’re walking the way and living the life of Jesus today there will be things we can do for each other and be they great or small they will matter significantly. But we must never underestimate the value of being with each other. Consistently and reliably, thoughtfully and sensitively with each other, and with God because God is always with us.

In our prayers, unto God’s gracious mercy and protection we commit you.

Yours sincerely, in Christ,

Nigel Uden and Derek Estill

Second Emailing - Being Church in the Context of Covid 19

UPDATES AND USEFUL INFORMATION

Dear All

PAUL writes, as promised, in these strange times, supported by Lindsey and Nicola, I will send out regular, probably weekly, emailings to keep information flowing around the Synod. My previous such note said we would aim for Tuesday – but I meant to say Wednesday!

One of the problems of the moment is that there is just so much information out there – as so many people are trying to be helpful. That’s great, and I encourage it. However, the by-product is that it is not always easy to find what you want.

To try and help you find some of the information you wish, I have established a blog – Eastern Synod: Responding to Coronavirus. I will post all the general emailings we send out, together with other identified useful documents. Hopefully, you can scroll down the list of posts and find what you want. You might find it with the help of google, but there are quite a few Eastern Synods around the world, so the link might be best - https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/

Other resources I can offer, (though recognizing that there is a lot out there, so just if you want some Synod connections), include my regular blog which offers a variety of brief reflections on being the church - http://gettingthechurchsorted.blogspot.com/

There is lots of online Sunday (or whenever) worship, and I will get to making a few suggestions next week, though we already highlight the Sunday Service now provided by the URC Daily Devotions on the Synod website. I listened to the first podcast last Sunday with Revd. Michael Hopkins, Assembly Clerk, as preacher etc. – and found that an encouraging and helpful way of being part of URC Sunday worship. If your church is doing something online, and you would like to be on my list, could you email me and draw my attention to what you are doing, preferably with a link?

I therefore think that you don’t need Synod worship from the Synod Moderator, but I did think I might post a brief video broadcast on YouTube two or three times a week. I have uploaded the first – Psalm 137: A Reflection – and will post a second in the next few days. You can do a search in YouTube on ‘paul r whittle’ – or the link is - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOisCXiElqiJSYoq_EolF8w

Another continuing source of information and interaction is our Mission Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/URC-Eastern-Mission-445556949575805/?epa=SEARCH_BOX

OFFICE

As you will have realised, the physical office is now closed for the foreseeable future, though we will keep that under review as the situation develops and in the light of government advice. Our office team are therefore all working from home, so the best way of making contact is by email, and email service should be as normal. If you need to speak to someone, please ring my mobile – 07534 274668 – in the first instance. You might get voice mail, though I will try to avoid that, but I will certainly get back to you, and can pass on messages.

FOR FAMILIES AT HOME

Roots:

Roots are providing free downloads.  The links to these are:

https://www.rootsontheweb.com/lectionary/2020/106-march-april-2020-a/lent-5/adultsathome

https://www.rootsontheweb.com/lectionary/2020/106-march-april-2020-a/lent-5/familiesathome

Sing together

https://www.worshipworkshop.org.uk/songs-and-hymns/hymns/father-i-place-into-your-hands/

Read together

(a paraphrase of psalm 18 taken from Psalms for Children)

God is like a rock

Strong and powerful.

God is like a warm, dry place during a storm.

He protects me from

things that might hurt me.

When I ask for Gods help

I feel safe

Make together

Decorate a Stone or pebble hopefully there will be some in the garden. 

It is helpful to have something to hold onto when we are praying and the stone is physical reminder of God’s presence, a symbol of God being the spiritual rock we hold on to. 

Pray together

Lord, when it is hard to believe you are there, Jesus, help me.
When you feel a long way away…
When we are ill or in trouble…
When I feel sad…
When I feel alone…
Thank you, Jesus, that we can believe in you,
and trust you when life is difficult.
Amen.

Nicola adds:    If there are any resources that you would like to send to families please do get in touch I will be very happy to provide them.

BUILDINGS, FINANCE and CHURCH PROFILE (especially WEBSITES)

By now, I assume that, for the time being, all acts of worship are suspended, and that most buildings are closed. That is in line with is required of us. There is an exception that any essential welfare or life-sustaining projects, eg foodbanks, may continue but, broadly speaking:

·        Lettings: current advice is that our buildings are now shut completely, and if you have not done so already you are advised to contact all hirers asking them to stop meeting.  Some churches are offering refunds of hire fees paid in advance; others are offering to carry them forward to the time when the buildings reopen. 

·        Insurance for Buildings: see advice posted on the Synod website homepage.

·       Church visibility: both members and the community are more likely to be visiting your websites and social media pages: it is a good idea to keep them updated on how your community is responding, how it can be reached and with some reflection

·       Gardens: Following last week’s tip to have your garden open for fellowship / prayer / peace, it is now advised that this is no longer possible.

·       Does your church employ people?  If you have concerns about how to manage employment in the current climate, or feel you might as time goes on, we have been offered a free Webinar on Thursday 26^th March at 2-3.30pm about the issues.  Contact Lindsey for the contact if you want to register, training@urceastern.org.uk

The URC realizes this has financial implications. To that end, a letter from the denominational finance team is posted on the main URC website, but for ease of access it is also posted on our Eastern Synod Coronavirus blog. You can go to the blog and scroll down the posts but, in case it makes it easier, here is a direct link to the blog posting of that letter –

https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/2020/03/financial-implications-info-from.html

And here is a link to the blog posting about the use of premises –

https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/2020/03/use-of-buildings-and-vulnerable-leaders.html

SO, ALMOST TO CONCLUDE, A PRAYER:

Written by Ian Fosten and published in “Ordinary Time”, the 2013 Prayer Handbook.

You seek us out and you find us wanting

-      wanting an answer

-      wanting hurt to be removed

-      wanting peace in place of strife

-      wanting to know what the future holds

-      wanting brokenness to be made whole

-      wanting a cup of suffering to be taken from us

-      wanting you to hear our cry and come to save us.

… and God says, ‘I know your wants

and I know what you need. And now

will you listen to me?

For the Kingdom, the Power

and the Glory are within you

and among you now and for ever.’  Amen.

Finally, just a reminder from Lindsey, Nicola and myself that we are still there for you and, if there is anything you think we might offer, or you just want a chat, then do contact us:

Our prayers and our best wishes,

PAUL                       moderator@urceastern.org.uk         07534 274668

LINDSEY                  training@urceastern.org.uk             07801 352340

NICOLA                    cydo@urceastern.org.uk                 07515 721172

Financial Implications - Info from the denominational Finance Team

19 March 2020

To           Church and Synod Treasurers

Copy to Church Secretaries, Synod Moderators and Clerks

From      Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer and Chief Finance Officer

Dear Friends

The Coronavirus crisis and its financial implications

The priority for all of us at this difficult time is to look after ourselves, our families, our local church fellowships and the communities that we serve.  Following on from the pastoral letter that was sent out recently by the General Secretariat, this letter deals with some of the financial implications of the current crisis.

Buildings and rental income

For those local churches that decide to close their buildings, it is important that someone continues to visit the site regularly to ensure that the buildings remain watertight and the site remains secure.

Most local churches will lose rental income from groups that are not meeting.  For some congregations this will be very significant.  There is little that can be done about this until the crisis has passed, but we do understand.

Maintaining income from personal giving

For each and all of us, our personal giving to our local church is an expression of our discipleship and this income is vital to the church locally and across our three nations, and to all the work that we do together in Christ’s name.  People need to be gently reminded that the financial needs of the church continue whether or not the congregation is meeting and that our responsibility to support it continues as well.

Some individuals and families will suffer serious financial hardship as a consequence of this crisis and we need to be sensitive to that and support those people as we are able.  But there may be others who could increase their regular giving during this crisis period and they need to be encouraged to do so.

There are some practical ways in which we can try to maintain this vital income:

·        people who are not already doing so should be encouraged to use standing orders or bank transfers;

·        others should be encouraged to set aside their weekly offerings and arrangements should be made through your pastoral support networks to collect this money regularly and get it into the bank.

/Continued over page

Possible Insurance Recovery

It seems unlikely that churches will be able to claim on their insurance for some of their lost income.  Those using Edwards Insurance Brokers will receive some guidance from them in the next few days.  Others should consider contacting their insurers.

Contributions to the Ministry and Mission Fund

The Ministry and Mission Fund is the means by which local churches provide the finance which pays for all URC ministers – training, stipends, pensions, etc., and the other Assembly / Church House costs – Walking the Way, Stepwise, children and youth work, mission, governance, etc.  Local churches contributed a staggering £18.8 million in 2019.

We recognise that, during this crisis, some local churches may not be able to meet the M&M commitments they have made for 2020.  If this applies to your church, then:

·        if you are paying by direct debit, please get in touch with the M&M office at Church House (yvonne.sired@urc.org.uk) and agree a reduction of your direct debit to a level that you can afford.  We would much rather do it this way than you cancel your direct debit without telling us. Please note that in order to change a direct debit amount the M&M Office must be notified by the 15^th of the month for the change to take place that month.

·        if you are paying by cheque or standing order, please adjust the amount according to your ability to pay.

Please be assured that the URC Trust does have sufficient cash to cover the payment of stipends, salaries, pensions and other bills for several months.  If the health crisis does continue for longer, and if there is a substantial drop in M&M income, then we may need to talk to colleagues in the synods about providing some short-term support.

The M&M office will maintain its regular contacts with colleagues in the Synods.  When the health emergency is passed, we will assess the situation and talk together about how to fill whatever gap in M&M income has transpired.  We are confident that, together, we have the financial resources to deal with this but it is something to talk about later not now.

Keep in touch

This is a difficult time for everyone, and none of us know how long it is going to last.  It is likely to get worse before it gets better, but it will pass.

If you need help, advice or just someone to talk to, please get in touch with your normal contacts in your synod finance team.  We are sure they will be more than ready to help.

Yours in Christ

Ian Hardie                                                       John Piper                                                       John Samson

Treasurer                                                         Deputy Treasurer                                          Chief Finance Officer

Use of Buildings - and Vulnerable Leaders

See separate post (22 March, but updated) on Weddings and Funerals.

Baptism services are NOT allowed at the moment. These are among the various kinds of gathering that the Government has banned. 

Places of Worship should remain open for solitary prayer.  Whilst we are seeking greater clarity on the actual interpretation, it is assumed that this refers to those denominations and faiths where a daily act of worship is required to be conducted by the incumbent only.  The advice is that our churches should remain closed for the time being, so far as worship is concerned. 

Foodbanks and other essentials for the community. The Government’s guidance specifically mentions foodbanks and homeless shelters as facilities that may stay open. See the link here:

 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF.pdf

Any leaders in our Church who are vulnerable – either because they are over 70, or because of health issues – must stand down from public duty and work remotely from home. As a Church, we ask those who care for us to care for themselves too, especially when life could be at risk.

Safeguarding in the midst of Coronavirus

Safeguarding people

in the midst of coronavirus

(Please note: if you click on any of the underlined words it will bring up a link to which you can click through)

The Coronavirus (Covid-19) threat continues to emerge in the UK and throughout the rest of the world. At these difficult times, we would like to help churches not only promote everyone’ wellbeing but also consider actions for those who are more vulnerable in the next weeks and months.

As churches close for the foreseeable future, everyone needs to keep safeguarding a priority even if not meeting and ensure care for the more vulnerable through phone calls, messages and WhatsApp groups.

There are many initiatives to help people connect via the internet, though streaming and other measures. There is a range of advice on the URC website

Home visits

If you have to undertake home visits for any purpose, you are advised to take precautions, or to consider alternative ways of keeping in touch.

The Methodist Church shares top tips for those receiving visits as well as for those who are undertaking them here. It is paramount to ensure that the elderly, impoverished families and the vulnerable have food and essential provisions and access to support relevant to their needs during these challenging times. 

Under current circumstances, it is also essential that Elders, ministers, CRCWs, church safeguarding coordinators and those with pastoral responsibilities need to make sure that communication with under 18s and vulnerable people is kept within government and health guidance about levels of contact and self-isolation.

Where people are living in their own homes, with or without additional support from friends, family and carers, the government has provided specific guidance that can be accessed here.

Children and young people

In alignment with relevant government guidance regarding closure of schools and colleges, all children and youth-related activities, events and services are advised to be suspended for the coming weeks. This includes mentoring sessions, Sunday schools and messy groups. It would be risky to replace formal meetings at your church premises with informal meetings at the home of youth leaders or ministers.

Provide information to and educate children and young people about coronavirus and enable parents/carers to discuss the situation with them. The Charity Save the children provides valuable guidance on this here.

Adults at risk

The government already identified adults who are at increased risk of severe illness from the virus. This includes those who are pregnant, those who are aged 70 or older, with or without health conditions, and other groups who may be at particular risk due to complex health problems such as:

·       people who have received an organ transplant and remain on ongoing immunosuppression medication

·       people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy

·       people with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia who are at any stage of treatment

·       people with severe chest conditions such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma (requiring hospital admissions or courses of steroid tablets)

·       people with severe diseases of body systems, such as severe kidney disease (dialysis).

Those who fall into above categories need to be at the centre of our care and support in the upcoming weeks along with people who are living with mental health issues, disabilities and learning difficulties and any person who rely on others ‘personal assistance to meet their basic needs.

Regular contact and texts over the phone will be a valuable source of help for those who require a reminder of medication or need someone to order food supplies. Our duty to safeguard individuals does not stop during the epidemic. We can identify key services in our local area and signpost vulnerable people who are at risk or might be at more risk due to coronavirus outbreak to local support services.

Access to specific advice and support

Some individuals might need specific help depending on their personal wellbeing and life circumstances. Below it is a list of specialist advice issues by different organisations.

·       The National Eczema Society has offered advice on handwashing techniques for people with eczema and other skin conditions.

·       Carers UK has issued recommendations for carers.

·       Cancer charities have worked together to produce information on Covid-19 for anyone affected by cancer.

·       Diabetes UK has provided an updated information page for people living with diabetes. 

·       Age UK has also provided advice on how to stop the spread of the virus, and actions to take.

·       Asthma UK has released a blog post with advice for people with asthma.

Domestic abuse

Reports from China revealed that incidents of domestic abuse increased following the outbreak of the virus. If you are aware of risks of domestic violence against children, men and/or women, remain in contact with the family on a regular basis, provide affected members the contact details of Women’s Aid telephone number  0808 2000 247 (24-hour helpline) and make a prompt referral to children’s or adult case services in your local area.

Fraud

We also need to be careful about fraud. There are warnings about Covid-19 fraud and scams to be aware of. Action Fraud has issued a warning and information which is not specific to the faith sector. Read more here

In any case or situation, speak to Church Safeguarding Coordinator or the Synod Safeguarding Officer who can be of valuable help at these moments. Also, print and share the Appendix U of our recently updated safeguarding policy of the URC, which includes useful contacts for supporting people affected by different forms of abuse.

Any community events and services like foodbanks, lunch clubs, shelters for homelessness or other groups must follow guidance from the government.

Churches and their partner organisations might plan forward with the view to minimise, suspend and/or find alternative ways to run services for the benefit of the vulnerable groups. Another source of help can be advice provided by support organisations.

The Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) have produced a simple guide on how you can support foodbanks during the coronavirus pandemic.

Likewise, the Trussell Trust has also issued guidance on how churches can support volunteer supported charities.

If a member or church attendee has been found infected by the virus, the church needs to take up all measures not to isolate this person from emotional or other support.

A telephone contact per day will be enough and very important for those who will be worried about their health and their unavoidable quarantine. In any case, the government’s guidance has to determine any action and contact with this person.

The epidemic of Coronavirus brings uncertainty, anxiety, even feelings of fear and panic. Whilst it is normal to feel worried, if someone is starting to feel overwhelmed, it’s important to acknowledge their feelings and share with someone they trust.

Charity Young Minds has issued advice for anyone feeling anxious about the virus. Mind has also offered information on what to do if you are worried about your wellbeing. There are also now more than 400 volunteer-led groups working to offer aid to people affected by the virus. See more here.