Pastoral Letter from the Moderators of General Assembly

 FROM THE MODERATORS OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 August 2020

 

Dear Friends

The year 2020 has presented us all with unprecedented challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected everyone. At the beginning of our term of office, we would like to bring you our greetings and offer you and your communities our prayers.

We are very conscious that your ministry during this time will have been unusually difficult. Finding ways to keep in contact, supporting those in need, reaching out to the grieving and the vulnerable, whilst keeping essential work happening and learning completely new ways of working has meant that many are feeling overburdened. The pandemic has also brought economic and financial challenges which affect many, not least our Churches and those they serve. No doubt, you are now also facing the challenge of finding ways forward in a safe and inclusive way as the situation develops.  

On a more personal level, some of you will have moved to a new post or pastorate and be challenged to familiarise yourselves and build new contacts remotely. Many of you will have been balancing the demands of work with those of your immediate or wider family. Some of you may have struggled with feelings of isolation, frustration or disorientation. You may be particularly vulnerable yourself or have close family who need to be shielded. Some will have experienced loss or illness themselves or those close to them.

The pandemic has also presented new opportunities. We hear stories of communities finding new ways of worshipping, learning together and supporting each other. Many have been discovering new opportunities of sharing the Good News of Jesus and nurturing faith in others. Others have found opportunities to reassess their work and the mission of local congregations and explore other new possibilities.

Our visit programme is inevitably currently severely curtailed, but we would love to hear from you; hear your news and find ways to share the learning. If you feel we can offer support or encouragement, even remotely, please let us know. Certainly, you and your work are very much in our prayers,

We look forward to being able to meet you and hear your stories in person at some point. In the meantime, it is reassuring to know that God is always with each one of us, however dark things may seem to be. May God bless you and your work and uplift you when times are hard. 

Yours in Christ,

Revd. Clare Downing and Peter Pay

Moderators of General Assembly (2020-2022)