Eastern Synod - Responding to Coronavirus

Wednesday, 7 October 2020

Twenty-Sixth Emailing - Being Church in the Context of Covid 19

UPDATES AND USEFUL INFORMATION (7^th October 2020)

Dear All

Just a reminder – do let others know that this information exists. Please pass it on to anyone you think might find it (or any part of it) useful, and who may not be getting it.

It is posted on the Synod website and on the blog each week, so there is no need to get the reminder email to access it. All past emailings and related documents remain on the Synod coronavirus blog - https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/

Meantime, be careful and stay safe.

Best wishes

Paul

MOVING ON

As most of you will know by now, I am – somewhat unexpectedly - to leave my post as Eastern Synod Moderator at the end of 2020 in order to take up a three year appointment as Moderator of the National Synod of Scotland.

This has come as a great surprise to me, as it may to you. I was fully expecting to remain as the Moderator of the Eastern Synod until retirement. However, I was asked to consider this relatively short term role in Scotland and, after prayerful consideration, met with the discernment group on Monday 28th September. That was an extremely positive meeting and I felt a strong sense of call.

I have loved being the Moderator of the Eastern Synod and will be extremely sorry to leave earlier than planned. Of course, it has had its ups and downs but there have been far more good things than difficult ones. I have had some great people to work with – originally, and for some time, Peter Ball as Mission and Training Officer, and Henry Playle, as Children’s and Youth Development Officer, more recently Lindsey Brown and Nicola Grieves in those roles; great office staff, currently Jane Langford-Horder, Penelope Davies-Brown, Sue Drane, David Smith and Shannon Craig, and, previously, Linda Hack, Andrew Perkins and Gordon Heald. I have worked with three Synod Clerks, three Synod Treasurers, and four Pastoral Convenors etc. etc. – some great ministers, elders and church members. I will miss you all, but feel, despite the challenges of Covid 19, that I leave the Synod in a good place. God’s blessings on you on all your doing.

SYNOD MEETING

The October Synod meeting on Saturday (10^th) will be by Zoom, and will run from 10am to 1pm. All welcome, as Synod meetings are not restricted to those who are members of the meeting.

In order to join the meeting, please follow these instructions:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/99252416138?pwd=aHBFVWNQTWhGY0QrYTlZWUl5N0hUUT09

Meeting ID: 992 5241 6138

Passcode: 326194

Dial in: 0330 088 5830

0203 481 5237

0208 080 6592

To join via the internet, you should just need to click on the link, though the password, if needed, as above.

To join by phone dial in on any of the above numbers – note: your normal call rate will apply.

When you call, you will be asked for the meeting id.

Key that in followed by # - so, 992 5241 6138 #

You will then be asked for your participant number. Ignore that, just press #

You will then be asked for the password.

Key that in followed by # - so, 326 194 #

You should then be in the meeting.

AGENDA (slightly updated from the papers)

10am – Constitution of Synod and Opening Worship

Ministerial Movements, Welcomes, Apologies

Minutes of the previous meeting and any matters arising

10.20am – A new church – an introduction to Northstowe

10.25am – Moderator’s Address

10.45am – Church Lockdown Stories

11am – Revd. Philip Brooks – URC Secretary for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations

11.20am – Thinking about Intergenerational Matters – Nicola Grieves

11.30am – Break

11.45am – Committee Reports

(Executive, Mission Committee, Pastoral Committee, Resources Committee)

12.30pm – Link-up with Zimbabwe – Revd. Lydia Neshangwe

12.40pm. – Closing Worship

1pm. - Close

We would appreciate it if everyone joining the meeting could do so using their own name. Though it is not absolutely crucial, attendance records are helpful – and ‘Grandad’s iPad’ doesn’t really tell us who you are. Better still, if you can, please add in your church name.

The guest speaker will be the Revd. Philip Brooks, the URC’s Secretary for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations. There will also be an address from the Moderator, some news on how some churches are coping with Covid and reminders of available resources. Papers will go out as usual, but we will also make the agenda and key documents available through this briefing next week and the blog and/or the website.

If you have any questions or issues you would like us to address at the Synod meeting, particularly Covid related, please contact the Clerk or the Moderator, not later than 12 noon on Friday 9^th.

HOLY HABITS ROADSHOW – OR (AS THEY ARE) ONLINE TRAINING

Our new series of training mini videos is now under way.

This week Paul takes a Biblical look at the Breaking of Bread – you should find it easily (once it has been uploaded, hopefully, but not guaranteed, on Thursday morning), if you go to the Synod YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtYncbpZJ4PKBBrjrcXBHrw?view_as=subscriber

SYNOD YOUTUBE CHANNEL

To make it easier to find items on the Synod YouTube channel, the uploaded videos have now been sorted into playlists, so you should be able to find things more easily.

There are playlists for Story Time for Under 5s; All Age Worship Reflections; Holiday Club at Home; Worship Roadshows; and Holy Habits.

ALL AGE WORSHIP

Families at Home – Do not worry

Story time for the under-fives -

This is the day

Story Time

Singing together

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cccJhMVFrLs

When you are sleeping

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGUMr6bSLxU

Reading watching and listening together

Paul's letter to the Philippians, Chapter 4 verses 4 to 6

Do not worry – All age reflection with Nicola

All Age Reflection - Don't worry

Praying together

This is the day that the Lords has made!

Psalm 118:24 -‘This is the day that the Lord has made we will rejoice and be glad in it’.

Some days are happy sunny days and other days are rather stormy but whatever kind of day we have we can remember that God made it and we kind find reasons to be glad.

Make a sun and a storm cloud. You can do this using a paper plate or using card. Use paints or felt pens to colour them in. Cut strips of paper to go on the bottom each shape. Hang the Sun and cloud in the window or somewhere where you will see them as you pass by.

Write on the strips of paper your prayers. Write or draw something that has made you happy on the strips of paper on the sun and on the strips on the cloud write or draw something that has been difficult or has made you sad.

Spend some time looking at the sun and the cloud and thank God for the happy sunny days and then take some time to ask God to help you in the stormy times.

Bubble Wrap prayers

Using some bubble wrap. Take it in turns to tell God something that is worrying you can do this quietly or say it out loud. Pop one of the bubbles and as you do give your worry to God.

Creating together

Worry Dolls

Worry dolls are small handmade dolls made from matchsticks; or a clothes peg; or sticks; or lolly stick; or pipe cleaner; or card, each wrapped in clothing made from wool, cotton embroidery thread and small pieces of fabric.

We can tell your worries, sorrow and fears to the doll and place it under our pillow when we go to sleep. It is good to tell God our worries and a worry doll can help us to remember that we can tell God our worries anytime day or night.

Here are a few simple ideas made from match sticks, pipe cleaner, lolly sticks and clothes pegs.

When you are wrapping the wool or thread dip the end of the thread in glue as you start to wrap and press down and then again to secure off the thread do the same again. Using a glue stick is less messy as you can control the amount of glue.

An alternative idea, paint a peg doll

Have fun creating!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: training, fellowship and more…

Synod Meeting online Saturday 10^th October 10am-1pm

· Synod Quiz Night online Monday 19^th October 7 for 7.30pm start Register yourself / your team with Lindsey

· Elders Training online Tuesday 3^rd November 10 - 11.30am Sign up with Lindsey

· Discipleship Day online Saturday 7^th November 10am-1pm Sign up with Lindsey

· Elders Training online Weds 18^th November 7-7.30pm Sign up with Lindsey

JUSTICE MATTERS

Reset the Debt: The Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) have now launched their jubilee campaign. Get your church involved in campaigning for justice for those in our communities who have accrued unavoidable and crushing debt over the last 6 months. Find resources, the report and stories which can be used in your services on the website: https://resetthedebt.uk/

On the same day this campaign launched I read that Rolex (the luxury watch brand) have reported booming sales in the UK over the same period: we live in a very unequal society!

‘Money Makes Change’ Pledge

Is your church looking for ways it can make a difference through its money? Watch this video, go to the resources page on the website and sign the pledge, which gives you a framework to look at how you connect faith, money and ethics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU-Uo9LO-1g&feature=emb_title&fbclid=IwAR0ksOGSFqxp__ZkaaFsoXFcvTxD6_YP8TyI30zOy7N4Hyq_80uG5D3By9A

Legacies of Slavery

Please see the letter on this matter from our Synod Clerk, Keir Hounsome, which you will find at https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/2020/10/legacies-of-slavery.html

on the work that has been done so far by the United Reformed Church. At this time we would particularly draw your attention to the new webpages full of resources related to this theme, and particularly relevant right now as we have just entered Black History Month, although don’t feel constrained to only use it in October! https://urc.org.uk/legacies-of-slavery.html

KEEPING ALIVE THE RUMOR OF GOD – BOOK RECOMMENDATION

For information on Martin Camroux’s new book – including details of how to obtain a copy – please go to https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/2020/10/keeping-alive-rumor-of-god-martin.html

URC INFO

All the latest information (and links to resources) from the United Reformed Church is on the Coronavirus Advice page of the denomination’s website –

https://urc.org.uk/coronavirus.html

A PRAYER FROM REVD. JENNY MILLS – Secretary for Education & Learning

(Daily Devotions – 7/10/20)

Loving God,

we inhabit a a world that is the result of all that has gone before:

a world of good and bad, kind and hurtful.

As we seek to live authentic, God-focused lives,

we pray that we may choose our words carefully,

using those that build up and encourage.

We pray for strength as we share your love,

in many and varied ways, with the hurting world in which we live.

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

STAY SAFE - PAUL

Twenty-Fifth Emailing - Being Church in the Context of Covid 19

UPDATES AND USEFUL INFORMATION (30^th September 2020)

Dear All

Blessings as we continue the challenging road of Covid 19.

All past emailings and related documents remain on the Synod coronavirus blog - https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/

Meantime, be careful and stay safe.

Best wishes

Paul

SYNOD MEETING

The October Synod meeting will be by Zoom – on the designated date, Saturday 10^th October, and will run from 10am to 1pm. All welcome, as Synod meetings are not restricted to those who are members of the meeting.

In order to join the meeting, please follow these instructions:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/99252416138?pwd=aHBFVWNQTWhGY0QrYTlZWUl5N0hUUT09

Meeting ID: 992 5241 6138
Passcode: 326194

Dial in: 0330 088 5830

0203 481 5237

0208 080 6592

To join via the internet, you should just need to click on the link, though the password, if needed, as above.

To join by phone dial in on any of the above numbers – note: your normal call rate will apply.

When you call, you will be asked for the meeting id.

Key that in followed by # - so, 992 5241 6138 #

You will then be asked for your participant number. Ignore that, just press #

You will then be asked for the password.

Key that in followed by # - so, 326 194 #

You should then be in the meeting.

If you have any questions or issues you would like us to address at the Synod meeting, particularly Covid related, please contact the Clerk or the Moderator, not later than 12 noon on Friday 9^th.

Some things may be more easily addressed in this briefing – and we do try to cover questions that are raised on the basis that if someone has asked it, others are probably facing the same issue, but have not gone round to asking. On that basis, this week’s briefing includes notes on Church Meetings and on wearing face coverings in church buildings.

HOLY HABITS ROADSHOW – OR (AS THEY ARE) ONLINE TRAINING

Our new series of training mini videos is now under way.

This week Nicola takes an inter-generational look at Fellowship – you should find it easily (once it has been uploaded, hopefully, but not guaranteed, on Thursday morning), if you go to the Synod YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtYncbpZJ4PKBBrjrcXBHrw?view_as=subscriber

We will then continue in the coming weeks with a similar series of looks at three further Holy Habits - the Breaking of Bread, Giving (or Sharing Resources) and Eating Together.

CHURCH MEETINGS

Just a reminder that you can find advice – including a click through to Mission Council resolutions – on what you can/might do about Church Meetings on the Synod blog -

https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/2020/07/do-we-need-to-hold-church-meeting.html

FACE MASKS

Another reminder – that face coverings are compulsory in places of worship, apart from anyone who is genuinely exempt, and those leading worship at the point where they are addressing the congregation. Failure to comply can attract a fine of £200 (reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days.)

ALL AGE WORSHIP

Story Time for the Under-fives - running a race with Harris Hare

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKFMR5L4TrI

Singing together - Run, jump, and praise - two great action songs!

I can’t run enough

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeygfKyyOMY

I am going to jump up and down

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WodvQf0Jo9s

Gathering Prayer

O God, help us to:
see Christ in all things, (hands over eyes, looking around)
hear Christ through all things, (hands behind ears)
understand Christ from all things, (gathering gesture)
feel Christ in all things, (touch fingertips together)
know Christ in all things. (fingers on temples)
Amen.

Reading listening and watching together

Are we nearly there yet? - an all age reflection with Nicola

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4N8q3FweYE

Paul’s letter to the Philippians 3:13-14 (CEV)

Table talk together

· Why do you think Paul talks about a prize?

· What does running towards a goal make you think about?

· If Christ is our goal, what sort of things could we do to keep moving towards him?

Traffic Light Prayers

You will need:

Black card or paper

Clothes Peg

Red green and yellow pom poms or

Small circles of paper

Stick your circles or pom poms to a rectangle of black card to make a traffic light. Stick the traffic light to a clothes peg. You will then be able to an use this as a bookmark to remind you to be still, think and pray and go god’s way.

Stop and be still – Listen to God

Slow down and make time for God - Think and pray

Go God’s way every day

Sometimes decisions are very difficult, and it is good for us stop and listen and talk to God. Holding your traffic light as a family join together to say the following prayer

Dear God grant me the calmness and peace

to accept the things I cannot change

Give me courage to change the things I can

and give me wisdom to know the difference.

Amen

(An adaptation of the serenity prayer)

Creating together

Prayer clock

Taking a moment throughout the day to talk to God helps us to grow in our faith.

Cut out pictures from a magazine or draw your own pictures of things that help you to think about times when you can pray.

For example:

When you get up and when you go to bed
When you eat
When you are happy
When you are sad
When you want to say thank you

Place the pictures on a circle of card or a paper plate. Make a pointer like a clock hand from some stiff card and using a paper fastener attach it to the centre of you circle like a clock. You can use this to remind you to pray at different times of the day. As a family you could make a clock together and put it up on the wall setting the pointer to a time to pray for everyone to pray together

Playing together

Create an obstacle course or some sports challenges and have a family race!

SOMETHING DIFFERENT …

Are you a radical theologian? Interested in radical theology? The Council for World Mission is hosting a series of webinars as part of its DARE programme (Discernment and Radical Engagement), particularly focusing on the impact and potential responses to the pandemic. Starting on October 30^th; all welcome. Find out more and register here: https://www.cwmission.org/coming-up-e-dare-2020/?fbclid=IwAR3Ia9tA5W-mku2EGem3V_TaaA7gE9zc6N95Ue8428pAp0wj-MWdSff3rDY

JUSTICE MATTERS

The Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) are about to launch their bold ‘jubilee’ campaign in response to the debt crisis caused by the unavoidable impact of Covid-19 on many in our communities. Expenses have gone up for many, especially food bills for those who have had workers and children at home all day. The pause in eviction proceedings and debt recovery ends this week and this is likely to cause even greater hardship. It is worth remembering that most working people aren’t more than a month or two’s salary away from getting into rent or mortgage arrears, even in normal times. By contrast many people have found themselves better off and have been able to pay off debt as their expenses have gone down during this time: it is estimated that around £8billion of credit card debt has been paid off in the last 6 months. We clearly live in a very unequal society. Visit the website, http://www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/corona-virus/ and / or follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jointpublicissues/, to stay up to date with the campaign and find out how you can get involved. If your church runs or is involved in a money advice centre please get in touch with Lindsey.

How is your money good news to the poor? Christian Aid has been hit hard, as have most charities, by the pandemic. As door-to-door and street collections did not happen this year your church may want to look at fundraising online, https://e-offering.christianaid.org.uk/?_ga=2.242497985.2133513320.1601391054-813789471.1600097679 and https://www.christianaid.org.uk/news/facebook-fundraisers-guidelines. The United Reformed Church has a close relationship with Christian Aid, especially through Commitment for Life. The pandemic came at a time when they were restructuring: new regional leaders are in place but obviously have not been able to get around the churches and meet people. They would love churches to partner with them. Contact our C4L coordinator Kevin Snyman kevin.snyman@urc.org.uk or Christian Aid’s John Plant via info@christian-aid.org if your church would be interested.

ELDERS / CHURCH TRUSTEE TRAINING

Paul, Nicola and Lindsey will be delivering online training for those newly elected and those wanting a ‘refresher’. This will take place on Tuesday 3^rd November at 10 am and on Wednesday 18^th November at 7pm. The same material will be offered on both occasions, so it is a case of coming to one, not both – unless you really want to – and sessions will last ninety minutes. We will focus particularly on the spiritual Call, trustee and pastoral responsibilities, but will allow plenty of time for discussion and questions. Please email Lindsey to register, indicating which session you would like to attend, training@urceastern.org.uk.

EASTERN SYNOD QUIZ NIGHT

Don’t forget our Zoom quiz night on Monday 19^th October: online fellowship in action! Teams of 8. Email Lindsey to sign up, as a team from one or more households, or as an individual to be joined up with others. You could even have one or more church teams 😊

WALKING THE WAY DAY – looking up, joining in, reaching out

Lindsey and Nicola will be holding a ‘missional discipleship’ morning online on Saturday 7^th November from 10am – 1pm. Do join us. Email Lindsey to register, training@urceastern.org.uk.

URC INFO

All the latest information (and links to resources) from the United Reformed Church is on the Coronavirus Advice page of the denomination’s website –

https://urc.org.uk/coronavirus.html

A PRAYER FROM THE LONDON ORATORY

Lord Jesus Christ, you travelled through towns and villages curing every disease and illness. At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.

Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their health and strength.

Heal us from our fear, which prevents neighbors from helping one another.

Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.

Good Lord, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.

May those who have died from the virus rest in peace and rise in glory.

Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair.

Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace.

Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with prudence and charity for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve.

Stay with us, Lord, and grant us your peace.

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

STAY SAFE - PAUL

Keeping Alive the Rumor of God (Martin Camroux) - Book Recommendation

Keeping Alive the Rumor of God: When Most People Are Looking the Other Way

Across the Western world the traditional picture of God is dying, and institutional religion collapsing. Today we are trying something never done before, living with no agreed narrative that tells us who we are and with a materialist view of life.

It isn’t enough. An idea of God may have died but the mystery of our human life is of an inner depth which is not simply physical or material. Marvel, mystery, wonder, beauty, love, the numinous, the mysterium tremendum, remain the essence of who we are. What I am trying to do is describe this experience in such a way that those who have not had it can get a glimpse of it from inside and understand how it can give a life meaning and purpose.

This is explored through a liberal Christian tradition committed to social justice and honest exploration. Scripture is vital to this but so are art, poetry, music, and beauty. When most people are looking the other way, we must keep the rumour of God alive.

You can buy this in the normal way or slightly cheaper from me! Amazon £20 or £15 direct from mf.camroux@gmail.com or by post from 4 Sorrel Close, Colchester, CO4 5UL

"This is an honest, brave, and forthright account of a preacher's life and convictions. It is an exposition of liberal theology which shows both its apologetic potential and the sustaining power of its attendant spirituality for churches in 'post-Christendom.' Moving and provocative, it deserves respect and scrutiny in equal measure.

—DAVID CORNICK, University of Cambridge

"Martin Camroux's erudite and well-reasoned defence of his profoundly felt and deeply sincere, life-long liberal Christian faith makes compelling reading. Dr. Camroux's theological and literary knowledge, his understanding of church and political history and current affairs, and his reasoned arguments and rigorous scholarship (not to mention his blunt honesty) are enviable."

—RICHARD D. JURD, Senior Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, 1975—2011, and URC lay preacher

"Camroux offers us a thought-provoking and reflective account of the Christian faith in the light of the current challenging circumstances of the church. It emerges from a lifetime of learning, worn with the lightness of touch of a preacher. Rooted in the classical liberal tradition, this is reflection on the reality of God as encountered in human experience. He offers an account of the faith which, even where I might disagree, always makes me think more deeply".

—JOHN BRADBURY, General-Secretary of the United Reformed Church

"In this book Martin Camroux provides a clear and sincere exposition of those close twins, liberal and mystical theology. It is born of personal experience in pastoral and preaching ministry and richly supported by telling quotations garnered from a lifetime of wide reading and deep reflection."

—IAN BRADLEY, author of Grace, Order, Openness and Diversity: Reclaiming Liberal 7heology

Legacies of Slavery

LEGACIES OF SLAVERY

Much has been said and written in recent months about British involvement in the eighteenth century transatlantic slave trade. The purpose of this note is not to go over the history but rather to outline the actions being taken by the United Reformed Church to address this issue.

In 2017 the Council for World Mission (CWM), of which the URC is a member, launched a series of Hearings to identify the Legacies of Transatlantic Slavery. Their subsequent report highlighted racism and deprivation as key elements of the legacies and also referred to continuing concerns with white privilege. In response to this report, the URC’s Mission Council have agreed to recommend to the 2020 General Assembly the adoption of a threefold approach to addressing these legacies encompassing a Church-wide apology, some form of reparation and the elimination of white privilege within the URC.

However, it is also recognised that these issues require consideration at all levels of the denomination. They will therefore be fully discussed at our Synod meeting in March 2020 but now the URC is starting on work intended to improve awareness of the legacies of slavery and to stimulate discussion within congregations. To this end, the URC is producing a range of material that’s accessible on the URC website. At this stage, these resources are provided for Black History Month 2020 but others will be added periodically. They will include a reading list, a selection of You Tube videos and seminal movies, information papers and Bible studies.

For more information and a variety of resource materials, please go to the Legacies of Slavery section on the URC website - Legacies of Slavery resources

Keir Hounsome

Synod Clerk