To those who lead our local churches
Baptism, Wedding and
Funeral Services –
update, 9 April
Two metres to be maintained between every household group.
Questions arise in many congregations about whether we can host and conduct wedding
and funeral services in the current emergency.
This update responds to the Prime
Minister’s broadcast on 23 March. It is possible that this guidance could change in the
days and weeks ahead. But this is how we appear to stand just now.
Neither baptism nor wedding services are allowed at the moment. These are among
the various kinds of gathering that the Government has banned. That ruling will be a very
distressing for couples who were on the threshold of a new life together. But for the next
few weeks we have not been given a choice.
Funerals are still allowed, but we must keep them very small. Plan a simple committal
ceremony at cemetery or crematorium with an intentionally very small number of people
present.
Tributes can be paid in other ways – either online, or in a church newsletter – or given in a
memorial service later in the year. All of that will surely feel unsatisfactory. But there is not
a satisfactory way to deal with these issues. We don’t want anyone’s life to end because
someone attended a funeral.
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.
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.
With thanks for all you are doing and bearing in these days,
John Proctor Nicola General Secretary
Nicola Furley-Smith Secretary for Ministries
Wednesday, 22 April 2020
Fresh Expressions Community Listening and Prayer
WHAT IS GOD SAYING?
As practitioners we can often default to activism, but right now many of us are sensing the need to stop, take a breath and be still before God before rushing into activity.
There are many different patterns of life at the moment from frenetic energy to calmness. What for one person was a moment of quiet is for another a time of busyness
We’re all inhabiting this tension between activity and contemplation, activism and stillness, action and paralysis
We need to find a new rhythm of life which can be hard at such a chaotic time.
Where is the place of listening at a time when so much is new and strange?
We need to respond to our calling and not just the needs around us
We need to give space to the prophetic - what is God saying?
Nature is continuing despite us stopping
PASTORAL?SPIRITUAL NEEDS IN OUR COMMUNITIES
There is a collective loss of the world we all knew before the pandemic as every single person is forced to adjust to a new reality that not only presents significant practical challenges, but deeper challenges to the soul.
There is a lot of fear and uncertainty
There is a lot of grief
There is a need for permission to grieve the forced change and actual loss.
We need to make space for lament and not skip over this on the journey
RELATIONAL/COMMUNITY CHANGES AND CHALLENGES
Although the landscape we're finding ourselves in feels like a wilderness, there has been a lot of growth in the number of people connecting with church and those on the edges getting more involved. This increase in connection brings with it an exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) challenge of how to go deeper both relationally and spiritually in this season, but also in preparation for whatever lies ahead. There is also, understandably, a real challenge as we seek to develop and deepen connections virtually and minister to people online.
Lots of unknown people joining church online groups / watching services etc - 1000 people for example watching a service of a church that has a congregation of 100 - how can we reach these people going forwards?
People on the edge are joining in.
Great to have lots of previously 'un-techy' people joining in.
Better contact with those already in networks, almost no contact with those not
Connection is happening in new and deeper ways
An increased need just to be present with people online
Connection happening, but people are overwhelmed in desire to respond
More contact with people beyond our usual groups
Connecting well with people, but mostly in-house, but with a huge wide range of others that we are not sure how to go deeper with
Opportunity for blessing, opportunity to serve.
VIRTUAL CHURCH
Lock down has moved the church into the home and onto our screens. In the rush to respond and stay connected, church has moved online with varying results. How we do church in this season needs to be reimagined. There have been some great creative responses and some less imaginative, but one thing is certain - the church needs a lot of grace during this period.
Some denominations are a lot more nimble at dealing with large issues (communion) than others
Church has lost its buildings, structure and physical opportunity to meet, but is still trying to do the same thing
The rush to stream what we already do is obscuring the possibilities for pioneering
Going online is not about streaming the vicar
Not enough ‘Any Questions’ or Pause for Thought
Is Zoom exclusionary and non-missional - you need to know about it to join in.
Interesting comment that Zoom is exclusive and not missional - we have found that loads more of our local community want to join in with more explicitly faith based conversations and gatherings, so it seems more missional
Some online streamed services not very interesting
This is an opportunity to experience local churches without have to go and deal with face to face things
Some people are displaying unbounded optimism about keeping church going as it always has been, others enjoying the opportunity to look at how we do things and what the essentials are
Need to be gracious to others - people are doing their best in difficult circumstances even if the weaknesses of the inherited church are being exposed in this new
People on social media producing interesting material on phones
People using pictures rather than words
Struggling with how to do mission
LEADERSHIP
Pioneers have generally found it easier to respond and adapt to the crisis and for many this challenge has energised their teams and their faith.
Church members/leaders thrust into new roles.
Finding new confidence and assurance in their faith.
Different response from pioneers and established church
Leadership teams suddenly becoming much more energised and active as they meet more regularly
It feels like there’s a lot of pressure to be in contact all the time and having to be doing things continuously
A NEW NORMAL?
There was a strong sense that we need to reflect on the changes that have already taken place and what this means for future fx ministries.
A strong feeling that life needs to be done differently ongoing after the crisis
Lots of people talking about not going back to how it was pre lock down. Society will look different
Can we ever go back from this to the hour-long Sunday service?
We need some theology around crisis/change from a biblical perspective
Community is being formed in new ways…
As practitioners we can often default to activism, but right now many of us are sensing the need to stop, take a breath and be still before God before rushing into activity.
There are many different patterns of life at the moment from frenetic energy to calmness. What for one person was a moment of quiet is for another a time of busyness
We’re all inhabiting this tension between activity and contemplation, activism and stillness, action and paralysis
We need to find a new rhythm of life which can be hard at such a chaotic time.
Where is the place of listening at a time when so much is new and strange?
We need to respond to our calling and not just the needs around us
We need to give space to the prophetic - what is God saying?
Nature is continuing despite us stopping
PASTORAL?SPIRITUAL NEEDS IN OUR COMMUNITIES
There is a collective loss of the world we all knew before the pandemic as every single person is forced to adjust to a new reality that not only presents significant practical challenges, but deeper challenges to the soul.
There is a lot of fear and uncertainty
There is a lot of grief
There is a need for permission to grieve the forced change and actual loss.
We need to make space for lament and not skip over this on the journey
RELATIONAL/COMMUNITY CHANGES AND CHALLENGES
Although the landscape we're finding ourselves in feels like a wilderness, there has been a lot of growth in the number of people connecting with church and those on the edges getting more involved. This increase in connection brings with it an exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) challenge of how to go deeper both relationally and spiritually in this season, but also in preparation for whatever lies ahead. There is also, understandably, a real challenge as we seek to develop and deepen connections virtually and minister to people online.
Lots of unknown people joining church online groups / watching services etc - 1000 people for example watching a service of a church that has a congregation of 100 - how can we reach these people going forwards?
People on the edge are joining in.
Great to have lots of previously 'un-techy' people joining in.
Better contact with those already in networks, almost no contact with those not
Connection is happening in new and deeper ways
An increased need just to be present with people online
Connection happening, but people are overwhelmed in desire to respond
More contact with people beyond our usual groups
Connecting well with people, but mostly in-house, but with a huge wide range of others that we are not sure how to go deeper with
Opportunity for blessing, opportunity to serve.
VIRTUAL CHURCH
Lock down has moved the church into the home and onto our screens. In the rush to respond and stay connected, church has moved online with varying results. How we do church in this season needs to be reimagined. There have been some great creative responses and some less imaginative, but one thing is certain - the church needs a lot of grace during this period.
Some denominations are a lot more nimble at dealing with large issues (communion) than others
Church has lost its buildings, structure and physical opportunity to meet, but is still trying to do the same thing
The rush to stream what we already do is obscuring the possibilities for pioneering
Going online is not about streaming the vicar
Not enough ‘Any Questions’ or Pause for Thought
Is Zoom exclusionary and non-missional - you need to know about it to join in.
Interesting comment that Zoom is exclusive and not missional - we have found that loads more of our local community want to join in with more explicitly faith based conversations and gatherings, so it seems more missional
Some online streamed services not very interesting
This is an opportunity to experience local churches without have to go and deal with face to face things
Some people are displaying unbounded optimism about keeping church going as it always has been, others enjoying the opportunity to look at how we do things and what the essentials are
Need to be gracious to others - people are doing their best in difficult circumstances even if the weaknesses of the inherited church are being exposed in this new
People on social media producing interesting material on phones
People using pictures rather than words
Struggling with how to do mission
LEADERSHIP
Pioneers have generally found it easier to respond and adapt to the crisis and for many this challenge has energised their teams and their faith.
Church members/leaders thrust into new roles.
Finding new confidence and assurance in their faith.
Different response from pioneers and established church
Leadership teams suddenly becoming much more energised and active as they meet more regularly
It feels like there’s a lot of pressure to be in contact all the time and having to be doing things continuously
A NEW NORMAL?
There was a strong sense that we need to reflect on the changes that have already taken place and what this means for future fx ministries.
A strong feeling that life needs to be done differently ongoing after the crisis
Lots of people talking about not going back to how it was pre lock down. Society will look different
Can we ever go back from this to the hour-long Sunday service?
We need some theology around crisis/change from a biblical perspective
Community is being formed in new ways…
Wednesday, 15 April 2020
Fifth Emailing - Being Church in the Context of Covid 19
UPDATES AND USEFUL
INFORMATION (15th April
2020)
Dear All
Hoping you remain safe
and well, that you had a good Easter, and that some of this information might
be of use.
Just a reminder that
this emailing appears both on the Synod Coronavirus blog https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/
and on the Synod website. The blog also contains relevant associated documents.
SAFEGUARDING
As a lot of interaction moves online, it
is important to be aware of potential safeguarding issues, particularly in
respect of children and young people.
To assist, we have place a risk assessment
tool on the Synod website –
You may also access codes of conduct for
online engagement and consent amd information forms from the Synod Coronavirus blog
–
Codes of conduct - https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/2020/04/online-codes-of-conduct-for-yp-children.html
Information and Consent forms - https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/2020/04/online-engagement-information-and.html
ONLINE WORSHIP AND COPYRIGHT
Copyright
for streaming services:
Last week Paul helpfully drew our attention to the need for us to remain
vigilant about licences when offering alternative ways of worship during the
current lockdown.
·
You
may need a CCLI Streaming Licence to put on your website or stream (broadcast online) the
same content that you need a standard CCLI licence for. You must have a
standard CCLI licence to apply for a streaming licence. This includes using
music in Zoom / Lifesize / Webex etc services. There is currently a
slight discount for the licence https://uk.ccli.com/streaming.
·
If
you are using others’ liturgy please check the copyright and acknowledge where
it came from; if you are using pictures please check that they are
copyright-free, as normal.
This
is from one of the CCLI’s fact files:
“Web-streaming
church services:
If your church makes its worship services available
over the internet (live, or as a downloadable file) you should remember that a
number of components will be involved; live and/or recorded music, the liturgy,
the sermon. Each of these elements is covered by copyright, so before a
service is made available over the internet, care should be taken to ensure
that each element has been cleared for distribution by the appropriate
copyright owner. In addition, permission must be sought from all musicians,
readers, prayers and preachers before you record or broadcast their
performance.
The CCLI Streaming Licence provides a solution for
churches wishing to stream or webcast their services, including the live
worship, as video and audio. The Streaming Licence includes the right to show
lyrics as part of the stream, to enable viewers to sing along. If you are
hosting the stream on your own church website you will also require a Limited
Online Music Licence (LOML) from PRS for Music. The CCLI Streaming Licence
permits you to stream or webcast on platforms which are normally intended for
personal, domestic use only, such as YouTube or Facebook Live.
We recommend always checking the terms and
conditions of the site you wish to use for streaming/webcasting, and never
assume that such sites permit you either to upload copyrighted material or play
content from them in a public setting without a licence or permission. Visit
ccli.com/streaming and prsformusic.com/loml for further details. If you only
wish to stream the audio of your services, which include the worship songs, the
PRS for Music LOML will cover this.”
We will update this information further next week.
If you have concerns or would like more information meanwhile please contact
Lindsey directly.
EMPLOYMENT
LAW
There
have been further detailed updates from the government on Employer and Employee
Eligibility for the furlough scheme. If you have concerns about employee
eligibility contact Lindsey for more information.
CHURCH SERVICES
As mentioned last week,
there are lots of opportunities for online worship, so a chance to sample different
services, some are posting online and others are live streaming. Several can be accessed from the church’s
website, for example:
FRESH
EXPRESSIONS LISTEN AND PRAY GATHERING
This
was a moving online gathering of 50+ from across the country and denominations
to try to discern God’s voice at this time and try to pray into some of the
dominant issues.
·
Common
factors included: the joy of finding new and creative ways to worship together
and of reaching many new people, but acknowledging that we didn’t always know
who we’re not reaching through these new ways: who is this online world
not working for? The roles of those involved in church are growing and
changing, and many people are becoming much more involved; while worship can be
fun and exciting, mission is more of a struggle. The likelihood of real
financial struggle for churches is a deep concern.
·
Many
people felt strongly that we must not go ‘back’ once the lockdown is
lifted. Recent discussions that have been taking place (as a result of
the climate crisis) about reducing road travel and moving to online meetings
have until now been very slow and indecisive, and suddenly we are finding that
both are possible and often beneficial (but again, who is the online world not
working for?). Opportunities have opened up for almost daily, interactive
church for many people, and beyond the congregations we started with. To
go back to ‘just’ a passive hour-long Sunday service could dishonour
that.
·
Many
have appreciated the liberation of time to allow for (“almost monastic”)
contemplation and reflection; there were many calls for us to ‘hold the space’,
to stop listen and be present…
What
are the issues for you / your church community? What solutions are you
finding? Please let Lindsey know: I’m interested in the challenges as well as
the good news stories!
WORSHIP RESOURCES (related to next Sunday)
For the family together at home - Easter 2
A Gathering prayer to say together
The disciples met in a
locked room, Lord, and you came and
stood among them, and you said:
Peace be with you.
They were filled with joy and rejoiced.
Peace be with you.
You breathed on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you.
Thomas doubted, as he wasn’t there.
Peace be with you.
A week later you appeared again, and again you said:
Peace be with you.
Thomas touched your hands and felt your side.
Peace be with you.
Thomas exclaimed, ‘My Lord and my God!’
Peace be with you.
You are our Lord and our God.
Peace be with you.
stood among them, and you said:
Peace be with you.
They were filled with joy and rejoiced.
Peace be with you.
You breathed on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you.
Thomas doubted, as he wasn’t there.
Peace be with you.
A week later you appeared again, and again you said:
Peace be with you.
Thomas touched your hands and felt your side.
Peace be with you.
Thomas exclaimed, ‘My Lord and my God!’
Peace be with you.
You are our Lord and our God.
Peace be with you.
Singing together
Peace like a river
Why not try making some actions for the words
river ocean and fountain.
Reading together
Watch the story Seeing and believing - The story of Thomas
Or read the story together John 20:19-31
Every time you the word ‘peace’ try and be still for 10 seconds or you
could make the sign for peace; take a deep breath in and out. time they hear
the word ‘Jesus’, give the biggest grin possible.
You could make the sign of peace and Jesus. Here is short video to show
you he two signs
The return of Jesus from the dead was all the
disciples could talk about. Every one of them was so excited about it. Well,
not exactly every one of them. Thomas wasn’t excited, because Thomas had missed
it. ‘Unless I see the marks the nails made in his hands, I won’t believe he’s
alive,’ Thomas said.
A week earlier, Jesus had appeared to 10 of
the disciples. They were gathered together, hiding because they were afraid they
would be killed next. Although they were in a locked room, Jesus appeared and
said, ‘Peace be with you.’ As the disciples rejoiced, Jesus said, ‘As God the
Father sent me, now I send you.’ Then he breathed on them, saying, ‘Receive the
Holy Spirit. When you forgive people their sins, they are forgiven. When you
find people guilty, they are guilty.’
Thomas was with the others in the house now.
‘I’ll only believe if I put my finger in the marks and my hand in his side,’ he
said. The doors were closed, just as they had been before, but again, Jesus
appeared. He said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he spoke to Thomas: ‘Look at my
hands and put your finger in the holes. Put your hand in the wound on my side.
Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas was suddenly as excited as the rest of the
disciples. ‘My Lord and my God!’ he cried.
Jesus asked Thomas, ‘Have you only believed
because you have seen me? God blesses all those who believe even though they
haven’t seen me.’ This is why the story of Jesus was written down; so that
people may believe that he is the Messiah, the Son of God. All who believe in
Jesus will have life through him.
Sins the bad things that people
do, that go against what God wants;
Messiah the
‘anointed one’, someone chosen by God to save the Jewish people, also a title
used for Jesus.
© ROOTS
for Churches Ltd (www.rootsontheweb.com) 2002-2020.
Reproduced with permission.
Reproduced with permission.
Creating together
Peace doves
You will need Sellotape a paper dove, a small
rectangle of paper and a straw.
Wrap the paper rectangle around the straw (not
too tight) and then fold the top of the paper over to
make a 'pocket' for the end of the straw. Make sure that there is
a little gap between the fold of the pocket and the end of the straw.
Write or draw prayers for people or places who
need God's peace on the front of the dove shape.
Turn the dove over and Sellotape the paper
pocket to it.
Now you can make your dove fly. Turn the dove
the right way round, blow through the straw. Watch your peace dove fly as
a symbol of giving the prayers to God!
Praying together
Candle prayers
Think about times when you have felt God
being near to you, or times when you wanted God to be near. Light a candle
either a real one or a battery tealight or candle. Watch the flame. Spend some time in
silence and pray that everyone will know that God is with them during the
coming week.
A prayer
Lord Jesus,
we pray for people who are alone,
and for people who feel lonely;
people who don’t know what a loving hug feels like.
We pray that you will come close to them
and bring them into your embrace.
Amen.
we pray for people who are alone,
and for people who feel lonely;
people who don’t know what a loving hug feels like.
We pray that you will come close to them
and bring them into your embrace.
Amen.
Playing together
Make a card to send to someone to share Gods
peace with them.
See how many times you can share the sign for
peace with others – it is a great thing to be able to do via a video link or at
a distance and you can teach your friends the sign too.
A new URC initiative, worth checking out
to include younger folk is Families on Faith Adventures @ home. This will be published weekly and available
on the URC website https://urc.org.uk/resources-for-children-and-youth
and URCLE https://moodle.urc.org.uk/course/view.php?id=208 pages.
Nicola
will be happy to send it out directly to anyone who requests it, please do get
in touch.
Families
on Faith Adventures @ home
is designed to support families of all generations as they experience, explore
and express faith together through the week. It is a ‘pick and mix’ of activities,
games, prayers and challenges based around a story from the Bible.
Westminster College - A new principal
from 1st September
From 1st September, the new principal of
Westminster College will be Revd Samantha White who will serve for seven years
until August 2027. Currently the Director of Pastoral Studies and
Director of the Cheshunt Foundation, Samantha says: " I am delighted
to have been appointed to this role and I come bringing realism and enthusiasm
with me ..".
The current college Principal, Revd Neil
Thorogood, is returning to pastoral ministry at Trinity Henleaze URC, Bristol
and Thornbury URC. Neil says: "I've worked, and still
work, alongside awesome people. I know that God's call to move on
includes blessings for Westminster too as new chapters unfold here. Many
prayers as so much begins, and some things end".
WORSHIP
ROAD (STAY-AT-HOME) SHOWS
During
May we had been planning a series of roadshows around the Synod with the theme
of worship and the joys, challenges and opportunities of leading worship. Being on the road is clearly not now going to
be possible, so we are going to move them online and offer a series of nine
mini-sessions, starting in a couple of weeks’ time. Look out for full information in next week’s
emailing.
URC ADVICE
Just
a reminder that the coronavirus advice page on the URC website is being updated
with resources and advice on a daily basis:
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:
And - Follow us on: facebook.com/URC-Eastern-Mission
Our prayers and our best
wishes,
AN EASTER PRAYER (from the URC’s Daily Devotions):
Living, Loving, All-Conquering
Lord!
Forgive us for those times
when we don’t see you,
when our minds forget how close
you really are.
Thank you that you have truly
risen,
giving us victory, even over
the last enemy of death itself.
Even in the darkest of
times may we acknowledge you,
feel you, trust you, love you
and worship you unreservedly. Amen.
(Verena
Walder, Lay Preacher and Local Church Leader, Tabernacle Mumbles)
STAY SAFE!
PAUL
Online Engagement Information and Consent Form - Under 18s (YP, C&Fams)
Event details Name of event/group:
Dates & Times: Online platform being used:
Details of young person
Full name: ___________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________ Postcode: _________________________
Email Address: _________________________________ Mobile Number: ____________________
Date of birth: __________________________________ Gender: _______________________
Contact details of parent/carer/person legally responsible for young person (essential for those under 13)
Name: _______________________________________ Relationship: _______________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
Home phone: __________________________________ Other phone: ______________________
Email address: _______________________________________________________________________
Details of alternative emergency contact
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________
Home phone: __________________________________ Other phone: _____________________
General consent Please read these statements and make sure you understand them. It is important that a parent, guardian or someone with legal responsibility for the young person sign these statements.
I give consent for ________________________ to attend and take part in the online engagement above. I know that it is important for the young person to behave responsibly and to agree to the code of conduct.
I understand that during the on-line periods of event the young person will be under the care and supervision of responsible youth workers appointed by the [name of church].. While these workers will take all reasonable care of the participants, they cannot necessarily be held responsible for any loss, damage or injury suffered during, or as a result of, the engagement.
Signed: _____________________________________ Date: ___________________________
Please return (via the parent/carer’s email account) to [email address] by [date].
........................................................................................................................................................
Event details Name of event/group:
Dates & Times: Online platform being used:
Details of child / children (please complete information for each child)
Full name: ___________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________ Postcode: _________________________
Date of birth: __________________________________ Gender: _______________________
Contact details of parent/carer/person legally responsible for child/children (essential for those under 13)
Name: _______________________________________ Relationship: _______________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
Home phone: __________________________________ Other phone: ______________________
Email address: _______________________________________________________________________
Details of alternative emergency contact
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________
Home phone: __________________________________ Other phone: _____________________
General consent Please read these statements and make sure you understand them. It is important that a parent, guardian or someone with legal responsibility for the child/children sign these statements.
I give consent for ________________________ to attend and take part in the online engagement above. I know that it is important for a parent or guardian to be present and to behave responsibly, and to agree to the code of conduct.
I understand that during the on-line periods of events,, alongside the care and supervision of a parent or guardian, my child/children will be under the care and supervision of responsible children’s workers appointed by the [name of church]. While these workers will take all reasonable care of the participants, they cannot necessarily be held responsible for any loss, damage or injury suffered during, or as a result of, the engagement.
Signed: _____________________________________ Date: ___________________________
Please return (via the parent/carer’s email account) to [email address] by [date].
Online Codes of Conduct for YP, Children & Families, and Workers
Code of conduct for Young People for online engagement with [church name]:
• All engagement and activities must be covered by appropriate consent and be by prior arrangement.
• Whenever possible make sure someone else is in the house (or close vicinity) while you are engaging online – preferably a parent/guardian
• Don’t post any personal information online – e.g. address or mobile number
• Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself or others (and only with their permission)
• Keep your privacy settings as high as possible
• Don’t befriend people you do not know
• Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online (at least not alone & not in a private space)
• Think carefully about what you say before you post something online – it can be misconstrued or interpreted in a way you didn’t intend
• Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with them, it doesn’t mean you need to be rude
• Immediately report anything that makes you uncomfortable in any way to an appropriate adult such as parent or youth leader.
I agree to abide by this code of conduct:
Name: Date:
Code of conduct for children and families for online engagement with [name of church]:
• All engagement and activities must be covered by appropriate consent and be by prior arrangement.
• Children must only engage online when a parent or guardian is present in the room, and do so through the parent or guardian’s contact details
• Don’t post any personal information online – e.g. address or mobile number
• Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself or others (and only with their permission)
• Keep your privacy settings as high as possible
• Don’t befriend people you don’t know
• Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online (at least not alone & not in a private space)
• Think carefully about what you say before you post something online – it can be misconstrued or interpreted in a way you didn’t intend
• Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with them, it doesn’t mean you need to be rude
• Immediately report anything that makes you uncomfortable in any way to an appropriate adult such as children’s worker, church elder etc
We agree to abide by this code of conduct:
Name(s) of parent(s)/guardian(s):
Name(s) of child/children:
Date:
Code of Conduct for working with children or young people online:
All workers of the church should agree to the following code of conduct when working with children and young people online, in addition to the URC code of conduct for working with children and young people which states:
• Do make sure that any electronic communication is done with parental consent and is transparent, accountable, recorded and adheres to safeguarding policies. Using church platforms and not private accounts
Do ensure that all types of online communication and activity you engage with have been formally approved by your line manager / team leader / Eldership.
Do ensure that you are familiar with the church’s online safety policy.
Do inform your line manager/team leader/Eldership of your intention to communicate online with families or young people and keep a record of who was involved, times and dates when you do this. Also keep a record of any significant content.
Do ensure that you have parental consent for every type of online communication and activity you engage with – if need be issue multiple consent forms (as for other activities and events). If signed consent forms are difficult to obtain, confirm emailed consent by phone/video call and keep a register of consent given (when, by whom, for what).
Do ensure that any communication online is done through a work account and do not engage with children or young people through your personal social media or mobile account – this may require setting up an extra account for that purpose
Do, where possible, ensure parents or guardians are present in the building where young people are communicating with you via social media. Communication with a child via social media should only ever take place when their parent or guardian is present in the room and can see and hear all interactions.
Do, where possible, ensure that another adult is present in the room with you if communicating 1:1 via social media with a child or young person, or ensure that a second leader is present online and communicate in a group chat environment. Do not use private messaging.
Do ensure any images or videos from online engagement is stored in the safe place designated by the church and not on your personal accounts or equipment.
Do ensure you have clear parental and participant consent before sharing any content from online engagement more widely, and only use them in the ways agreed, in line with URC good practice guidelines.
Do report any attempt by children, young people or families to contact you through your personal accounts and profiles and block any further contact.
I ……………………………………………………… [name of worker] agree to abide by the above code of conduct while working with children and young people online on behalf of……………………………… [church name]
Signed:
• All engagement and activities must be covered by appropriate consent and be by prior arrangement.
• Whenever possible make sure someone else is in the house (or close vicinity) while you are engaging online – preferably a parent/guardian
• Don’t post any personal information online – e.g. address or mobile number
• Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself or others (and only with their permission)
• Keep your privacy settings as high as possible
• Don’t befriend people you do not know
• Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online (at least not alone & not in a private space)
• Think carefully about what you say before you post something online – it can be misconstrued or interpreted in a way you didn’t intend
• Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with them, it doesn’t mean you need to be rude
• Immediately report anything that makes you uncomfortable in any way to an appropriate adult such as parent or youth leader.
I agree to abide by this code of conduct:
Name: Date:
Code of conduct for children and families for online engagement with [name of church]:
• All engagement and activities must be covered by appropriate consent and be by prior arrangement.
• Children must only engage online when a parent or guardian is present in the room, and do so through the parent or guardian’s contact details
• Don’t post any personal information online – e.g. address or mobile number
• Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself or others (and only with their permission)
• Keep your privacy settings as high as possible
• Don’t befriend people you don’t know
• Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online (at least not alone & not in a private space)
• Think carefully about what you say before you post something online – it can be misconstrued or interpreted in a way you didn’t intend
• Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with them, it doesn’t mean you need to be rude
• Immediately report anything that makes you uncomfortable in any way to an appropriate adult such as children’s worker, church elder etc
We agree to abide by this code of conduct:
Name(s) of parent(s)/guardian(s):
Name(s) of child/children:
Date:
Code of Conduct for working with children or young people online:
All workers of the church should agree to the following code of conduct when working with children and young people online, in addition to the URC code of conduct for working with children and young people which states:
• Do make sure that any electronic communication is done with parental consent and is transparent, accountable, recorded and adheres to safeguarding policies. Using church platforms and not private accounts
Do ensure that all types of online communication and activity you engage with have been formally approved by your line manager / team leader / Eldership.
Do ensure that you are familiar with the church’s online safety policy.
Do inform your line manager/team leader/Eldership of your intention to communicate online with families or young people and keep a record of who was involved, times and dates when you do this. Also keep a record of any significant content.
Do ensure that you have parental consent for every type of online communication and activity you engage with – if need be issue multiple consent forms (as for other activities and events). If signed consent forms are difficult to obtain, confirm emailed consent by phone/video call and keep a register of consent given (when, by whom, for what).
Do ensure that any communication online is done through a work account and do not engage with children or young people through your personal social media or mobile account – this may require setting up an extra account for that purpose
Do, where possible, ensure parents or guardians are present in the building where young people are communicating with you via social media. Communication with a child via social media should only ever take place when their parent or guardian is present in the room and can see and hear all interactions.
Do, where possible, ensure that another adult is present in the room with you if communicating 1:1 via social media with a child or young person, or ensure that a second leader is present online and communicate in a group chat environment. Do not use private messaging.
Do ensure any images or videos from online engagement is stored in the safe place designated by the church and not on your personal accounts or equipment.
Do ensure you have clear parental and participant consent before sharing any content from online engagement more widely, and only use them in the ways agreed, in line with URC good practice guidelines.
Do report any attempt by children, young people or families to contact you through your personal accounts and profiles and block any further contact.
I ……………………………………………………… [name of worker] agree to abide by the above code of conduct while working with children and young people online on behalf of……………………………… [church name]
Signed:
Wednesday, 8 April 2020
Fourth Emailing - Being Church in the Context of Covid 19
UPDATES AND USEFUL
INFORMATION (8th April 2020)
Dear All
Hoping that you are
keeping well and safe, and that some of this information might be of use.
This is a very strange
Holy Week, a time when – usually – many of us would make more time to be worshipping
in the church building as we mark the various points of this week. May it
anyway be a special time and, especially as we approach Sunday, may you each
know something of the blessings of this season. In particular, when we come to
Easter Day, may you know the joy of the risen Christ!
However, as we continue
in lockdown, let us remember those who struggling with this virus, including
our Prime Minister, and those who are doing such massive work in the NHS and
the various other key roles.
Just a reminder that
this emailing appears both on the Synod Coronavirus blog https://urceasternsynod.blogspot.com/
and on the Synod website. The blog also contains relevant associated documents.
HOLY COMMUNION
Last week I mentioned that the question of
“Virtual” online Communion was being explored and some careful thinking has provided
us with a rationale. The document prepared by Faith and Order Committee Officers
and the General Secretary is now posted on the blog –
However, please note that some of our ecumenical
partners, notably the Church of England and the Methodist Church, take a different
view on this and, if you are part of a Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP) with
one of these partners, you should consider their view. To that end, having
consulted with Anglican and Methodist colleagues, I have appended some further
advice, which is at the end of the blog version of this advice. That stands in
my name and is not official URC commentary (and so is not part of the advice on
the main URC website, though that does urge ecumenical sensitivity), but I
would ask you to read it if you are such an LEP and considering virtual
Communion,
ONLINE WORSHIP AND COPYRIGHT
Just a reminder that
you must ensure you have any relevant licenses if using copyright material in
online worship. It is very easy to miss that point, and it can be complicated.
(You can also be subject to a significant fine if you are caught in breach.)
CCLI (Christian
Copyright Licensing International) has prepared some advice in respect of the
current situation, and it may be worth looking at that. The link is:
You could also look at
the booklet prepared by the URC with respect to copyright, though that offers
general guidance, and is not specific to the current situation:
CHURCH SERVICES
As I mentioned last
week, there are lots of opportunities for online worship, so a chance to sample
different services, and others are live streaming.
Two that came to my
attention this past week can be found at:
http://www.castlehillurc.org.uk/ (Ipswich & East Suffolk pastorate)
and
http://wroxham.urc.org.uk/index.php/wworship/sunday-worship
(Wroxham & Hoveton)
Also worth noting, mentioned below in
Nicola’s segment, but in case you don’t read through that, we have posted two brief
YouTube videos with some all-age content for Easter Day:
Easter Story
with Eggs
A
REMINDER TO CHURCHES ABOUT VISIBILITY
If
you have a website and/or social media pages (Facebook, Instagram etc) do make
sure you are updating these with your church’s current activities and contact
details. There has been a huge surge across the country of people who
don’t normally attend church watching services and following prayer online
since the lockdown. We need to be doing all we can to reach out to these
people and let them know how they can be sharing with us at this time.
Those of you in LEPs sometimes have websites courtesy of other denominations:
don’t forget to get these updated too.
The same
goes for your physical front doors and noticeboards: make sure people know that
you’re there, that you’re praying, and how they can reach you! Updating
them every so often with a new prayer or Easter message, for example, will
avoid posters bleaching and wrinkling and show that you’re active.
Worth noting on this is that the URC is offering downloadable customisable posters for
your noticeboards, windows, doors or other public-facing areas. These can be
opened in Adobe Reader and customised to add your church's website and contact
details. Available in an A3 version and A4 version. (Note: some browsers will not edit PDFs
- most devices have a version of Adobe Reader).
A
RURAL CHURCH
The
Arthur Rank Centre have produced Together Apart: a rural church response to
coronavirus https://arthurrankcentre.org.uk/
A summary of what they are offering,
including a specific link to Holy Week resources is posted on the blog –
GOOD
FRIDAY
Many
of us will be missing being part of Walks of Witness on Friday. You may
want to watch the Wintershall group’s broadcast instead https://www.facebook.com/Wintershallplay.
They re-enact the passion story as One Good Friday every year across the
country, most famously in Trafalgar Square.
Also
on Good Friday a stage performance of Jesus Christ Superstar will be available
free on ‘The Shows Must Go On’ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpO4ohqx3os
MORE
FILMS FOR HOLY WEEK
·
The
Passion, Mel Gibson’s explicitly violent retelling of Christ’s final days
(available ‘free’ with Amazon Prime; from £2.49 on YouTube)
·
Miracle
Maker, an animated version of Jesus’ life and ministry (‘free’ with
Amazon Prime; from £2.49 on YouTube)
·
Ben
Hur (the original version) (£3.49 on Amazon Prime; £3.49 on YouTube)
·
Risen,
a retelling from the point of view of a Roman soldier tasked with finding
Jesus’ body (Amazon Prime, £3.49)
·
The
Chronicles of Narnia is an excellent version of The Lion, the Witch and the
Wardrobe, with very powerful scenes addressing sacrifice and risen life (on Sky
Cinema; Amazon Prime for £2.49; YouTube for £3.49)
What
will you watch? Let us know what you are planning, and what you thought
of them.
REFORM
A chance to try the URC’s popular
magazine - the digital version of Reform is free for as long as we’re in
lockdown:
EASTER SUNDAY
This coming Sunday (12th
April) is Easter Day, and so Nicola is offering some all-age resources
for you.
For the family together at home
A Gathering prayer to say together
God, we
are so grateful
for Jesus is alive –
Hooray!
God, we are so excited
for Jesus is alive –
Hooray!
God, our lives are changed for ever
for Jesus is alive –
Hooray!
Let us follow him always.
Amen!
for Jesus is alive –
Hooray!
God, we are so excited
for Jesus is alive –
Hooray!
God, our lives are changed for ever
for Jesus is alive –
Hooray!
Let us follow him always.
Amen!
Singing together
See what you
find around the house to make into percussion instruments to play during the
song.
Come on and
celebrate
Reading together
A bible story for Easter
day with Pictures read by Nicola Grieves
Beforehand, practise
together the different facial expressions the people in the story might have
made, such as: grief, shock, fear, joy, excitement. Read the Easter story,
pausing at the points marked by asterisks and encourage everyone to make the
appropriate expression for that part of the story.
It was early in the
morning, on the first day of the week. Mary Magdalene and her friend, who was
also called Mary, were on their way to Jesus’ tomb. As they drew near, they saw
two guards sitting there*.
Without warning, an angel
came down from the sky like a bolt of lightning. He was dressed in dazzling
white clothes*, and the earth shook as he landed and rolled back the
stone at the entrance to the tomb*.
The guards were terrified*!
First, they shook with fear*, and then they fainted*. ‘Do not
be afraid,’ the angel said to the two Marys*. He was sitting on the stone.
‘I know who you’re looking for*. You came to see Jesus, who was killed on the
cross. He isn’t here anymore; he’s been raised from the dead. Come, and see
where his body lay.’*
The two Marys didn’t know
what to think. They were both scared of the angel*, and excited by what
he said*. The angel continued speaking, ‘When you have seen that
Jesus is gone, go and tell the disciples the news. Jesus will go ahead of them
to Galilee, and they will see him there*.
Still frightened, but also
full of joy, the women ran from the tomb to find the disciples. * They
didn’t get far, though, because suddenly, Jesus was there, standing in front of
them. * ‘Greetings!’ said Jesus. The women fell to the ground,
took hold of Jesus’ feet and worshipped him*. Jesus spoke again. ‘Do not be afraid,’ he
said. ‘Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee* They will see me there.’
© ROOTS
for Churches Ltd (www.rootsontheweb.com) 2002-2020.
Reproduced with permission.
Reproduced with permission.
Creating together
Butterflies
3 days after he died, Jesus
rose to new life! Christians believe that Jesus brings us hope and new life.
What are your hopes and
dreams?
Who would you like to know
about the message of Easter?
Make a butterfly and
decorate it. Write or drawer your ideas
on the butterfly and put them in the window or hang them up.
Watch the Easter Egg story
Find some stones in the garden and make your
own set of Easter story stones see how much of the story you can remember. If you are linking up via a video call you
could try telling other friends and family the story.
Praying together
Chocolate egg prayers
Here are some prayers you could
use as a family. The prayers are very
simple and help to pick up themes of the Easter story.
You will need one hollow chocolate egg
The whole chocolate egg is like the closed tomb where Jesus’ friends put his body after he had dies. Talk about what it feels like when we are left on our own, especially now when we are unable to see many of our family and our friends. Ask God to help everyone who is sad, upset or lonely or who has lost someone that they love.
Now break the egg into pieces and reveal the hollow inside!
You will need one hollow chocolate egg
The whole chocolate egg is like the closed tomb where Jesus’ friends put his body after he had dies. Talk about what it feels like when we are left on our own, especially now when we are unable to see many of our family and our friends. Ask God to help everyone who is sad, upset or lonely or who has lost someone that they love.
Now break the egg into pieces and reveal the hollow inside!
When Jesus died it was not
the end of the story- he rose to new life and was no longer inside the tomb.
Something amazing had happened! Talk about where in life the children
would like a chance to start again- maybe with someone they have had an
argument with or moving on from something they did wrong. Silently tell God
anything you are sorry about and ask Him to give you a new start. Thank God for
chances to start again and ask Him to help people who are scared or worried or
ashamed to have hope of a new start too.
Eat the chocolate!
When Jesus rose to new
life, it was amazing, and we can be part of this amazing story too! God loves
us so much and wants us to love Him. He wants good things for us because he
loves us. Taste the sweetness of the chocolate and talk about the people we
love and why we love them. Thank God for those people and ask that he will
bless them in the coming year.
This idea was from https://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2014/04/two-easter-play-dough-mats-in-tomb-and.html
If you are sharing this prayer time with
someone via a video link you can sign amen by bringing your thumbs up together
as an I agree sign.
Playing together
Try acting out the
story of Easter morning and make a video.
Or you could make and
Easter garden. Take a photograph what you make and share it
with your friends and family.
BRAINTREE
FOODBANK
If
you need any more information making donations, both monetary and food, please
email info@braintreearea.foodbank.org.uk
or call 01376 330694 and the team should be able to help you or contact me,
Vanessa
Green, PR Manager:: T: 07717 204316, E:
pr@braintreearea.foodbank.org.uk
HOLY WEEK
STATEMENT
British and Irish Church
Leaders have offered a statement for Holy Week which can be read here:
URC
ADVICE
Just
a reminder that the coronavirus advice page on the URC website is being updated
with resources and advice on a daily basis:
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,
A PRAYER (offered
by our Methodist friends):
Loving God,
If we are ill, strengthen us.
If we are tired, fortify our spirits.
If we are anxious, help us to consider the lillies of the field and the birds of the air.
If we are ill, strengthen us.
If we are tired, fortify our spirits.
If we are anxious, help us to consider the lillies of the field and the birds of the air.
Help us not
to stockpile treasures from supermarkets in the barns of our larders.
Don't let fear cause us to overlook the needs of others more vulnerable than ourselves.
Fix our eyes on your story and our hearts on your grace.
Help us always to hold fast to the good,
See the good in others,
And remember there is just one world, one hope,
One everlasting love, with baskets of bread for everyone.
Don't let fear cause us to overlook the needs of others more vulnerable than ourselves.
Fix our eyes on your story and our hearts on your grace.
Help us always to hold fast to the good,
See the good in others,
And remember there is just one world, one hope,
One everlasting love, with baskets of bread for everyone.
In Jesus we
make our prayer,
The one who suffered, died and was raised to new life,
In whom we trust these days and all days, Amen.
The one who suffered, died and was raised to new life,
In whom we trust these days and all days, Amen.
The Revd Barbara
Glasson, President of the Methodist Conference
STAY SAFE!
PAUL
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