Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
(Phil 3:13b-14)
In the “Minister’s Note” before we closed DMC (the buildings of course, not even the gates of hell can close the Church) I reminded you of our three Methodist rules: “Do no harm, Do all the good you can, Stay in love with God”[1]. We hold these rules before us as again as we prepare to reopen. Yes, you read correctly! Next week we reopen the Sanctuary for worship. We are assured that, if we remain disciplined (the three rules again) we will be able to do so safely and responsibly.
Washing our hands, wearing masks, and maintaining a distance of 1.5m between ourselves and others, both in the Sanctuary and in daily life becomes a way of discipline and even discipleship – a way to love our neighbour as ourselves. We’ll also need to help one another in the following ways:
- Pray! Our prayer is to open safely and responsibly. More than that though, we want to open our hearts and minds to new and creative ways of living and worshiping as God’s people in a world crying out for us to “love mercy, do justice and walk humbly with God”. We seek to be agile and responsive to God’s Spirit.
- Please complete the form here (https://tinyurl.com/yxsj8tz2) or telephone the office (021 975 0598) to let us know if you plan to attend services. We need to know how many members will attend. Depending on your responses we will hold services at normal times or, if numbers are smaller, hold one service at 09H00. This decision will be communicated to you early next week.
- Volunteer. We need people to serve in cleaning teams (we will provide PPE) or as screening “marshals”, or with videoing services. Simply call the office and then arrive at our “Reopening” Training on Tuesday, 06 October at 18:30.
Synod recommends that vulnerable members (over the age of 60 or those with “co-morbidities”) remain home. This decision is left to the individual. No one will be barred from worship (of course if you present with symptoms during “screening” we will ask you to return home). Given that some folk will not yet be able to return to the Sanctuary we will continue to offer “online” services to help you worship at home.
What was once considered “normal” has past and we will not return to it. Praying through these words from this week’s Epistle reading will be fruitful: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:13b-14).
God Bless,
Sean
[1] Traditionally rule 3 is “attend to all the ordinances of God”. Ordinances refers to those disciplines through which we open ourselves to God’s grace – worship (especially Holy Communion), prayer, Scripture reading, fellowship in small groups etc.