Exminster Methodist Church, Main Road, Exminster EX6 8BT
Email exminstermethodists@yahoo.co.uk, Minister: Rev Ben Haslam, Telephone (01392) 256716
‘News’
Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, all activities at Exminster Methodist Church were suspended on 19th March 2020.
At this difficult time it is important that we remain in contact with everyone in our congregation and know that you are keeping safe and encourage you to do the same for friends and neighbours, if you are able to. Pastoral visitors will not be calling on anyone but will be able to have telephone conversations.
If you have any concerns or might be in need of assistance, please email us at exminstermethodists@yahoo.co.uk or contact Ben on 01392 256716.
The Methodist Church is producing 'worship at home' sheets for each Sunday – please see below. Please ask us if you would like to receive them regularly. It is possible to live-stream a service on Sundays. Please go to this website for more information. https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/coronavirus-guidance/
The following is an extract from the Methodist Church website:
Official guidance, 24 March 2020 10:00
The Methodist Church has announced the closure of all its church buildings for the foreseeable future. The only exception will be for churches that are offering essential social outreach such as foodbanks, soup kitchens and night shelters, but these must be carried out closely within Government guidelines. The Methodist Church suspended worship services last week with some churches still opening for quiet prayer and reflection. This must now also be suspended. We would encourage people to use our online resources at home which include downloadable services and links to online worship services.
The Revd Dr Jonathan Hustler, Secretary of the Conference said: “We are asking people to change their way of ‘going to church’ to help to protect themselves and others. We have put in place measures that will enable Methodists still to be part of the worshipping community, whilst for everyone’s sake staying away from church buildings. There is a range of resources available for people to use at home which we hope will help them to continue their cycle of prayer and worship. The Methodist Church is more than its buildings and if in these unprecedented times we can continue our life as Methodists without using our buildings we will help to reduce the chances of transmission of the virus.”
Prayers Remember that the Methodist Church is wider than Britain. (There are around 80 million Methodists around the world) We are learning from our sisters and brothers around the world who are dealing with a difficult and uncertain situation and we would ask that you hold them in prayer, particularly those in affected areas.
Revd Paul Wood, Interim Director of the Ministries Team, said: “As we deal with the practicalities of protecting people from coronavirus we continue to remember Our Calling to care for the other whilst always being mindful that is that our call is always to respond to the good news in Jesus. We are a people of hope we need to declare and model good news in these difficult times.”
Head of Mission, Jude Levermore said: “Our Calling is to respond in love and service to the needs of our communities. The aim of this advice is to help us do this even while the extent of the issue is still unclear. We are grateful to our sisters and brothers around the world who hold us in prayer as we hold them. We should not be afraid “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7.
God of all hope
we call on you today.
We pray for those who are living in
fear:
Fear of illness, fear for loved ones, fear of other’s
reactions to them.
May your Spirit give us a sense of calmness and
peace.
We
pray for your church in this time of uncertainty.
For those people
who are worried about attending worship.
For those needing to make
decisions in order to care for others.
For those who will feel
more isolated by not being able to attend.
Grant us your wisdom.
Holy God, we
remember that you have promised that
Nothing will separate us from
your love – demonstrated to us in Jesus Christ.
Help us turn our
eyes, hearts and minds to you. Amen
M
essy
Church
March
Messy Church was enjoyed by all although we had a smaller attendance
than is usual. With chocolate nest and marzipan chicks, fishing
boats designed and tested in water, Mother’s Day cards
created and much fun as we role played the story of Jesus asleep on
the boat in the storm and Peter walking on the sea.
We are disappointed but because of the Coronavirus outbreak, Exminster Messy Church will not meet next month and will resume when the situation improves.
Thank you everyone for your support and remember us all in your prayers.