COVID-19 Coronavirus Announcement

After prayerful consideration the Elders and Trustees have decided to suspend all worship gatherings at Kingsway Christian Fellowship.

For the foreseeable future, this means there will be no worship gatherings on Sunday’s. Youth and Children’s activities will stop; small groups will no-longer meet face to face; and all other programmes and activities that require people to gather will cease. For the time being the office will remain open with staff present.

This decision has not been taken lightly, nor is it motivated by fear. Our response to the current global crisis is out of love and concern for the Kingsway family and the wider community.

1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love.”

We are taking the necessary precautions to help protect the wellbeing of the most vulnerable people in our church and community.

Our first response must be to redouble our commitment to prayer, asking for God’s protection for us all and for wisdom for those in authority. Psalm 91 is a great encouragement. We need to be wise in our conduct, so as not to spread the virus and to avoid, if possible, contracting it. We also need to be there for one another, to care for the most vulnerable amongst us and those who may need to isolate themselves for a time.

For such a time.

These are very peculiar times and we are all finding it difficult to comprehend what is happening in the UK and around the world.

The nations are being shaken.

Haggai 2:6-7

“This is what the Lord Almighty says:

‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and the desired of the nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory’, says the Lord.”

Now is a time for the church to rise up and show the world where our hope lies. We have a different perspective, seeing things in the light of eternity, knowing these are ‘light and momentary troubles’ compared to the glory soon to be revealed.

We believe God has prepared and equipped us as a church for such a time. We have just completed our ‘Paraclesis’ series of teaching and have learned about coming alongside to encourage one another in the faith, bringing God’s comfort, love, care and support in time of need. If ever there is a time for such unity, love and togetherness, it’s now.

Caring for one another

We want to make sure the whole body is connected to someone. The majority of us are connected through a small Group.

Through our groups we will continue to look out for one another through WhatsApp, telephone calls and whatever methods of social media they find convenient. If any groups are not connected in this way, we would encourage you to do so. If you need help with WhatsApp contact the church office.

During this uncertain season, when gatherings are not taking place, our small groups will become ‘Caring Groups’ and we ask every member to be committed to regularly contacting one other. We must ensure that people are not isolated, lonely, fearful, unwell or in some need without others being aware of this.

The purpose of our groups will therefore be as follows:

  • Regular contact with one another.
  • Practical help with shopping where needed for those who are self-isolating.
  • Letting office staff know about those who are unwell or with unmet needs.
  • To share prayer requests, remote social interaction and friendship.

We will ask one or two people within each care group to act as coordinators ensuring information is relayed to and from the office, as necessary. The groups however will not rely on the coordinators to do everything, we need everyone within each group to look out for one another.

If you are not currently in a small group, you will now be placed in a care group. The groups will be based on your location and we will try to keep group members as close together as possible. You will be informed about your group members and coordinators are shortly.

Additional Support

If you have extra capacity to help with shopping or to give practical help in other ways, please let the office know. Likewise, if you have an immediate need, please let us know. We would like to know what your needs are and see how we can help you.

Those that have family members who can provide practical help and support are reminded that this is your first port of call, however, we are aware that for some people this is not an option and we want to ensure that your needs are met.

Thinking of the wider community.

This is also an opportunity to be salt and light to those in our neighbourhood who may also be anxious and in need of love and support. There are already some wonderful examples of churches and communities demonstrating loving concern for one another. Over the coming days we will share some practical ways in which we as a church can share the love of God with others.

We believe that the church will be strengthened through this trial and that we will experience God’s love in deep and meaningful ways as we engage fully in this season of caring and supporting one another.

We encourage you to take communion at home, to pray together with family and friends and to continue to be the church in this new and living way.

Lamentations 3:22-23

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Sunday Services and fellowship life

Suspending Sunday gatherings in the church means we must find new ways of worshipping together and encouraging one another in the Word. We are therefore looking at alternative ways to do this using technology. We will update you as soon as possible. 

Our website (https://kingswaycf.org.uk), together with our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/KingswayChristianFellowship) and ChurchSuite will be key tools we will use.

In addition, we will circulate regular updates throughout the week to keep you informed of the latest news, prayer requests and words of encouragementThis will be done using the details we have for you within ChurchSuite.  Please make sure your details are up-to-date and that you have given us permission to contact you by email and text.

Whilst gatherings have stopped, essential pastoral visits will continue. However, please note that we will of course follow any new guidelines that may be issued by the government’s health advisors to ensure no-one is exposed to unnecessary risk. We are sure you will also continue to meet informally with your friends or family, observing any guidance given.

Tithes and Offerings

There are many in the church who have given into the offering bag each week and are now unable to do this. If this is the case and you wish to continue to make an offering to the Church, please contact the office for advice on what might be the best method for you.

It is our preference for direct payments to be made from your bank, either by bank transfer or standing order. Mark general offerings as Tithes or Offerings in the reference field and if your donation is for something specific such as the fundraising for chairs please make that clear in the reference, e.g. Chairs.

Please continue to give if possible. The church continues to operate during these turbulent times and cost won’t be significantly less just because we are not meeting together on Sundays.

Bank Details  – Sort Code 40 12 26   Account Number – 11013297

Assuring you of our continued love and support.

The Elders and Trustees of Kingsway Christian fellowship

You can contact the office by:

calling on 0151 920 5111

or email karen@kingswaycf.org.uk