[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dear PHBC Family,
You will have noticed that our news and media streams are dominated by one topic right now – Coronavirus. There is no doubt about it, this deadly virus is causing widespread panic and the world as we have known it, is being changed.
As a church in the community, in light of the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the health and wellbeing of our members, visitors and people in our community at Pollards Hill, is our top priority. On Tuesday 17th March, the government updated their advice regarding coronavirus and as a result, the Baptist Union of Great Britain and the London Baptist Association have issued advice that people should avoid meeting together wherever possible, with Sunday services now not taking place.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Ecclesiastes 10:10 tells us that wisdom is profitable to direct and for this reason, in a bid to do our part in promoting the health of all in our community, I have made the decision to follow the recommended advice and suspend all meetings. This means that until further notice, we at Pollards Hill Baptist Church will not be holding any formal gatherings, including Tots’nTinies, Hope Coffee Club, home groups, prayer meetings and Sunday services. Our priority as a church, has always been, and still is, the wellbeing of all: spirit, soul and body. Although formal gatherings will not take place, I will still, on certain days (and most Sundays) be at the church and should you wish to pop in for a chat or for prayer, you are welcome to do so. Please keep reading, for information on when the church will be open.
WHERE WE GO FROM HERE
Technology has played an increased part in our lives and at PHBC, we are blessed to have had some recent technology upgrades, particularly to our website. More information on how we are supporting one another, will be available on the website, and this information will be kept updated as things develop. In the coming days and weeks, the website will be a key focus in helping to keep the community connected and already, updates are in progress to ensure that happens.
The first major feature change is the launch of our online radio station. Over the last 24 hours, we have been running test broadcasts on PHBC Radio. The radio station will be accessed via the website and will broadcast non-stop, 24 hours a day. The broadcast content will include worship music from various genres, bible readings and prayer segments. In addition, Sunday services will be broadcast at 10:30 every Sunday morning.
You can listen to the radio broadcasts at any time, day or night on www.phbc.org.uk/radio.
For those of you who are not too familiar with using the Internet, perhaps a friend or relative can help you with connecting to PHBC Radio as well as to the website, which will also feature dates and times that the church building will be open, should anyone want to come.
If you do not have internet access, let me know. At the very least, a copy of the weekly bulletin can be put through your letterbox, together with a CD recording of the sermon preached. We do not want technology to be a barrier to our keeping in contact with one another. So, if you would like this, please call and let me know, so that an arrangement can be made for you.
Whatever’s going on in the world, as a family of faith, we’re here for each other.
Psalm 46 tells us that God is our present help in time of need and experience has shown that He uses us, His children. I know that some of you are possibly facing additional work, health or even financial difficulties as a result of the ongoing situation, or it may be that getting around or mobility are a challenge. Again, please know that we are here to help. Don’t suffer in silence. The earlier you get in touch, the sooner we can work out a plan to support you through this season.
FINALLY
Jesus assures us that He will build His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Over the thousands of years since those words were uttered, the Church has faced opposition, persecution and many wars. The doors of the building may be shut for meetings, but the church is absolutely not shut down. We are the Church, Jesus is building us up for His glory and the gates of hell will not prevail against us.
Let us continue in care and in prayer for ourselves and each other, as we put our trust and faith in the One who knows how the story ends.
God bless you,
Rev. Deji Ayorinde
Pastor[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]