Page 11 - Moravian Messenger May 2020

Dear Brothers & Sisters,
Greetings from the Provincial Board!
A few weeks ago, the Provincial Board wrote to all congregations and ministers regarding the decision to ask all congregations to suspend all regular Church activities, including Sunday and midweek worship until Easter. Due to developments in government advice we will be continuing with this suspension until further notice.
Church House continues to be closed, and members of the Church House Staff are working from home where possible.
As we have already said, now more than ever it is essential to remember that even if we cannot meet together physically, we still remain committed to one another as Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
We have heard of many examples of fellowship being continued in the virtual world or online, and the continued efforts of maintaining links and fellowship with our ecumenical partners. We are encouraged by all that you are doing and commend you to continue, especially as we are currently discerning new and exciting ways of being Church. The Church has been commissioned to respond to the needs of society, and it is a privilege to see how the Holy Spirit is leading us and will manifest into the future.
However, we do not underestimate the challenges in these difficult days. Our history and heritage remind us that, although the particular circumstances are different, we have overcome challenges before. Let us lift all our key workers, decision makers and all in authority in prayer. We also continue to pray for the most vulnerable in our society that they may know God’s comfort.
As this situation continues, we again encourage good stewardship, asking everyone to maintain their financial giving. We are sure that each congregation has already discussed how best they can manage both their finances and buildings but would like to assure you of the continued support of the Provincial Board.
Yours in Christ’s Service
Roberta Hoey
On behalf of the Provincial Board
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The conference centre at Swanwick has closed until the 31st May and thereafter will consider Government advice. This means that the Ministers retreat scheduled for the 18th May will now NOT take place and is cancelled - please amend your diaries accordingly.
The Provincial Board has also taken the decision to postpone Provincial Synod that was due to take place in July. This has now been rescheduled to the 11th-15th March 2021 but will still be held at the conference centre in Swanwick.
Hope you are all well – remember to look after your own health.
Br Mark Kernohan
On behalf of the Provincial Board
Online Church Service
Moravian church worship in the British Province is now available online. Sunday worship will be broadcast after 10.30am every Sunday on our new Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pg/ britishmoravianchurch/videos.
Other updates will be published on our Facebook page and on the Moravian Church website under the 'Coronavirus Update' for now which can be found on the home page of the website: www.moravian.org.uk and also under the 'Provincial Life' menu at the top of the home page.
Congregational Register
Received into Membership
8th March 2020 Stephen Brown Gomersal 8th March 2020 Joanne Brown Gomersal
Deaths
26th February 2020 Chieftain Clifford Hackshaw Harold Road 2nd March 2020 Wright Platt Royton 4th April 2020 Janet Flood Ockbrook
Baildon Beer Festival 2020
The Baildon Beer Festival due to be held 1-2 May has been postponed. We hope to find another date later in the year.
From Church House
Provincial Diary for May
The PEC are continuing to work remotely, with daily online meetings to ensure continuity across our entire organisation: Church, BMB, Schools & Property. Provincial Committees are meeting online where possible. Faith & Order met in April. PYCC are due to meet online on 16th May. Sr R Hoey was due to go to Star Mountain on 12th May to represent the BMB at the Unity Mission and Development Board but this has been postponed.
8
75th anniversary of VE Day
Christian Aid Week (www.christianaid.org.uk)
Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power/Destiny) - Muslim Ascension Day
Eid-ul-Fitr - Muslim
Ramadan ends
Shavuot - Jewish Pentecost
10-16
19 21 23
29 31
71
Dates to remember!