Over the last few weeks we have had contact with a number of our churches and heard about how they have been coping with the impact of Coronavirus. In addition, a number of Christian organisations have been posting helpful and practical advice on their websites. There are links to some of these in our Tips of the Month for both April and May.
As one might expect, there are a number of common themes in these articles including the use of the internet for weekly services, prayer meetings, Bible studies and events for the church family. Three things have stood out for us as deserving of mention.
Firstly, seek out those members of your fellowship who do not have access to or feel able to use the internet to join in. These people will feel alone. It requires a special effort to include them. This may mean using “old school” pen and paper to send a card with a thoughtful message and comforting bible verse. Or perhaps give them a ring for a chat.
The second thing is making sure that safeguarding/DBS issues are considered when using the internet if it is going to involve interaction with young and vulnerable people. Proper protocols need to be followed to protect them before the event takes place.
Recent articles in the latest Together magazine from thirtyone:eight has helpful guidance for communicating and working with young people online and safeguarding during lockdown.
Thirdly, with regard to property, it is important to make sure your property is visited every week as insurers will normally expect this and such a visit will help any problems to be seen and dealt with early. In addition, when visiting it is a good idea to take meter readings of the utilities. Churches are telling us that cash flow is very important at the moment so it is better to pay bills based on actual meter readings presenting the true position rather than estimates.
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