St Mark’s offers a host of small group bible studies throughout the week. We’re convinced that the Bible helps us make sense of life, so we gather together in small groups weekly or fortnightly to explore the Bible together, to pray for one another and to practically care for each other through the highs and lows of life. Groups meet at church or in members’ homes, with at least one group every day except Friday. There’s a mix of groups, and if you’re interested in finding out more, contact our Small Groups Coordinator, Rev. Ben Hewitt.

Small Groups & Covid-19

On 19th March, Rev. Ben Hewitt writes…

Our Saturday small group has started studying the book of Revelation, a fascinating and challenging read I highly recommend. The book opens with some encouragement in times of crisis - how relevant, given the virus enveloping our world at present. In chapter 1, God speaks: 

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)

God Almighty has seen every human tragedy that has ever unfolded in the history of this world. He has seen every natural disaster, every human-made crisis, every incidence of pestilence spreading and taking life. God sees this current crisis unfolding before us. He is still sovereign, and he still works for good: he is acting to restrain the spread of this virus, he is drawing people to himself, he is comforting and caring and protecting people the world over. God is eternal and will endure through this crisis and beyond, and he will preserve his people into eternal life. 

With fear of an uncertain future, may God's timeless character and ageless promises bring comfort and hope to each one of us. 

______

Now, to the impact COVID-19 is having on church life.

As you'll know this is an evolving situation, so for now, we are permitted to gather as small groups, and we encourage to do so if you are able. If you are well, and you're willing to continue to host and lead your group, please do so. It will be hugely encouraging for your group to have human contact, Christian fellowship and God-given words of encouragement to explore together. 

However, If you feel you and your group is vulnerable, please do stop meeting. If you feel your group meeting might expose others in members' families or social networks to infection, please do stop meeting. As a staff team, we are entirely supportive of you ceasing to meet, if that is what you choose to do. We will be working hard to provide resources and ideas for virtual meetings. 

To that end, here are some suggestions for group life as we adapt to the 'new normal':

1. Keep communicating with your group. If you have an email thread, or a Facebook or WhatsApp message group, keep chatting. If anyone goes silent for a week or two, I'd love you to give them a call and see how they are. Are small group networks will be crucial for our church to remain connected even as we stop meeting. If you discover anyone in your group is really struggling as you communicate together, please do let me and the staff team know so we too can make contact. 

2. Keep praying. God is the one who was, who is, and who is to come. He is still sovereign and still wants to answer our prayers. Greg has a list of suggestions for what to pray here. You might arrange a time to pray every week, together though apart - maybe your regular meeting time. Share prayer points as you communicate together. If you're still meeting, why not give your entire next meeting to praying. 

3. Keep meeting - even virtually. If you have decided to stop meeting face to face, all you need is the internet and/or a smart phone to meet together. Some groups have started using Zoom - it's a simple set up and allows multiple users in one conversation for a period of 40mins. This is one platform that will allow you to keep meeting virtually. 

4. Keep an eye on the church website, emails, and Facebook page. As a staff team, we are committed to working hard at communicating with the church, to keep teaching, encouraging, and caring for the church community. We'll be producing reading resources, helpful links to other good resources; we'll produce a Sunday service this week (and Lord willing thereafter), available on Youtube; we'll establish some smaller pastoral care groups. All of this will be communicated through our online channels, and we hope you'll find it helpful.

5. Keep in touch with me. You all have families and friends, livelihoods and concerns that stretch beyond St Mark's and your small groups. If you are struggling, please let me know. My hope is not to add to your burden, but to share your load. If I can be supportive of you in any way please let me know. I hope to be in touch with a phone call soon. 

Dear friends, these are unprecedented times - there's no manual for how to do church in a time like this! No matter how strange this ‘new normal’ feels, we can take confidence in this more than anything: God is the Alpha and the Omega, the one who is, and who was, and who is the come, the Almighty.

With much love, in Christ,

-- 
Ben Hewitt

Assistant Minister