How to Respond to the Covid-19 Pandemic - 7 Ps
How should we as Christians respond to the present pandemic and its impact? Here are seven ‘P’s to think through. Note that ‘panic isn’t one of them!
1. Prayer - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
Some of us are likely to be feeling anxious at times about the uncertainty and threats of what is coming. As Christians, however, we can call on God at anytime and so Paul tells us not to be anxious but to pray. This week at St. Luke's is one of our new termly prayer weeks. The Growth Teams will focus on prayer for the present situation in their meetings and there are two prayer breakfasts in the Hall, this Saturday (9am) and next Saturday (8:30am). As you pray please use the points below to guide your prayers.
2. Perspective - "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," (James 1:19)
As we reflect on how the pandemic is or may effect us as individuals it is quite easy to become angry. Angry that the government is over-reacting or not acting enough. Angry at the suffering it may cause you.
But, as Christians we are called not to be angry, but to listen and gain a broader perspective. I've been struck how many different people are being effected by this situation in a wide variety of ways. This is much bigger than the impact it is having on me. So lift your eyes from yourself, listen to others and see how you can make a positive difference at this time.
3. Precautions - "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." (Romans 13:1)
We are in this together and God has put leaders in charge of our nation to be servants of the nation and especially at times like this when co-ordination and advice is so important. So listen and follow government guidance on what to do at this time, take the precautions they recommend. In particular, do self-isolate (don't come to church!) if you show symptoms or are in contact with someone known to have the illness and do follow all the protocols on avoiding being infected or infecting others.
4. Pastoral Support - "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?" (1 John 3:17)
As Christians we are called to demonstrate God's love in action. It is unclear what is ahead, but it would be great if as a church we could up our game in terms of pastoral care and make sure the vulnerable in our community aren't forgotten and receive all the support they need.
Already a couple of people have offered to help in providing provisions to those who may be self-isolating and have no other means of support. If you would like to join such a team, then do let me know.
5. Planning - "The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials." (Genesis 41:37)
When Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream and saw that a famine was coming he came up with a plan! At the present time with the potential to big disruptions to our normal way of life all organisations are having to make contingency plans. The church is no exception. Do pray for wisdom as we make such plans in uncertain times.
Also do check on all communications including the website and do continue your normal volunteering and giving as long as it is safe to do so. This will help the church continue to be effective in these times.
It may also be that part of the contingency will be having less meetings and more things online. Make sure you stay in touch!
6. Proclamation - "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." (Matthew 7:24)
When we follow God's word, then we are ultimately secure in God. In this time of uncertainty, let's listen to Jesus's words more carefully as Christians, but let us also consider how we can speak into the anxieties and anger of people around us so that they may come to build their life on the rock of Jesus.
In particular, the covid-19 virus threatens peoples health and wealth, but as Christians our health and wealth is rooted in heaven not on earth. That is somewhere no virus will reach! (cf. Matthew 6:19-21).
7. Pacing -" By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work." (Genesis 2:2)
Finally, this situation is likely to last months not days or weeks. We all need to make sure we pace ourselves through this time and get the rest we need. God after all built rest into the very core of our creation.
Paul Worledge, 13th March 2020
1. Prayer - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
Some of us are likely to be feeling anxious at times about the uncertainty and threats of what is coming. As Christians, however, we can call on God at anytime and so Paul tells us not to be anxious but to pray. This week at St. Luke's is one of our new termly prayer weeks. The Growth Teams will focus on prayer for the present situation in their meetings and there are two prayer breakfasts in the Hall, this Saturday (9am) and next Saturday (8:30am). As you pray please use the points below to guide your prayers.
2. Perspective - "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," (James 1:19)
As we reflect on how the pandemic is or may effect us as individuals it is quite easy to become angry. Angry that the government is over-reacting or not acting enough. Angry at the suffering it may cause you.
But, as Christians we are called not to be angry, but to listen and gain a broader perspective. I've been struck how many different people are being effected by this situation in a wide variety of ways. This is much bigger than the impact it is having on me. So lift your eyes from yourself, listen to others and see how you can make a positive difference at this time.
3. Precautions - "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." (Romans 13:1)
We are in this together and God has put leaders in charge of our nation to be servants of the nation and especially at times like this when co-ordination and advice is so important. So listen and follow government guidance on what to do at this time, take the precautions they recommend. In particular, do self-isolate (don't come to church!) if you show symptoms or are in contact with someone known to have the illness and do follow all the protocols on avoiding being infected or infecting others.
4. Pastoral Support - "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?" (1 John 3:17)
As Christians we are called to demonstrate God's love in action. It is unclear what is ahead, but it would be great if as a church we could up our game in terms of pastoral care and make sure the vulnerable in our community aren't forgotten and receive all the support they need.
Already a couple of people have offered to help in providing provisions to those who may be self-isolating and have no other means of support. If you would like to join such a team, then do let me know.
5. Planning - "The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials." (Genesis 41:37)
When Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream and saw that a famine was coming he came up with a plan! At the present time with the potential to big disruptions to our normal way of life all organisations are having to make contingency plans. The church is no exception. Do pray for wisdom as we make such plans in uncertain times.
Also do check on all communications including the website and do continue your normal volunteering and giving as long as it is safe to do so. This will help the church continue to be effective in these times.
It may also be that part of the contingency will be having less meetings and more things online. Make sure you stay in touch!
6. Proclamation - "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." (Matthew 7:24)
When we follow God's word, then we are ultimately secure in God. In this time of uncertainty, let's listen to Jesus's words more carefully as Christians, but let us also consider how we can speak into the anxieties and anger of people around us so that they may come to build their life on the rock of Jesus.
In particular, the covid-19 virus threatens peoples health and wealth, but as Christians our health and wealth is rooted in heaven not on earth. That is somewhere no virus will reach! (cf. Matthew 6:19-21).
7. Pacing -" By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work." (Genesis 2:2)
Finally, this situation is likely to last months not days or weeks. We all need to make sure we pace ourselves through this time and get the rest we need. God after all built rest into the very core of our creation.
Paul Worledge, 13th March 2020
