"Dear Friends of Sion Baptist Church,
In view of the latest news about the progress of the virus locally and nationwide, the deacons and I have agreed unanimously that it is the right thing to do, to close the doors of our church again.
This will mean that certainly for the next few weeks - and we cannot know exactly how many weeks - there will be no church services or activities within the building of Sion Baptist Church.
This will take effect later today, after our worship this morning (Sunday November 1st).
The deacons and I will continue, along with you all, to pray for an end to this virus and for a working vaccine that will soon be available in this and all other lands across God's earth.
Remember, please, we have a sovereign Lord, and our hope is in Him. He is bigger than this virus and this will be over one day.
In the meantime, it is imperative that we pray for those who are charged with the unenviable task of governing the people. I know that you are very tired. We all are. But it is vital that we all do those things that make for our own safety and that of the communities in which we are placed.
We want you to feel safe mentally and spiritually as well. We want you to take advantage of the deep friendships you have forged over many years by staying in regular touch with each other. I know you will.
A Zoom Prayer Meeting will be scheduled for Saturday mornings at 11 am. You are all welcome to join us if you are able. If you need help to create an account, there are those who will gladly help you set it up. If I can learn, anyone can!
For those without access to a computer I will endeavour to ensure that you (again) receive by hand or post a regular letter of update and the text for the Sunday sermon.
Next week we will have to mark Remembrance Day in a very different way. But, as we have discovered over the month, nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus and we are His people wherever we find ourselves!
By God's Grace we will not have to wait too long until we are together again in person, in worship and in witness to the Lord.
Stay safe. Stay in touch. Stay close to the Lord and His friends..."
"Bind us together, Lord, bind us together...with ties that cannot be broken..."
GB Mark