COVID-19 Update 9/9/20
As society continues to emerge from lockdown and embrace new ways of living in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, we are beginning to hold face to face worship in the FMC building, and some community groups are also beginning to use the building again.
Most other church activities currently continue to be suspended, while we continue to explore how we may be able to safety resume further activities. We continue to connect to each other through phone calls, letters, emails, Facebook, blog posts and online gatherings.
If you’d like to find out more about these opportunities to connect you can join our Community Network Mailing List, to receive emails with practical, pastoral and spiritual content.
You can contact Rev Dan by email: dan.balsdon@methodist.org.uk or phone 01243 823895
Most other church activities currently continue to be suspended, while we continue to explore how we may be able to safety resume further activities. We continue to connect to each other through phone calls, letters, emails, Facebook, blog posts and online gatherings.
If you’d like to find out more about these opportunities to connect you can join our Community Network Mailing List, to receive emails with practical, pastoral and spiritual content.
You can contact Rev Dan by email: dan.balsdon@methodist.org.uk or phone 01243 823895
You are not alone
Jesus said: Remember, I will be with you always” (Matt 28:20a)
This continues to be an anxious time. While we wrestle with our anxiety, we want you to know that Jesus is with you, whether you know it or not. And that we have a God of hope, who loves us and promises to be with us always.
If you or someone you know is in a position where you need some additional support and don't have family, friends or neighbours to turn to, there are people around the community willing to help. We're especially aware that many of the vulnerable in our community are not on the internet and therefore may not know of all the help and support that is available. Please call on friends, family and people you know where possible. If you need help and don't know where to go, please contact Rev Dan.
This continues to be an anxious time. While we wrestle with our anxiety, we want you to know that Jesus is with you, whether you know it or not. And that we have a God of hope, who loves us and promises to be with us always.
If you or someone you know is in a position where you need some additional support and don't have family, friends or neighbours to turn to, there are people around the community willing to help. We're especially aware that many of the vulnerable in our community are not on the internet and therefore may not know of all the help and support that is available. Please call on friends, family and people you know where possible. If you need help and don't know where to go, please contact Rev Dan.
Pastoral and Spiritual Care
Our church pastoral network is keeping our church community connected by regular phone calls. If you would like to connect with the church in this way please contact Rev Dan. You can also read Rev Dan’s blog for regular spiritual input.
If you are looking for advice on managing your Wellbeing then try the Mind and Soul Foundation or Kintsugi Hope. You can also look on the Methodist Church website for information on Taking care of yourself and those around you.
You can read the government's advice about how to support children and young people's Wellbeing here.
If you are looking for advice on managing your Wellbeing then try the Mind and Soul Foundation or Kintsugi Hope. You can also look on the Methodist Church website for information on Taking care of yourself and those around you.
You can read the government's advice about how to support children and young people's Wellbeing here.
Offering Practical Support
If you would like to offer practical help to others you can register with GoodSAM or through West Sussex County Council
You can donate essential items to Age Concern or you can donate food or money to the Bognor Regis Foodbank.
You can donate essential items to Age Concern or you can donate food or money to the Bognor Regis Foodbank.
Getting Practical Support
If you are vulnerable and in need of shopping, prescriptions collected or someone to talk to you can access help through West Sussex County Council
If you live far away and are concerned about relatives who live locally please contact Rev Dan and we will try to point you in the right direction for help.
If you are worried about money then you can find advice at The Money Advice Service
If you live far away and are concerned about relatives who live locally please contact Rev Dan and we will try to point you in the right direction for help.
If you are worried about money then you can find advice at The Money Advice Service
Staying safe
Sadly some people have been taking advantage of the circumstances and abusing the vulnerable by coercing them for money and other things. The advice from the Methodist Church safeguarding team is as follows:
- Do not allow strangers into your home, even if they claim to be part of a Community Support Scheme. Check with the scheme first (not using the phone number supplied by your ‘visitor’)
- Do not pay for shopping in advance
- Pay for your shopping deliveries by:
- Bank transfer if you are online or a family member can arrange this
- Telephone banking – this can be arranged by phoning the number on the back of your bank card
- Cheque (if you don’t have Covid19)
- Cash as a last resort
Support for domestic abuse
If you need help or advice about domestic abuse you can find information at https://www.safespacesussex.org.uk/ or through the National Helpline, 0808 2000 247. For more details see the advice below. Don't suffer in silence, please seek support.
| sussex_police_advice.pdf |
Further Information
A prayer for such a time as this
May God bless you with love,
encourage you in faith,
and strengthen you with hope.
In the midst of uncertainty and anxiety,
let us work together,
trust in the strength of God,
and know God's love and care for us.
Let us not be dominated by panic and fear,
but with hope and trust in our God who is with us,
and love and compassion for one another.
encourage you in faith,
and strengthen you with hope.
In the midst of uncertainty and anxiety,
let us work together,
trust in the strength of God,
and know God's love and care for us.
Let us not be dominated by panic and fear,
but with hope and trust in our God who is with us,
and love and compassion for one another.
