Hi All
We are living in unprecedented times, and as the everyday is rapidly changing, we want to reassure you that everyone at Arena is devoted to taking care of you. In light of the current global coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, we have been keeping up to date with advice from the World Health Organisation and the UK government.
As a leadership team, we have been meeting regularly over the last few weeks to review all of our efforts in relation to this crisis. Our priority has been and continues to be the welfare of our Arena family and our wider communities as well as being able to watch out for the most vulnerable.
We now want to update you on some further steps we feel we need to take, which include the following:
SUNDAY SERVICES
From this Sunday 22 March we will be moving to online services for the foreseeable future and will not be gathering in any of our locations. We’re working hard to deliver a great online service for this Sunday. We will have special access on our Church Online page for Church online and on demand, Kids Church Service, prayer requests, connect cards and giving online – keep checking this page for further updates about how to access this.
GROUPS AND OTHER SMALLER GATHERINGS
Some of our smaller groups are continuing to meet and adhering to the Government guidelines for safe distance and hygiene practices. This is particularly in our teams that are ministering to needs within our Community. We are endeavouring to adhere to good practice to ensure our foodbank can continue to run to help those who are most in need, however, with limited numbers and safe contact distance practice.
Please check with your team leader, small group leader and dream team leader with regard to your group or team meetings.
We are however looking creatively at ways for still being able to communicate. Right now we are planning to help groups continue to meet together through the use of video technology. More information on this to follow to our Team Leaders.
HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
1. Pray for our community and those directly affected by COVID-19. Pray for the health care workers who are treating the sick and those public health administrators making difficult decisions. Pray that God would protect our community from further spread of the virus.
2. Reflect Christ. In these anxious days, the church (all of us) can shine as a light of hope, care, faith, patience, and prudence. We can demonstrate to the world how our faith provides true assurance against worry and fear.
3. Practice recommended personal hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and stay home if you have the virus symptoms.
While we exercise wisdom in keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe, we know that divine health and protection is from Jesus. Let’s continue to trust in His promises of protection in Psalm 91 for ourselves, our families, and all those who are affected by illness and pray that the virus will be contained and conquered.
Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling.
Psalm 91:9–10
Please keep returning to this page for essential updates.
With our love and prayers,
Kristian and Caroline Thorpe
Lead Pastor