Baptists have always believed that 'church' is not a building or an event but a community of people, committed to seeking and serving God and loving and supporting each other.
Coronavirus has meant that we've had to drastically change a lot of the things we do. We can't, for the present time, get together for our usual meetings and activities. However, this doesn't mean that we can't continue to find ways to worship, pray and look after each other in this difficult time. In fact, it's more essential than ever that we do just that!
This page contains links to the various online services and meetings we're putting into place, along with some of the ways you can both find and offer help to each other and the wider community. Plans may change as time goes on and we try different ideas, so keep checking back to this space for more information.
If you have any pastoral, practical or financial needs, need to talk or pray with someone, or are bereaved and need help, please do not hesitate to contact our ministers, James & Julia, on 01395 443137 or enquiries@budleighbaptistchurch.org.uk.
Resources
- For our online Sunday services, click here
- For online prayer meetings and other prayer resources, click here
- If you are feeling anxious or afraid about Coronavirus, click here
- To get in touch, click here
Need Practical/Financial Support?
We are working with other organisations in the community to try and provide support and help for those who most need it. If you need any help during this crisis, please visit the www.budleighsupport.co.uk or phone Budleigh Medical Centre on 01395 441212.
Volunteers
Thanks to all of you who have volunteered to help out in the community. We may come back to you! At the moment the best thing to do is check on neighbours, friends and family who may need help. There are slips which you put through the door to introduce yourself if necessary. These are available in PDF format here. If offering help, please keep yourself and others safe at all times.
Living in Hope
As Christians we believe that whilst we need to take every sensible precaution against a threat like Coronavirus, we do not need to be afraid.
We believe that God has promised to be with us. He knows what we are going through, and we can call on him and talk to him at any time.He invites us to draw close to him for peace and comfort in difficult times.
Ultimately in Jesus he has conquered death. Therefore we can look forward in hope to the day when death will be no more and all things will be renewed and restored. The Bible finishes with a beautiful vision of God establishing his kingdom, abolishing all evil and suffering as he does so:
'I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling-place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"' (Revelation 21:2-5)
If you are feeling anxious or afraid, we have a number of resources and coping strategies, including links to outside sources, on our Feeling Anxious? page. Our ministers, James & Julia, are available to talk and pray with anyone, whether you're part of the church or not, as we face this threat together. If you're feeling afraid, if you're mourning, or you just want to talk, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We can be contacted on 01395 443137 or via enquiries@budleighbaptistchurch.org.uk.