Psalms 137:1-4: Lament over the Destruction of Jerusalem
By the rivers of Babylon—there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion.
On the willows there we hung up our harps.
For there our captors asked us for songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying,
“Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?

Dear friends

This is unprecedented times that we are living in as I write this letter to you all. We have just entered a new world where none of us know the outcome.  We have to learn a new way of being the church in this present climate. We have to learn self-distancing and yet that is the opposite of what we, as the Christian worshipping community is all about. For many of us, it’s putting the gospel into practice; it’s about reaching out to our neighbours through the love of Christ. The Church has had to cancel worship on a Sunday which I never thought would happen in my lifetime. Yet I’m reminded that worship on a Sunday at 11am is only one aspect of what the Church is about. We will always be the Church and we are now the Church without walls.  So what can we do to continue to be the Church in Uddingston at this present time?

1) The church will be opened for personal prayer from next week: Monday to Friday 10am – 12noon as long as everyone adheres to our hygiene practices and self-distancing whilst in the sanctuary. We are also asking that if you are able to, please leave a donation for our foodbank collection. 

2) Please keep in touch with neighbours and friends especially those who are having to self-isolate. If you are feeling lonely or stressed out by this please remember there are people out there that you can talk to. The minister is only a phone call away and very happy to listen and to chat. Just send me a message and I will get back to you. There are folk in the community who are happy to do so too. We are all in this together. 

3) I plan do a weekly vlog (who would have imagined) which I hope to upload for Sunday worship. We may not physically gather but we can virtual gather so at 11am pour yourself a coffee or a tea, light a candle if you wish, grab your bible and let us worship together. (be gentle with your feedback however LOL) .. so check out our website, our Facebook pages and hopefully a YouTube channel. Continue to pray for this worshipping community, family and friends and for you to find the strength in these uncertain times. Be gentle with each other and be strong in your faith. If you are brave enough take a photo of you worshipping and we will make a montage of this community to remind us that we are not alone. 

My friends, we are in many ways entering into the wilderness so let us trust God to lead us in ways none of us can have imagined. Let’s find new ways of being a worshipping community and find our voice in the darkness. 

So stay safe, stay well and stay connected with each other and with God and look out for updates as the weeks go on.. 

Blessings

Rev Fiona 

Manse number: 01698814757

Mobile: 07876625078