We are streaming Live Services on a Wednesday and Sunday via Zoom 

To all members of our community,

In the light of the Coronavirus outbreak we at Greenbank want you to know that, even in isolation, you are not on your own.

If you need anything from a friendly chat to shopping or medication or if you wish to help, please email greenbank.office@tiscali.co.uk

or telephone 01416441841

Further information and contact details on Facebook Greenbank – Living our faith by our actions at the heart of the community

You do not need to be a member of the church to be supported!

Rev Jeanne Roddick

jroddick@churchofscotland.org.uk

Improved zoom/streaming facilities have also been installed in the Cowley and Fraser halls and this will make virtual meetings possible for groups of all ages. It is hoped that this will enhance wellbeing and provide opportunities for people of all ages to build and sustain relationships with others.

We still await instructions from the Scottish government and the Church of Scotland on when church buildings will reopen for worship. When Phase 3 of easing restrictions is announced, places of worship will be allowed to open for extended groups, subject to physical distancing and hygiene safeguards. Whilst the dates of moving into different phases are communicated by the Scottish Government, there is no expectation that all Church of Scotland buildings will open at the same time and Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions will have to consider carefully how this can be done safely. Our church office and/or your elder will be in touch to let you know the date when our church will reopen.

In the absence of a General Assembly this year, the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland published a report referring to the many lessons that should be learned from the ways in which church life has developed during the pandemic and about the necessity of leaving behind old practices whilst fully developing the best of the new things that are bubbling up in every part of the Church. The events of the last few months are forcing the national church to determine what must be done to build the kind of Church needed for the future. The General Trustees report is one that makes the vision that we have been working towards for the last few years, ‘To leave a legacy of a sustainable worshipping congregation for future generations’ even more relevant and urgent.

No one knows what the future will bring about for the national church or for Greenbank. However, as has been His way for over 2000 years, Jesus still calls His followers to a mission that is always moving forward to discover new and inspiring ways of worshipping and drawing others into the hope of God’s life and love. As the prophet Jeremiah says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (29:11).

Although changes are afoot, the church is still alive and active, and whether we worship online from our homes or within church buildings, may we all find it within us to ask God for his help and strength to face the future with hope, in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ.

May God bless you and keep you safe and well.

Yours,

Rev. Jeanne Roddick