This is shared with kind permission

In response to the growing concern around the outbreak of Covid-19 (coronavirus), the lead team at TLC have been prayerfully considering our best way to move things forward in accordance with guidelines provided by the UK government. As such, there will be no organised activity in the church building for the foreseeable future until directed otherwise.

Whilst there is much uncertainty we remain certain of God’s steadfast presence and careful attention to all that is happening. As Pastor Philip recently reminded us when asked if church was stopping, the answer is ‘NO’, because you can’t stop the church. Beyond medical advice regarding our personal responsibilities, such as washing hands and self isolating where appropriate, we feel there are 3 keys areas we would like to draw your attention to that will help strengthen us through this time:  

1) LOVE YOUR FAMILY: This obviously encompasses your immediate family but we would encourage you to think of the wider church family as well. It has been said recently it’s not about social distancing but distant socialising. Please live connected!

CONNECT: For many over the next while there will be restrictions on leaving homes and even potential lock down on a wider scale. It is therefore so important to find ways to remotely stay connected with one another, and we are so blessed in these times to have the technology and means to do so. We recommend an app called ZOOM that allows multiple people to connect visibly at one time, so why not check that out here. https://zoom.us/ *If you are not in a Connect Group at present we understand that staying connected may feel difficult at this time. We’d therefore encourage you to seek out spiritual community where possible and to follow the ‘church at home’ content online and through our social media platforms. Your needs matter, and so we’d also encourage you to let us know if there is anything you may need help with over the next while. You can contact us through care@thrivinglifechurch.co.uk.

ERRANDS/MESSAGES: On another practical note, shopping for essential supplies over the next while may become difficult for some so let’s do our best to help others without being careless with our health or those around us.

FOODBANK: If you find yourself in difficulty regarding food over the coming months or are aware of others in that situation please contact the foodbank on 07902933297

PRAY & ASK: We are to be a people of faith and we are also clearly instructed in scripture to ask when it comes to all our needs. Let’s pray in faith for one another and ask if we are in difficulty.  

2) LOVE YOUR COMMUNITY: As with ourselves, we can all do our part for those we are around, and what better way to demonstrate the love of God than being present in a time where there is great need and fear. Again, please avail of the

 FOODBANK if necessary, as well as running ERRANDS / MESSAGES if safe and able to do so. We have attached a link for a HELP postcard, that you can either print yourself or request some and we will do our best to get you a few. These are a great tool for you to drop by vulnerable or elderly neighbours you may be aware of. We are also building a response team of healthy people who wish to be available to others, whether by checking in by phone, praying for people or able to do shopping etc for those who are unable. If you would be interested in signing up please contact Richard Porter at richard@thrivinglifechurch.co.uk  

3) CHURCH AT HOME: Finally, for now, we know how important it is to gather together and be strengthened by the teaching and encouragement of the wider church body. Obviously we are unable to do that at present so from this weekend we will begin we will be going ONLINE!!!  An email with further information and a link on how to get set up will be sent and you simply have to follow the instructions. In Psalm 46, we are reminded that it is God who is our refuge and strength, and our ever-present help in trouble. God has not called us to live in fear but in faith. As Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind” That is all for now. We love you, we are praying for you and we fully believe God has his hand on us as a church in these times. Let’s hold firmly to him and his promises and shine for the world around us.

God Bless -Lead Team

I wanted you to see this great video: https://arc.gt/s/2_GOJ-0-0/529?apiSessionId=5e29f428e639c1.79117719. Let me know what you think.

Jesus, the Only Way https://subspla.sh/me526jo

The Only Source of Salvation https://subspla.sh/jwrnncb

The Father’s Choice https://subspla.sh/styczd6

Rejection is Rejection of the Father https://subspla.sh/gptwmyj

Rejection Brings Judgement, Belief Rescues https://subspla.sh/t7pvgxq

The One Who Provides Forgiveness from Sin https://subspla.sh/u2yzpfw

No Other Way of Salvation https://subspla.sh/rexqftk

No Other Alternatives https://subspla.sh/hj8zqa6

Gospel for All Nations https://subspla.sh/9kapamn

Man’s Judge on the Final Day https://subspla.sh/walcejq

Conclusion https://subspla.sh/ba4enkp

Here’s how Psalm 16 predicts Jesus’ resurrection… and more. This Psalm was quoted by both Peter and Paul in the New Testament as speaking prophetically of the resurrection of Christ. It turns out that there is some support for this sort of view in ancient rabbinic writings as well! Here’s the whole “Jesus in the Old Testament” playlist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWlpQauXiTU&list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHsHyvMtfgOgSPU6zEnCvxUO

Having communicated with David Robinson and the team that were ministering to those that came forward for prayer last Friday night at the Queens Hall I am thrilled to report that two people received Salvation and at least one was restored to the Lord. Quite a few were healed of physical problems and a lot with anxiety and depression were ministered to.

A great result! Thanks and praise be to God.

If you were one of them reading this please consider getting in touch to share your experience and be further encouraged in the Lord.