An Uncomfortable Return

As the country takes tentative steps towards what some are calling Freedom Day are you looking forward with anticipation or dread?

What’s church been like for you over the last 16 months? Have you thrived on virtual fellowship or pined for more in-person collective worship? This blog will explore the range of emotions many of us have on what may feel like an uncomfortable return to church life.

It also makes use of responses to a recent poll which was sent out to members of the Redeemer family, asking for feedback on their experience at Redeemer over the past 18 months. Thank you all for your honesty and the time you took to answer the questions! If you would like to contribute to the poll you still can HERE.

---

An Uncomfortable Return

Some of our congregation still have no choice about having to stay away from in-person church. These are those whose medical conditions and personal circumstances mean it is vital for them to stay safe at home.

But what about the rest of us? Have we made it back to UWL on a Sunday morning? Do we feel comfortable meeting up with more people outside and inside our homes? 

Like many of you, testing, mask wearing, washing hands more regularly and social distancing are now all part of my everyday routine. From July 19th, however, it’s all change.

We asked some members of the Redeemer family for their views of how lockdown has affected their experience of serving God at Redeemer. 

What have we missed?

Although many of us missed Sunday meetings in person during lockdown the Lord still blessed us. We certainly have also missed communal singing (but if you’ve been in an England fan zone recently you’ve probably still enjoyed a good bellow).

Our musicians have served us so well throughout the pandemic, I’ve adapted to letting their words and music sweep me deeper into the presence of God. I sometimes wonder if we are not already part of the great multitude described in Rev 7v9-17. Maybe that’s a little theological gymnastic over-reaching, but during the months of virtual and restricted participation I for one feel we’ve had a foretaste of the eternity which awaits us worshipping the Lord.

Building Community

Meet ups were listed by almost 2/3 of people as a source of blessing during lockdown, and have also been a vital point of contact. One person commented:

““Meetups have, for me, been a huge support during the tough parts of lockdown. Knowing that I am not alone in my struggles has been great, but also to be able to take my eyes off myself and focus on praying for others has also been hugely helpful!””

People have indicated that they have felt less connected to each other, especially when it comes to meeting new people at church. However, we have still felt closer to the Lord and he has taught us to serve him in new ways.

No-one was able to anticipate the huge shift the pandemic brought to all aspects of our lives over the last few months. I sometimes find myself wondering how different our spiritual growth as a church would have been if we’d never experienced the effects of the virus. Nonetheless, by the grace of God we have continued to grow. We can rest in the peace of knowing that Jesus has been walking with us through the fire of sickness, bereavement and isolation.

Another response to the poll said this:

“Jesus hasn’t changed. In hard circumstances, which we are undeniably experiencing, our relationship with Jesus ought to be the most reliable aspect of our lives, building our faith rather than undermining it.”

A hopeful return

I’m hopeful the Lord is leading us into a new season where more in-person expressions of church can happen. This certainly seems to be reflected by the majority of those at Redeemer, with over 70% of responses to the survey indicating that they returned to in-person gatherings as soon as restrictions allowed. 

Some responses elaborated on this answer:

“I was desperate to get back to church meetings in person - despite the online ones being a decent substitute.”

“I have found in person meetings to be immeasurably better in every way than digital church. Being in the building together is so much better than sitting in my living room!”

I’ve been pondering two quotations from the Bible: 

Exodus 33v14,

 “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

and Proverbs 3v5&6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

These verses contain the promise of rest in God’s presence as we move forward and the encouragement that He will guide us as we submit to Him.

In-person church will be different from before the pandemic. We’ve learnt how to connect when disconnected (and I don’t just mean on zoom!). These unexpected circumstances have proved that although we may have been surprised and knocked off balance, the Lord has remained in control. I’m praying that despite the uncertainty, walking in post covid faith, we will advance in the confidence and security that comes from following Jesus our Rock and Redeemer. He will ensure our return to in-person church will fulfil all His plans for us and our community.

A reminder to reflect

As one response to the poll challenges us, this has been a difficult time for many, and however we are feeling about our return to '“normality”, it is important that we do not move on too quickly, or without reflection.

“We have been through the hardest collective time as a country since WW2, and I fear that a return to full in-person Sundays will dive straight into happy clappy songs, chatting over coffee, and picking up pieces of bread from a shared plate. Given what we’ve been through, I hope we are invited to mourn, connect more deeply and more sincerely with God and one another, learn lessons, and repent. Our country is significantly further ahead than others, and we should not forget them.”

Let’s continue in prayer and in discussion with each other to learn more about what the Lord has wanted to teach us during the last 18 months.

---

Written by Mandy Hudson

Mandy is a member of our Redeemer Family, a teacher, and a contributor to Redeemer’s latest book - Stories of Hope. You can pick up a copy on a Sunday morning!

Lockdown Peace

‘Lockdown’ – that sounds familiar

We’ve been spending time in the gospel of John - first looking at the account of the Passion and more recently looking at the ‘I am’ statements made by Jesus which give a mind-blowing insight into who He is.

But I keep going back to Easter and the aftermath of Jesus’ death.

The confusion of Easter Saturday resonates with me.  What was going on?  This wasn’t in the script as His disciples understood it.  

In John 20 (Sunday evening of the Easter weekend in the timeline) the disciples were still frightened, still confused – and staying behind locked doors!

Then it happened – as they were huddled together,

worried about the consequences of leaving their safe place, 

speculating about what would happen next (some of them had seen the empty tomb and the women said they had seen Jesus…), 

in the middle of their fear and confusion – 

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders…

JESUS CAME AND STOOD AMONG THEM AND HE SAID, “PEACE BE WITH YOU!
John 20:19

The peace of God and the God of peace

 In Philippians 4 Paul (who had more than his fair share of trauma) writes about this peace:

The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent and praiseworthy – think about such things…
And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:5-9

Lord Jesus
in our restricted space
amongst the speculation and uncertainty,
with our emotions exhausted and our anxiety fuelled daily,
come, Lord Jesus, stand among us
and speak your peace into our households
and set it guard over our hearts and minds.

And the people of God said with one voice:
AMEN

Steve Page

---

This blog was inspired by the movement of the Holy Spirit during one of our weekly Zoom Prayer Meetings which are happening on every Wednesday night! If you want to join us, then let us know by filling our an I’m New Here Form or by emailing hello@redeemerlondon.org

Lockdown Diaries - Mandy

Today we launch a new blog series - Lockdown Diaries, where we hear from members of our Redeemer family about how they have seen God at work in their lives, even in the middle of the current lockdown.

Today’s lockdown diary is written by Mandy Hudson.

---

“We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

 2 Chronicles 20v12

We are living through probably the most unsettling few weeks of our lives.

I’ve been a Christian for over forty-three years now and have been blessed by having a close relationship with Jesus. My personal circumstances haven’t always been easy, but God has proved His faithfulness time and time again.

Just before lockdown, my care needs had been re-assessed by adult social care. The process, which had been nothing short of traumatic three years ago was miraculously completed in eight weeks enabling me to benefit from agency care when the social isolation rules were enforced.

This is just one example of God’s marvellous provision for me in these difficult times we are all facing. 

The most unsettling part of this crisis for me was when we were moving towards lockdown. I found myself having to shift gear from a life hurtling at great speed to a complete standstill in a matter of days.

I wasn’t at all well when the lockdown began. It’s at these times of greatest weakness, I find that God makes His power and strength perfect. He proves His grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12 v9). What a comfort to be safe resting in Jesus at these times.

Don’t get me wrong - these are tough times. 

I thought I’d be able to roll along in my own little happy spiritual bubble – until the morning I woke up to find someone had dumped a bed immediately outside my flat. I was so angry and upset by it. I had to realise one can never escape one’s own bad temper!

Thank you, Jesus, that you love us unconditionally and are constantly refining our character. These weeks are the perfect opportunity to learn more about how we live life to the full as we keep our eyes fixed on Him

Hallelujah!

Mandy Hudson