| 3 June 2020 (77 Days since our first post on this blog.) SCBA’s twelfth update since the Covid-19 crisis. 
This week Dave has put together a reflection called ‘My Grandfather’. This can be found on our
YouTube channel. Please click on the link and please feel free to subscribe to our channel.
We are pleased to offer this reflection as a blessing.
You will also find a podcast version on our podcast channel ‘SCBApod’. Subscribe to us on Spotify or Apple Podcast or take a listen by clicking here: If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel by clicking Here SCBA Podcast: Coping with Corona
The Regional Ministry Team recently met together by Zoom to chat about how they have been coping in the season of COVID-19 and to share some of
the stories and lessons that churches and ministers have been sharing with them. We thought you might like to sit back and enjoy the conversation!
The link for the podcast is here :
There is also a video version on our SCBA YouTube channel which can be accessed
here:
Baptist Together Prayer Broadcast 
Every Wednesday and Sunday the Baptists Together offers a time of prayer. The link for the next prayer broadcast and the previous one can be
accessed here:
Baptist Together Weekly Webinars
This week it’s ‘Helping the Grieving During the Pandemic’. How do we support those facing loss of loved ones, jobs, and security when meeting them
is difficult? With Pete English from At A Loss, and Vania John-Baptiste, Baptist minister and bereavement counsellor.
George Floyd: A Baptist Together Response
Our General Secretary, Lynn Green, has released a
statement in response to the situation in the United States:
Scripture Union: Supporting Churches During Lockdown 
SU have a range of resources and materials which youth, children’s or family workers might find useful, and many of which could also be used by
individuals at home.
Mental Health Suite It’s Your Move INspire
Make and Pray Online Worship Services
Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded
services available You can find the list of churches on our website: .
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| 2 June 2020 (76 Days since our first post on this blog.) The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC NIGHT PRAYERS from WALES. Today's Celtic prayers are from Wales: an excerpt from 'Alexander's Breastplate' and a contemporary prayer from Methodist poet, John Birch. The gentle Gaelic song is about a young woman whose lover's ship is unheard of for several years, and of her joy when it returns to port. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC NIGHT PRAYERS from WALES. Please click on the links for tonight's Welsh Celtic prayers and music. ('Black is the snow and white is the coal'). Sleep well tonight, With love from Stella. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The FAITHCAFE: All Age Worship for Pentecost. Please click here to access your Pentecost All Age Worship. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Baptists Together Prayer Broadcast 
The latest in our series of Baptists Together Prayer broadcasts will feature Chris Duffett, Baptist Minister, artist and founder/principal of the Light College and Collective, alongside Faith and Society Interim Team Leader, Diane Watts. Click on the picture. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Updated Links and contact numbers An update to the contact numbers under the 'people matter' website has been attached to our coronavirus links page. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CELTIC NIGHT PRAYERS from The FAITHCAFE. Tonight take a glimpse at the lives of some of the Celtic saints: Brigid, Columba & Aiden, along with a prayer attributed to each of them. The music is a gentle song based on an ancient psalm and sung by an Irish artist. I hope you like it. Join us this Sunday for our All Age worship on the theme of God's Spirit being poured out at Pentecost. With love from Stella. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Relaxing CELTIC NIGHT PRAYERS from The FAITHCAFE: Sleep Well Tonight. Tonight's Celtic prayer for sowing, planting and gardening; and a reflection on how God strengthens the human spirit to blossom and grow again; even following distress. The music is a Welsh rendering of the well-known Celtic song 'The Calling.' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CELTIC NIGHT PRAYERS from The FAITHCAFE, Ise of Wight. I have some Scottish blessings for you tonight and some Scottish music to go with it. With love from Stella. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SCBA’s eleventh update since the Covid-19 crisis. This week Joth has put together a reflection called ‘The Gift of Waiting’. This is on our YouTube channel. Please feel free to subscribe to our channel. There is also a shortened version as well as a longer sermon version. We are pleased to offer this reflection as a blessing You will also find a podcast version on our podcast channel ‘SCBApod’. Subscribe to us on Spotify or Apple Podcast or take a listen by clicking on the link. If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel . | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Baptist Together: Missional Idea & Resources Coronavirus and the accompanying lockdown have changed the lives of all our churches. In this section of the Baptist Together website are ideas of ways to share the gospel well with your church and local community during this time. Resources include: How to make your video look great from home in lockdown (15 April) - A few tips and tricks to make your video look better when shooting from home in lockdown. Keeping your church community connected - updated 11 May - Exploring options to enable churches and small groups to meet, gather and encourage each other in the virtual space. The importance of a humble phone call - Let's not lose sight of the simpler things in life as we look after our flock in this strange new world, writes Mental Health Chaplain Vicky Martin, Zoom Tutorial Follow-up - with Simon Goddard (1 May) - A chance to look at some of the security issues that have been in the news, with some tips to keep these online spaces safe. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Church Stories From Sunday gathering to wider community outreach, Coronavirus and the accompanying lockdown have changed the lives of all our churches. In this section we’d like to share stories of how our churches have been adapting to this new reality, so together we can learn, rejoice and lament. This can be found here. If you have a story to share, please contact us. Thy Kingdom Come Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus. Since its start in May 2016, just three and a half years ago, God has grown Thy Kingdom Come from a dream of possibility into a movement. In 2019 Christians from 172 countries took part in praying ‘Come Holy Spirit’, so that friends and family, neighbours and colleagues might come to faith in Jesus Christ. This praying together has been across our diversity and differences as every person, household and church are encouraged to pray in their own way. Whilst an astonishing 92% of people said they were praying for family and friends to come to faith in Jesus, and 40% of those taking part in 2019 did so for the first time, we recognise there is much more we can do together to help Thy Kingdom Come be fully in the lifeblood of the Church. Worship Resources Jim and Jessica Shepherd from Testwood Baptist Church, Southampton, have added to their library of worship resources that your church might wish to use as part of your worship services, or just to circulate around your congregation. These can be accessed here. Online Worship Services Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded service available. You can find the list of churches on our website. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SCOTTISH CELTIC PRAYERS & MUSIC from The FAITHCAFE Scottish Celtic blessings and music from the Island of Iona. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Baptists Together Prayer Broadcast
The latest in our series of Baptists Together Prayer broadcasts will feature Jeniya Gwendu of Mill Road Baptist Church in Cambridge and moderator within the EBA (eastern baptist association), alongside General Secretary Lynn Green. Click on the picture. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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ALL AGE WORSHIP from The FAITHCAFE, Isle of Wight.
This week's All Age Worship is from Acts 1 and reflects upon our waiting prayerfully to receive the Spirit afresh in our lives. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Friday 22 May
Celtic Night Prayers from The FAITHCAFE
Tonight's ancient prayer is from Wales, known as Alexander's Breastplate, as it was his prayer of protection. The song is also Welsh: 'All through the Night.' I hope you enjoy them and sleep well. With love from Stella. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Updated Links and contact numbers An update to the contact numbers under the 'people matter' website has been attached to our coronavirus links page. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Celtic Night Prayers from The FAITHCAFE Tonight's prayers are from St. Patrick (4th Century) & Boisil (7th C). The hymn 'Come thou fount of every blessing' has been set to a Celtic tune. Sleep well and God bless. Stella. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Celtic Night Prayers from The FAITHCAFE Tonight's ancient prayers are from Celtic saints Aiden & Felgid from the 7th Century. The Celtic song is Welsh and translates from the Gaelic as a song of comfort and solace from a woman to her loved one. I hope you like it. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Celtic Night Prayers from The FAITHCAFE This evening's Celtic offering consists of a story about ancient Celtic hospitality to strangers, and Jesus' washing of his disciples' feet. The reflection finishes with an Irish blessing to travellers. The song is 'Peace in Christ' sung by five year old Claire Ryan with her father (a very musical family). I hope you find it uplifting. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SCBA’s tenth update since the Covid-19 crisis. This week Clare has put together a reflection called ‘The Extra in Ordinary’. This can be found on our YouTube channel. Please click on the link and please feel free to subscribe to our channel. If you want to be notified when each video is available, please click on the bell which will enable notifications for you. We are pleased to offer this reflection as a blessing, either by sharing this email or by including it in your online services. You will also find a podcast version on our podcast channel ‘SCBApod’. Subscribe to us on Spotify or Apple Podcast or take a listen by clicking on the this link: If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel by clicking on the this link: BMS World Mission: Solidarity Sunday On Sunday 31 May 2020, BMS is encouraging as many churches as possible to dedicate their online church service, or a segment of it, to remembering those worst affected in the Coronavirus crisis. We really hope you will join us! They have called the event Solidarity Sunday, a name carefully chosen to reflect other solidarity events organised by the global Baptist family, including one in Canada earlier this month – and we really think there is no better word to describe this opportunity to take a stand together, in giving and in prayer, against the Coronavirus crisis and its devastating effects. Solidarity Sunday also falls at Pentecost, a wonderful opportunity to remember that we have a God whose gospel and living hope is for all nations. On Solidarity Sunday, we remember those nations. It’s very easy to get involved, and we’d be so encouraged if you would share Solidarity Sunday widely with your church networks, asking them to join in. BMS have created a range of resources to suit every church – whether they use them all to build an inspiring and encouraging online service complete with a ready-to-play Bible reflection, or choose a short video to slot into the online service they already have planned. All the videos, talks and prayer resources will be regularly updated here: The easiest way to get a flavour for Solidarity Sunday is to watch one of these resources, a short video which provides a snapshot of the global Baptist response to the Covid-19 pandemic: This is such an exciting opportunity for the UK Baptist family to stand together and show our global neighbours that despite all we’re facing here, we have not forgotten the poor and the vulnerable. Online Worship Services Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded service available. You can find the list of churches on the SCBA website: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Celtic Night Prayers from The FAITHCAFE Tonight's prayers come from 6th Century Ita and end with a circling prayers that imagines the arms of God encircling us with peace in a loving embrace. The song is one of my own. With love from Stella. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The FAITHCAFE: All Age Worship. Today's worship recalls the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said 'I will send you another Comforter.' With love from Stella. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CORONAVIRUS LINKS PAGE Our links page has been updated with new contact details on the "people Matter IW" link. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Celtic Night Prayers from The FAITHCAFE From Stella Hardiman Here are this evening's Scottish Ocean prayers, and Scottish music to go with them. Hope you find them relaxing. Sleep well. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The FAITHCAFE: Celtic Night Prayers From Stella Hardiman Tonight's prayers are from Celtic saints Boisil (7th Century) and Patrick (4th Century). The song is from Irish singer John Coupland and is a modern Celtic rendering of Psalm 84. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Celtic Prayers from The FAITHCAFE for Wednesday 13 May From Stella Hardiman Please click on the links for this evening's Prayers with some relaxing music. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Welcome to SCBA’s ninth update since the Covid-19 crisis. This week Colin has put together a reflection called ‘Holding on to What Matters’. This can be found on our YouTube channel. Please click on the link below and please feel free to subscribe to our channel. If you want to be notified when each video is available, please click on the bell which will enable notifications for you. ‘Holding on to What Matters’ by Colin Norris We are pleased to offer this reflection as a blessing. You will also find a podcast version on our podcast channel ‘SCBApod’. Subscribe to us on Spotify or Apple Podcast or take a listen by clicking on this link: If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel by clicking on this link: BUGB Coronavirus Updates: Advice for Churches: 12th May 2020: The Government has published guidance and an FAQ document to provide information on the Government’s roadmap for how and when the UK will adjust its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In line with the Government’s 3 steps, it is hoped that by 4th July public places, with places of worship explicitly referenced, will be allowed to re-open in some form. This does not mean things will return to pre-COVID-19 arrangements and in order for premises to be used in any form they will need to meet the COVID-19 Secure guidelines. It might be difficult for places where social distancing is not possible to re-open fully, this will depend on the size of the space and the level of crowding and may result in only partial re-opening. Churches should be aware that even if all the criteria are met for re-opening of church buildings from July, this is conditional and part of a phased plan to lift lockdown. The FAQs note “As with all coronavirus restrictions on places of worship, venues and social distancing, we will look to ease them as soon as it is safe to do so.” Activities on church premises: Under the current regulations churches can be used for some essential activities ‘to provide essential voluntary services or urgent public support services (including the provision of food banks or other support for the homeless or vulnerable people, blood donation sessions or support in an emergency).’ This must be within the context that social distancing measures are maintained. Weddings: The Government stated that there is no change to guidance on weddings at this time. However, the Government is working to enable small wedding ceremonies from 1 June. Funerals: On funerals, the Government has also stated that: “there is no change to the guidance on attending funerals at present. ” Further guidance on weddings, funerals and baptisms can be accessed here: BUGB Prayer Broadcasts: Every Wednesday and Sunday at 7pm Baptists Together offers a time of online prayer with a number of contributors. This Wednesday former SCBA Pioneer Mission Enabler, Revd Ali Boulton, will be featured. To access Wednesday’s broadcast, and future and past broadcasts, please go to: https://www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/338268/Prayer_broadcasts.aspx You can follow the link on our coronavirus links page to all Baptists Together (BUGB) materials. Powerpack Ministries Powerpack originated from the concept that children can be little ‘powerpacks’ for God. The ministry was founded in 1986 by Heather Thompson who is still the director of the ministry. Powerpack is all about seeing children raised up as ‘God chasers and nation shakers’. Powerpack is interdenominational and charismatic in character. We are team based – drawing volunteers from various churches throughout the UK and overseas. The team have produced resources for “Powerpack at Home” which can be accessed here: Online Worship Services Thanks are due to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded services on the SCBA website: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Celtic Prayers from The FAITHCAFE From Stella Hardiman Please click on the links for tonight's Celtic Night Prayers from 7th Century saints, Aiden and Felgid. The song is one of my own and speaks of the uplifting presence of God's Spirit, which gives us wings and enables us to 'fly'. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The FAITHCAFE From Stella Hardiman Celtic Night Prayers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Baptists Together Prayer broadcast
The latest in the series of Baptists Together Prayer broadcasts will feature Rev Dr Kate Coleman, former BUGB President
and founding director of Next Leadership alongside our General Secretary Lynn Green. Next leadership is committed to
providing leaders from diverse sectors, backgrounds and communities with opportunities to explore, develop and transform
their leadership impact and effectiveness. Following on from our time of prayer we will be welcoming our new President Yinka Oyekan, praying for him and finding out about his hopes for his year as President. This induction was to have taken place during our Assembly, but we hope that even more will be able to join in online this year. He will be joined by current President Ken Benjamin. Many will have seen communication about this event either through our channels or your local Association. In light of the news that Boris Johnson will address the nation at 7pm Sunday and announce the first steps out of lockdown we have decided to change the time of the broadcast to 8pm. This will allow us to pray in light of what is said. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The FAITHCAFE: Celtic Night Prayers
From Stella Hardiman Here are your night prayers for this evening, along with one of my own songs and a beautiful Scottish folk song to download if you wish. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The FAITHCAFE: Celtic Night Prayers
Here are the evening's prayer and song. ( I am sorry but sometimes these arrive after I have closed down for the night!) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A Message from our Moderator, The Reverend Roland Wort
Hello there again! I hope you are coping as best as you can with the “lockdown”. We certainly need to pray for our political leaders as they wrestle with the various options for easing the country “back to normality”. I wonder how you have been using the time during the lockdown? Since I left the Royal Navy in 2016, I have been wanting to have a good clear out of all the various things I have accumulated over the years. It’s easy to put things off and find excuses for not getting down to the elephant sized task and to be honest, not a lot of decluttering has gone on for the last 4 years! Somehow, there has always been something more interesting to do, like getting a part-time job, watching Hampshire play cricket, solve the super fiendish Sudoku puzzle in The Times, go to Model Railway Exhibitions……and of course there’s always a sermon to write for next Sunday! Well, for the time being, all of the above has come to a halt - except solving the Sudoku – and the time has come to sort through the North Face of the Eiger pile of paper, the bank statements going back to 1990, the MOD Health and Safety regulations, the leaflets for washing machines that we no longer have, the rather dated sermons from the 1990s and the receipts for shirts that are now worn out and used for rag in the garage. And talking about the garage, what about the yoghurt pots that might come in useful one day, the numerous screwdrivers and hammers, the half used pots of discoloured paint, the tubs of filler that have hardened off, the large jar of assorted screws and the electrical flex that with red, black and green wires? Now I know that some people have written books and made a fortune out of de-cluttering. For me, it’s rather more simple - do I still need it and if so, where do I store it neatly and tidily; if not, then pass it on, or preferably throw it away. And it’s quite staggering how much stuff gets thrown away. There’s still a lot to do, but I’m already enjoying the benefits of a clear bench in the garage and a filing cabinet that actually has some space in it! And moving away from the physical to the spiritual, I wonder if a bit of personal decluttering might help – what is really important for us, what really matters? When Jesus was asked about the important things in life, he highlighted loving God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and loving our neighbour as ourself. There will also be for us commitments in the home, work, school, and community, with family and friends, with hobbies and pastimes, in the church and doing charitable work. With all of our many responsibilities, it is possible for us to become weighed down and lose the overall enjoyment of life. This rather unusual time of restricted activity might be for you an opportunity to declutter, make some adjustments, reduce unnecessary obligations and identify the things that really matter. Goodbye for now and hope to see you soon, Roland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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NHSX Coronavirus Contact Tracing App The 'ON THE WIGHT' news site have published a guide to the new Contact Tracing App to be trialled on the Island. Click here to see it. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The FAITHCAFE: Celtic Night Prayers and a song from Stella Hardiman. Sleep well Tonight | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Judy Dawkins We have heard from Judith Compton that Judy Dawkins of Cowes Baptist Church died two weeks ago. We were asked to put this on our page in order to inform those who knew her. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SCBA’s eighth update since the Covid-19 crisis..
This week Dave has put together a reflection called ‘Faith like Ruth’. Please click on the link and please feel free to subscribe to our channel, which will mean that you will be notified as and when each new video arrives. We are pleased to offer this reflection as a blessing. You will also find a podcast version on our podcast channel ‘SCBApod’. Subscribe to us on Spotify or Apple Podcast or take a listen by clicking on the link: If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel by clicking here: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Albert & Social Distancing – Resource for Children 
For the past few weeks, Richard Littledale, Minister at Newbury Baptist Church, has been working away in the background with wonderful
illustrator, Heather Heyworth, to produce a story for children all about social distancing. It can be so hard to explain - and so his
friend, 'Albert the Mouse', has stepped in to help.
The story can be read or downloaded for free here, and it is formatted for A4 if people want to print it out and use it that way. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Baptist Together Wednesday Webinars The BU Ministries Team are hosting a programme of ‘Wednesday Webinars’ each week at 1pm. Almost without exception they are aimed at addressing some feature of our current constrained circumstances. They are aimed especially at ministers and church leaders but are available to anyone. They will be sending out an email to all ministers later this week to let them know. So far, they have had between 25 and 50 people join each live broadcast and 100 or more watch the recordings later. The webinars, including previous editions, can be found here: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Everybody Welcome Online Welcome from Bob Jackson and George Fisher 
Among all the other lockdown shocks, there was some consternation in the churches when we got closed down!
But we didn’t close down. We went online. Churches are on a steep learning curve, and some are on a steep growing curve.
To assist learning and growing, we’ve asked many churches for stories and wisdom in the early weeks of lockdown church.
Read our core document ‘Everybody Welcome Online’, which extends our training course for in-person church, ‘Everybody Welcome’. Tell your friends about it. It tries to make sense of what is happening (pp4-9), looks at who is being attracted to online church and why (pp1-12), how best to communicate with and welcome everyone online (pp14-20), and what we should be doing to prepare for 'Unlock Sunday' (pp22-23). We will keep updating and adding resources and stories over time from your feedback ot us (p.25). We’ve teamed up with Peter Phillips, Director of the Durham University Centre for Digital Theology. We think their time has come! Check out the related sites. And we are grateful to CPAS for professionalising the presentation in such a short space of time, Ven Bob Jackson (Visiting Fellow St Johns College Durham) Revd George Fisher (Retired Director of Mission Lichfield Diocese) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Online Worship Services Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You can find the list of churches on our website: here. For the Island please note that this includes Cowes Baptist Church | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Celtic Prayers from The FAITHCAFE From Stella Hardiman Scottish Prayers for help during stormy times. The Song is in Gaelic, on the theme of a passing storm, with stunning views. (Be aware that Stella uses a 'youtube' account to publish her material. She does not control the adverts which may be added to it.) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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This from Stalla Hardiman this morning "The FAITHCAFE: All Age Worship" | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Baptists Together Prayer Broadcast
The latest in the series of Baptists Together Prayer broadcasts will feature Roy Searle who is BUGB Pioneer Ambassador, Free Church Tutor at Cranmer Hall and Community elder at Northumbria Community, alongside our General Secretary Lynn Green. Click on the picture. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The FAITHCAFE: Celtic Night Prayers Here is your song & prayer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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30 April 2020 This evening I have received two documents from Sandown Forum. One is an updated list of useful contact numbers from People Matter IW. and the other is from the police Online advice on scams. I also received Stella Hardiman's night prayers and a song. as usual click on the link to hear them | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 29 April 2020 TEAR FUND CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY APPEAL Click here to see the original of this message. Dear Friends, Coronavirus is spreading among some of the world’s poorest communities. Time is running out to help them – please mobilise your church and join us in prayer. Many of us will have spent this season with a real sense of fear and uncertainty. Our churches have had to quickly adapt to deeply challenging circumstances. Who could have predicted that we would have to celebrate the triumph of Jesus without being able to meet face to face? We’ve seen for ourselves the enormous disruption this virus can cause. Yet for people living in extreme poverty the impact could be unthinkable. In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, the largest refugee camp in the world, cramped conditions mean it’s impossible to keep a safe distance from people. And there aren’t enough handwashing facilities. The virus could spread through the camp like wildfire – threatening the half a million Rohingya people who live there. People whose lives were already a struggle. Our local church partners are on the frontline, and they need your prayers more than ever. ‘We are distributing leaflets about handwashing, distancing and recognising the symptoms,’ says Sudarshan Kodooru, Tearfund’s Country Director in Bangladesh. ‘We have given out hygiene kits, but getting access to the [refugee] camps is likely to become even harder. The handpumps and sanitation facilities we’ve been able to provide will be more important than ever.’ The scale of the work required is huge, but we know that the prayerful support of your church and others around the UK will be powerful and effective (James 5:16). We’ve put together some helpful resources that you can share with your church – including a pre-recorded talk and a prayer guide. Our teams on the ground will take a huge amount of strength from knowing that the saints are joined together in prayer for them. We know many of you will want to give financially in response. If you are able to, either as a church or individually, please give online here. With our offices closed, this is currently the most cost-effective way to process your gifts. We know these are hard times for us all – our thoughts and prayers are with you and your church. We are incredibly grateful for your support in the midst of these difficult circumstances. Every blessing,  Virginia Luckett UK Churches Director, Tearfund PS We’d love you to join us at a special online event. It’s called Tearfund Live, and it’s an amazing opportunity for you to connect directly with the work that your support makes possible. On Thursday 30 April, at 7pm, we’ll be praying and worshipping together online, as well as sharing inspiring stories about how local churches around the world are tackling the coronavirus crisis. The event will be hosted live on our Facebook page. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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FaithCafe Celtic Night Prayers from Stella Hardiman
Please click here for your night prayers, a reading of Psalm 42 & a brief song. Sleep well. Stella. x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SCBA’s seventh update since the Covid-19 crisis.
This week Clare has put together a reflection called ‘Welcome to my Potting Shed’. This can be found either as a long or short version on our YouTube channel. Please click on either link below and please feel free to subscribe to our channel, which will mean that you will be notified as and when each new video arrives. Extended version: Shorter version: You will also find a on our podcast channel ‘SCBApod’. Subscribe to us on Spotify or Apple Podcast or take a listen by clicking on the below link: podcast version If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel by clicking on the below link: SCBA youtube channel | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Children, Young People & Families
Baptist Together have a dedicated Children, Young People and Families page on their website including useful information/advice and resources. This can be found here: There are also superb resources that can be found on the ‘Together @ Home’ website which can be found here: or on Facebook here | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Worship Resources
Jim and Jessica Shepherd from Testwood Baptist Church, Southampton, have put together eight different worship videos that your church might wish to circulate around your congregation. These can be accessed here: The youth and children’s team at Testwood Baptist Church have also produced some resources that may be helpful for churches to share on a Sunday morning (each page is updated every week): Youth Resources: Children’s Resources: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Baptist Together Prayer Broadcasts
An online live prayer broadcast is presented every Wednesday and Sunday by BUGB with a variety of contributors. The link, along with previous broadcasts, can be accessed here: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Online Worship Services
You can find the list of churches on our website here: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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More from Stella Hardiman Night prayers, followed by a lovely song about one of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Please click the link to access
online all-age worship
from Stella Hardiman.
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Baptists Together Prayer broadcast Sunday 26 April The latest in our series of Baptists Together Prayer broadcasts will feature Carl Smethurst, Regional Minister for Mission in the South West Baptist Association alongside our General Secretary Lynn Green. Sunday 26 April 7pm. Click on the link below. Prayer Broadcast at 7pm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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More from Stella Hardiman The FAITHCAFE: Celtic night prayers: Sleep well tonight. Night Prayers(1) Time for everything. Night Prayers (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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What follows is from SCBA’s sixth update since the Covid-19 crisis. This week Joth has put together a reflection around ‘Walking with Jesus’. This can be found either as a long or short version on our YouTube channel. Please click on either link below and please feel free to subscribe to our channel, which will mean that you will be notified as and when each new video arrive Extended version: Shorter version: You will also find a podcast version on our podcast channel ‘SCBApod’. Subscribe to us on Spotify or Apple Podcast or take a listen by clicking on the below link: Podcast Version | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Explaining Coronavirus to Young Children Early Years experts Sonia Mainstone-Cotton and Tamsin Grimmer have put together an information sheet on Coronavirus and young children, from a Christian Perspective: How to explain to young children about the Coronavirus from a Christian Perspective Sonia has also written a few blog pieces aimed at parents offering thoughts around supporting children in this time: calming ideas to try at home supporting emotional development at home ideas for families to do at home at times of isolation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Online Worship Services
Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live
streaming and pre-recorded service available by following the below links. Please feel free to forward these to your
congregation if this will be of help.
You can find the list of churches on the SCBA website
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IW FOODBANK Items currently in short stock - Long Life Milk, Tinned tomatoes, tinned spaghetti, tinned potatoes, tinned vegetable, packet rice, tinned fruit, rice pudding, coffee, long life juice/squash. The Foodbank reports that they are partnering with @bankuet - they make it easier for you to donate food from the safety of your own home. Got 30 seconds? Here is a video explaining : | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Saturday 18 April 2020 Not very much new has occurred for me to put up this week but I have noticed that there is an expanded and updated list of churches broadcasting their services online on the SCBA website and it has also been pointed out to me (thank you Norma) quite a bit of material on the 'Spring Harvest'website and on their youtube channel. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Message from Stella Hardiman at 16:17 today (Good Friday) The FAITHCAFE: Good Friday Reflection is about to go live. Apologies for unexpected delay Please click on the link below https://youtu.be/vCr3MpwU0x0 Stella. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SCBA Easter Reflection April 2020 Colin Norris, RM Team Leader, has recorded a reflection and prayers for this Easter time, entitled Present Anxiety, Promised Presence. This can be found either as a long or short version on our YouTube channel. Please click on either link below and please feel free to subscribe to our channel, which will mean that you will be notified as and when each new video arrives. Present Anxiety, Promised Presence (Extended Version) Present Anxiety, Promised Presence (Shorter Version) Alternatively, it can be downloaded as a Podcast : You can also listen to the other SCBA Podcasts, including Dave’s reflection from Tuesday. You can find us on Spotify and Apple Podcast and several others podcast platforms or just click on this link Please note that the next SCBA Update and Reflection will be after the Easter break, on Tuesday 21st April. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Churches unite around Covid 19 statement British and Irish church leaders have released a Holy Week statement following a meeting convened by the Archbishop of Canterbury. See the full statement here | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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and A prayer for Easter Day, taken from 'Gathering for Worship':
Living God, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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...and this from Stella Hardiman To listen to songs to go with the Celtic Prayers, follow this link and this one | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A Message from our Moderator, The Reverend Roland Wort Hello there! Thank you for inviting me to be your moderator. Firstly, let me introduce myself. I was born in Salisbury and baptised as a teenager in the local Baptist Church. After going to Cardiff University to study Mathematics (with a bit of Physics thrown in), I went to Spurgeon’s College to train for the Baptist Ministry. I was a pastor for 8 years at Perry Rise Baptist Church, Forest Hill, South-east London, but for most of my ministry I have been a chaplain in the Royal Navy. I did 26 years as a full-time chaplain, retiring in 2016 and for the last 4 years I have been a part-time reservist chaplain. In addition to working in a variety of establishments in Portsmouth and Plymouth, I served on destroyers and frigates deployed all over the world and spent some time also with the Royal Australian Navy and the US Navy. For 3 years (2013-16), I served as an Honorary Chaplain to Her Majesty The Queen, a great honour indeed. My wife, Sharon, and I live in Winchester and we met at Cardiff University. We’ve been married for 40 years and have 2 married daughters, Rebecca and Jo, and 4 grandchildren. In “normal” circumstances, I would now be visiting Sandown on a monthly basis and exploring the way ahead for the Sandown Baptist Church, looking at different types of ministry and helping you decide what would be appropriate for the church at this particular time. However, we all find ourselves in this rather strange situation where (quite rightly) we have to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and go out shopping for basic necessities only. Therefore, I won’t be able to visit the church until the restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, I would encourage you all to keep in touch with each other by phone, text or email and, if possible, to read regularly the BUGB and SCBA websites where there is some really useful material to help us at this unusual time, including live-streamed Church Services. Finally, at this time of Easter, we need to remind ourselves of the great truths of the Christian faith, that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, was crucified, was buried yet rose again from the dead. In a time of national perplexity and bewilderment, many are feeling vulnerable and perhaps even fearful. I’ve been really impressed by the ways that churches and individual Christians have been helping in their communities and demonstrating practical love in action. In the midst of all the confusion and bafflement , there is an opportunity for us to affirm our faith and proclaim some good news. In previous times of National Crisis, eg the Two World Wars, the churches never minimised the suffering and pain experienced by the nation, but found ways of offering hope and optimism, not in a loud, brash, insensitive way but with quiet self-confidence, similar to the words of the old hymn, “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow”. Goodbye for now………… and hope to see you soon. Roland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SOME NEW CONTENT I HAVE BEEN GIVEN TODAY (7 APRIL 2020) The weekly SCBA update for 7 April is below these local items. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stella Hardiman sends this: under the email heading "Celtic Night Prayers: The FAITHCAFE, Isle of Wight". Click on the link here to access relaxing 5 minute night prayers. COMING THIS WEEK: Good Friday: Reflection with Reading & Music, 2pm Holy Week: Short Children's video Easter Sunday: Family Worship, 2pm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Mike Clegg writes: "I would like to add my daughter's church to those available offering live streaming of their Sunday service at 10.30AM, or available to watch at other times after then, plus previous services from the last few weeks. The service is available on YouTube, searching for West Wickham and Shirley Baptist Church (pressing Subscribe on the first viewing - free viewing of course). The service includes worship, prayer, reading, children's and main message. Message is good. Also available from the choices of dates of service are ideas for things for children (or those who still think they are?) to do. Hope this is useful to some within the fellowship of our church." [I have checked the link for Mike and the youtube link is here ] Norma Hall also emailed to say that "Wednesbury Baptist Church are doing an online Service on Maundy Thursday which will be prerecorded and Good Friday at 3.00p.m. They will be sharing communion on both of these days. Not sure of any other services on those days." [Wednesbury Baptist Church do not appear to have a website nor can I find a reference to them on Youtube but they do have a facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wednesburybaptist/ . There are some video files there.] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SCBA’s fifth update since the Covid-19 crisis.
This week Dave has put together a video around ‘Responding to Crisis’. This can be found either as a long or short version on our YouTube channel. Please click on either link below and please feel free to subscribe to our channel, which will mean that you will be notified as and when each new video arrives. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Responding to Crisis (long version)
Responding to Crisis (short version) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Baptist Together Easter Resources
As a church family, journeying through Holy Week and the Easter celebrations this year will be somewhat different to usual.
The Baptist Together website provides a wide range of material, including the seminar hosted by Revd Ken Benjamin,
BU President, on creative conversations about our Easter messages. These can be found at:
https://www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/339349/Easter_Resources.aspx
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15 Ways to Stay Connected and Build Community While in Isolation and Social Distancing.
This based around the Up, In and Out discipleship rhythms. You can download a copy by clicking
here
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Abuse and the Virus Natalie Collins, international speaker and trainer on issues of violence against women and wider gender injustice, has written a helpful blog on the issue of Domestic Abuse you can read it here | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Mental Health and Wellbeing
Ruth Rice and Renew Wellbeing are also producing some helpful resources around Mental Health and Wellbeing:
https://www.renewwellbeing.org.uk/
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Love Your Neighbour Churches are working around the clock to demonstrate love to their neighbours through this global pandemic. With so much new information and initiatives each day it can be difficult to know where to begin. https://yourneighbour.org/ equips church leaders with the latest updates and resources and connects people in need to their local church. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Church Together in England The Churches Together in England website contains advice and resources for this difficult time: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Messy Church’s Response to Covid-19 We can do so much as Messy Churches in these weird times. The creativity and hospitality of Messy Church is going way beyond a once-a-month gathering, and the celebration is needed more than ever as we walk through this difficult time together, keeping Christ at the centre of all we do. For information and resources please go to: https://www.messychurch.org.uk/covid-19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Online Worship Services Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded service available by following the below links. Please feel free to forward these to your congregation if this will be of help. You can find the list of churches on our website: http://www.scba.org.uk/cv-updates.html
Hampshire Constabulary have issued a reminder about the coming Bank holidays
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2020 Easter Coronavirus Police Alert001
Information comes from Evy Skinner and Debbie Andre concerning the opening hours of two of the Island Foodbanks
from 1 April until the lockdown is lifted. The Bay Foodbank at The Chapel (YMCA) Winchester House, Sandown Road,
Shanklin will open only on Thursday - 4.30 to 6.30pm and Friday 9.30 to 11.30am. This Foodbank will be open on
Good Friday but will close on Tuesdays until the lockdown is lifted. The Ryde Foodbank - Grace Church, Marlborough
Road, Ryde - remains open on Tuesday and Thursday.
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Some Good News ! | We are glad to announce the birth of Eliot Lovell, a bouncing 8 pound 6 ounce boy to Samuel and Abbi Lovell. Apparently he looks like Samuel and nicely fills a cardigan knitted for his father when he was born.
Our MP Bob Seely has also collected information about Coronavirus on his website | 
https://www.bobseely.org.uk/covid-19-latest-advice
there is a great deal of information and advice there. I have put updated links on our Coronavirus page
Web access to information about Coronavirus on the Island has been rationalised onto one site by wightcomputers | 
www.iowcoronavirus.co.uk/, Just about anything you need to know should be there.
FROM SCBA | Dear friends, This is our fourth update since the Covid-19 crisis. [Only the second we have received Ed.] Since our last communication the Regional Team have decided to put together a video clip each week, from various members of the team, with the hope to offer a word of encouragement and support at these times. This week Joth has put together a video around ‘Embracing Vulnerability’. This can be found either as a long or short version on our YouTube channel. Please click on either link below and please feel free to subscribe to our channel, which will mean that you will be notified as and when each new video arrives. Embracing Vulnerability Long version (inc. greetings and prayers) Embracing Vulnerability Short version (devotion) SCBApod We are also updating our podcast channel with all the audios from these videos. If you haven’t yet subscribed to out podcast, please search ‘SCBApod’ on whatever podcast platform you use and just hit the subscribe button. Each new podcast will then download automatically onto your devise as and when they are published. The most recent podcasts can be listening to by using these links: ‘Embrace Vulnerability’ by Joth Hunt 'Greetings and Prayers’ by Colin Norris ‘Corona Pod’ SCBA Facebook Page If you would like to join the SCBA Facebook page, for regular updates and links, please go to: our page on this link BU Coronavirus Updates The Baptist Union have been busy updating their advice regarding our response to the coronavirus. You can find all their updates by following this link BU Online Prayer Meetings Many of you will be aware that Lynn Green and Richard Wilson have been hosting an online prayer gathering twice a week on a Sunday and Wednesday evening at 7pm. The next one will take place tomorrow evening 1 April, hope you can join us! Bringing the Easter Message of Hope to the Coronavirus World Rev Ken Benjamin, BU President, is offering a Zoom webinar this Thursday 2/4/20 at 2:00pm to think and plan together about our Easter online messages. What themes might we draw on to particularly resonate with this unique season? A good number of people have already signed up. Some can’t make that time slot and have asked for us to record it – which we will try to do – tech permitting. More details here. People can sign up here Online Worship Services Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded service available by following the links below. Final prayer taken from Joth’s video on ‘Embrace Vulnerability’: In my fragility, Jesus, you are my shield In my vulnerability, Jesus, you are my security In my weakness, Jesus, you are my strength In my isolation, Jesus, you are my friend, In my sickness, Jesus, you are my health, In my darkness, Jesus, you are my light, and in my death, Jesus, you are my new life!
Live-streamed Church Services: (Amended on 29 March) | There is an increasing number of live-streamed services or talks being offered by SCBA churches that will be available as they happen for this and following Sundays. As well as serving their own congregations and communities these are available to those who would like to join others in worship but whose churches are not able to offer an online facility at this time. Here are some: Click on the name of the church to go to their site Live streaming on Sunday Andover Baptist ; Canford Heath Baptist ; Christchurch Baptist ; Eastleigh Baptist ; lyndhurst Baptist (youtube) ; Orchard Baptist Pre-recorded video that can be accessed at other times as well as on Sunday. Emsworth Baptist ; Thornhill Baptist ; Waypoint Church ; Weymouth Bapist
Saturday 28 March | Norma has referred me to this page. Open Doors:Facing coronavirus: 7 lessons from the persecuted church There are many other pages available on this site Norma has also found this bible study, once again on a site that has a lot of other resources. IMMUNE TO FEAR: 60-Day Bible study I have also received this via the Sandown Forum. It is a new website for the Island which has created a delivery-to-your door service across a wide range of items. IW businesses and groups have listed their abilities to deliver to areas across the Island, starting to-day. The website address is - www.atoztome.com The site lists telephone numbers and websites and email addresses for every participant. Some are also on Facebook and/or Twitter as well. More and more businesses are joining this new site.
SCBA Reflection:
When the World Narrows (Extended Version)
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Lookout for updates to Baptists Together Coronavirus advice and resources.
here .
including news of the next online Prayer Gathering, 7pm Wednesday 25th March. |
From SCBA | Free resources for children and adults from Roots on the Web.; https://www.rootsontheweb.com
PRAYER POINTERS | I feel that I ought to be publishing the weekly PRAYER POINTERS. The trouble is that I do not feel adequate to the task. The Weekly published payer diaries have been largely overtaken by events. Is there anything on your heart that you wish to share? There is certainly enough to pray about if you just look at a page of BBC news . But is there anything else you want to bring up? (This is, of course, open to all. Not just SBC members and friends but remember the universal nature of this medium which can be read by almost anyone, almost anywhere.) Email me at news@sandownbaptist.church.
|  A little good news. We have been awarded a grant of £2300 by the Allchurches Trust towards our kitchen roof project. That is a big step in our progress towards the total required.
FROM SCBA | Dear Friends, We are getting in touch with an update during this Covid-19 crisis. Colin, on behalf of the SCBA team, brings greetings and a short reflection on 'When the world narrows' following the announcement last night of much tighter restrictions on movement and gatherings: click here A longer version (9 minutes) here includes some prayers for this Lent season from the Order for Baptist Ministry and which are reprinted below. Other links that may be useful at this time are: Baptists Together Coronavirus advice and resources. including news of the next online Prayer Gathering, 7pm Wednesday 25th March. Free resources for children and adults from Roots on the Web. https://www.rootsontheweb.com/lectionary/2020/106-march-april-2020-a/lent-4-mothering-sunday/worshipathome Richard Littledale, Baptist minister at Newbury, broadcaster and writer: • In these strange times, you may like to listen to Richard's Podcast diary 'isolation and hope'. Available free at https://anchor.fm/richard-littledale • Church Youtube channel is here, and will have sermons added each week, as well as some children's material in due course: • The up to date list of all his BBC broadcasts is here: • Current set of children's books are here: • Next book details are here: Online patterns for prayer from the Order for Baptist Ministry https://www.orderforbaptistministry.co.uk/daily-office/ Prayer and resources from the Northumbria Community https://www.northumbriacommunity.org/ LICC Resources and articles. https://www.licc.org.uk/ Links to services from SCBA churches (live-streamed and pre-recorded) can be found on our website here: http://www.scba.org.uk/cv-updates.html An adapted Lent Pattern of Prayer from the Order for Baptist Ministry Shorter Daily Office: Lent & Passion – Suffering God (drawing on Hebrews) Becoming present to God Lord Jesus, we look to you, pioneer and completer of our faith, who for the joy set before you endured the cross. Celebrating the presence of God Desert Christ and suffering Son, image and kindness of God, in wilderness lair and village square, on city streets and Skull Hill, you earthed the glory of God, and God’s Spirit still brings your radiance near. Lord who goes before us, Thank you for every sign of your presence with us. (A pause to name any specific thanks or praise) Acknowledging our humanity In you, Jesus, we find solidarity with our weakness and hurting. In you, Lord, we find understanding of all that tempts us. (Pause for quiet confession) As we bring our lives before you, Help us to receive your kindness and grace: Sins remembered no more, Your ways being written on heart and mind. Listening for and reflecting on God's Word - Scripture reading(s) Free prayers for others followed by The Lord’s Prayer Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen. Going to love and serve Now may the God of peace, make us complete in everything good, so that we may do his will, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. With every blessing The team at SCBA
A NEW WARNING ABOUT THE NUMBER OF COVID 19 SCAMS | Unscrupulous criminals are exploiting fears about COVID-19 to prey on members of the public, particularly older and vulnerable people who are isolated from family and friends. National Trading Standards is warning people to remain vigilant following a rise in coronavirus-related scams that seek to benefit from the public’s concern and uncertainty over COVID-19. Members of the public should ignore scam products such as supplements and anti-virus kits that falsely claim to cure or prevent COVID-19. In some cases individuals may be pressurised on their own doorsteps to buy anti-virus kits or persuaded into purchasing products that are advertised on their social media feeds. In addition, some call centres that previously targeted UK consumers with dubious health products are now offering supplements that supposedly prevent COVID-19. Communities are also being urged to look out for signs of neighbours being targeted by doorstep criminals. While there are genuine groups of volunteers providing help during self-isolation, there have been reports of criminals preying on residents – often older people or people living with long-term health conditions – by cold-calling at their homes and offering to go to the shops for them. The criminals often claim to represent charities to help them appear legitimate before taking the victim’s money. There are genuine charities providing support, so consumers should be vigilant and ask for ID from anyone claiming to represent a charity. COVID-19 scams identified include: Doorstep crime • Criminals targeting older people on their doorstep and offering to do their shopping. Thieves take the money and do not return. • Doorstep cleansing services that offer to clean drives and doorways to kill bacteria and help prevent the spread of the virus. Online scams • Email scams that trick people into opening malicious attachments, which put people at risk of identity theft with personal information, passwords, contacts and bank details at risk. Some of these emails have lured people to click on attachments by offering information about people in the local area who are affected by coronavirus. • Fake online resources – such as false Coronavirus Maps – that deliver malware such as AZORult Trojan, an information stealing program which can infiltrate a variety of sensitive data. A prominent example that has deployed malware is ‘corona-virus-map[dot]com’. Refund scams • Companies offering fake holiday refunds for individuals who have been forced to cancel their trips. People seeking refunds should also be wary of fake websites set up to claim holiday refunds. Counterfeit goods • Fake sanitisers, face masks and Covid19 swabbing kits sold online and door-to-door. These products can often be dangerous and unsafe. There are reports of some potentially harmful hand sanitiser containing glutaral (or glutaraldehyde), which was banned for human use in 2014. Telephone scams • As more people self-isolate at home there is an increasing risk that telephone scams will also rise, including criminals claiming to be your bank, mortgage lender or utility company. Donation scams • There have been reports of thieves extorting money from consumers by claiming they are collecting donations for a COVID-19 ‘vaccine’. Loan sharks • Illegal money lenders are expected to prey on people’s financial hardship, lending money before charging extortionate interest rates and fees through threats and violence People are being encouraged to protect their neighbours by joining Friends Against Scams, which provides free online training to empower people to take a stand against scams. To complete the online modules, visit www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk. NTS is also issuing urgent advice to help prevent people falling victim to COVID-19 scams through its Friends Against Scams initiative. Members of the public are being urged to keep in contact with family members regularly and inform them of the most prolific scams and the possible dangers to them. If someone has been targeted by a scam it can be reported to Action Fraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 2040. For advice and information on how to check if something might be a scam, visit: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/check-if-something-might-be-a-scam/.
Tuesday 24 March Midday | A few items borrowed from another website!
IW COUNCIL | The Government guidance on school closures is clear that children should stay at home if they can safely do that. However, children should not be cared for by elderly people or people with an underlying health condition. Schools will be providing places for the children of parents whose work is critical to the coronavirus (Covid-19) response and include those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors so they can continue to work, where they cannot make other arrangements for their care. Where required, schools will also make sure vulnerable children have access to a school place and that children who are entitled to a free school meal continue to receive it. Councillor Paul Brading, Cabinet member for children’s services and education, said: "Island schools have been brilliant, putting plans in place for this week at such short notice. "Parents need to be responsible and only take up a school place if they are in the categories that the government has defined and really cannot make other arrangements. “We are hugely grateful to all our schools and education colleagues for their efforts to make sure our most valued key workers can continue to do their vital work during this challenging time. "We urge everyone to follow the latest government advice and check the council website for the latest local advice." Information for parents on schools — closures, key workers, vulnerable children, school meals etc — is here and is being regularly updated Please check the IWC website for updates It hasn’t taken long for the scammers to try to cash in on the fear and concern surrounding the Coronavirus. Cyber criminals are targeting individuals as well as industries – In common with most other crisis situations, criminals are using emails, text messages, social media posts, online advertisements and phone calls to defraud their unsuspecting victims. Beware of- - Click here for a cure – emails are being sent purporting to be from a doctor claiming to have details about a vaccine being covered up by the UK and Chinese Governments. You will be taken to a fake web page where your details will be harvested. NEVER click on links in emails. - Covid-19 Tax Refund Email – this has links to access a refund and you will be asked to put in all of your financial information. The HMRC will never advise you of a tax refund in this way. NEVER click on links in emails - Fake Online Advertisements – these include, protective masks, sanitising gel, vaccines (these do not currently exist) and appeals from fake charities - Criminals are also knocking on doors selling Coronavirus tests. These are fake and wont tell you anything. We haven’t had any reports yet on the Island but please be aware anyone acting legitimately would not be going door to door trying to get you to part with money. DON’T get tempted into ordering any of these items – it is unlikely that you will receive your product and your money will be gone. DON’T believe everything you read – for accurate and up to date information use reliable and official sources such as the Government Official website and the NHS https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
ISLE OF WIGHT FUELS | We have put measures in place to reduce the impact of the coronavirus, this includes keeping our delivery drivers and customers safe, Therefore, our drivers will be keeping contact with customers to a minimum, our drivers will not ask for delivery paperwork to be signed and will leave in a convenient place, for the foreseeable future. Our terminal will remain open but with a reduced team, our stock position is currently holding well, and product is still being received as normal. We would kindly ask at this time that you do not visit the terminal. If you do need to visit for whatever reason, please call Lyn Wherry on 01983 292311 and we can advise accordingly. If the situation changes, we will update you. (Gen Manager)
IW COUNCIL | is extending its support for elderly people during the COVID-19 crisis. From Monday 23 March bus passes for Island bus users who are over 65 will be valid before 9.30am, to help older travellers access supermarkets which have made available early shopping time slots for elderly people. Councillor Ian Ward, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure & Transport said: “The Isle of Wight Council is extremely pleased to have reached agreement with our transport and health partners to extend our support for those residents with bus passes. This will allow them to access the offer from retailers to use their shops early in the morning.”
POST OFFICE | We know how important Post Office branches are to our customers. And we, alongside our postmasters and branch colleagues are doing all that we can to keep our branches open, so that we can continue to provide our products and services to you and your communities. At the moment, the majority of our branches are open as usual and our supply chain is running as normal. Our priority is to keep our customers, postmasters and colleagues safe and healthy. We have advised everyone working in our branches to practice good hand hygiene and we ask that our customers do the same, as well as maintaining a sensible distance between other customers and our colleagues. We will keep you updated as the situation evolves. But please rest assured that we are doing everything we can to support our customers, communities, postmasters and colleagues through this challenging time.
ISLE OF WIGHT FOODBANK | It has already been reported that nationally, contributions to Foodbanks are down - what can we do within our communities to help? From Hannah Jones -We have been working hard to balance the amount of volunteers who have quite rightly had to step back but WE ARE STILL OPEN However, how we operate is looking different from previously. Our Foodbanks around the Island are still open and supporting locals in crisis (apart from our Freshwater Cafe). From now, food vouchers will be fulfilled with a pre-packaged food parcel. Depending on how busy we are, there may be a wait for food as we keep up with demand. We have seen an increase in the number of people we are supporting and a definite decrease in food donations too. So we take each day as it comes and do our best at what we can. We will be communication a lot more in the days ahead as we keep up with the changes.
SOUTHERN VECTIS | All of our latest info is available via this link; https://www.islandbuses.info/coronavirus" The main message is that we’re currently still running buses as normal, but we plan to introduce emergency timetables from 6th April, or perhaps the week before. PLEASE keep checking the website for the latest information.
Some useful links for food/meals delivered to your door for those who may be self-isolating… | https://phoenixfrozenfoods.co.uk/ are from East Sussex and have spare delivery slots on the island. https://www.parsleybox.com/ can post cupboard stored meals that are vacuum packed and keep for up to 6 months. medinafoodservice.co.uk are also aoofering deliveries. Also, keep an eye on www.thepriceiswight.co.uk for offers. Brownriggs have said they will be doing deliveries on Mondays and Thursdays. You can order on their website brownriggfarmmeats.co.uk. They do meat, eggs, fresh vegetables and Grace's bread. They have significantly increased their bread order so should have plenty. £15 or more gets a free delivery, under that it is £3. They do lots of pickled and preserved stuff as well that they will add if you ask for it. The Co-op at Rookley will be closing at 8pm rather than 11pm. This is to help the staff keep the service going.
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23 March 2020 20:50
We are, all of us, now officially grounded. Please continue to speak to each other on the telephone,
skype or other system if you can. Particularly telephone others who you know do not have access to the internet.
The helpline number at IWC is 823600 (see below) and a friendly voice at AGE UK IW is waiting for your call on 525282.
I do not know if the new regulations will allow the libraries to open as community hubs.
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Sunday 22 March 11:00 | Please note that I am open to receiving submissions, articles and news for this blog from any source although I retain the option of editing or rejecting anything which is innacurate or unsuitable to the context. Send your content to: news@sandownbaptist.church
Saturday 21 March 12:40 | A new helpline number is now available to support the Island’s most vulnerable residents affected by the coronavirus (Covid-19) self-isolation measures. People who do not have a local network of friends or family to support them while they are self-isolating or social distancing can call (01983) 823600 (seven days a week, 9am-5pm) for support. The helpline has been put in place by the Isle of Wight Council in partnership with the Island’s voluntary networks, including Community Action Isle of Wight, Citizens Advice Isle of Wight and Age UK Isle of Wight, to support those who meet the coronavirus ‘vulnerable’ criteria. Please will you spread the word as widely as possible - perhaps dropping a copy of this information through letterboxes to those in need of the telephone numbers. If you are healthy and able to help by volunteering, please get in touch emailing volunteer@actioniw.org.uk
Saturday 21 March 12:32 | Isle of Wight Libraries will re-open as community support hubs as soon as arrangements can be put in place, working with community partners, to create local hubs enabling residents to safely access the internet or to gather information about council services. When the buildings are community hubs, customers will be asked to keep at home any books they currently have on loan, unless asked for them to be returned, in order to prevent the need for staff to handle them. All due back dates have been extended, and no fines will be accrued during the closure period. Ebooks, eaudiobooks, emagazines and newspapers can be accessed online using your library card.
Saturday 21 March 10:45 | There will be another prayer broadcast on Sunday 22 March at 7pm that will be part of the BUGB participation in the National Day of Prayer and Action we are supporting as part of Churches Together in England along with CYTUN in Wales and churches in Scotland. We are encouraging people to light a candle if they can and join together in praying that the light of Christ would be seen and experienced across the UK and around the world at this time. Catriona Gorton, Minister at Hillhead Baptist Church, Glasgow is leading prayers with our General Secretary Lynn Green. We are using John 8:12, Matthew 5:14-16 and Philippians 2:15b-16a Join via this link
Friday 20 March 22:30 | The Baptist Union have updated their coronavirus page today, organising it into four categories. Please take a look, especially the call to prayer which is in the section headed "Prayer and study resources".
Friday 20 March 12:00 | This is from Jill, it is a link to the newsletter of Carisbrooke Priory It is a good read including an excellent article about Aspire in Ryde. It does also have announcments for upcoming events in May and July. It remains to be seen whether things will have normalised even by July.
Friday 20 March 09:00 | Prayer broadcast 19 March recording Yesterday evening our General Secretary Lynn Green and our President Elect Yinka Oyekan led a time of prayer. 1500 people joined the session. If you missed it and would like to pray into the current situation please watch here
Thursday 19 March 10:25 | I will be publishing the newsheet as this online blog during the current difficulties. It may not look quite the same but please send any news or announcements to news@sandownbaptist.church unfortunately there will not be a paper edition. Please let me know of those members who have no access to the internet and I will see what I can come up with. It may be that someone close can read the latest posts to them over the telephone during regular contacts.
Thursday 19 March 08:55 | The County Press coronavirus upates have useful information every day. I won't repeat what they say, take a look at the County Press
Wednesday 18 March | Church Meeting The current intention is that the church meeting will go ahead on Thursday 19th as planned. It will take place in the church rather than in the hall. Appropriate "distancing" between members will be observed.
Wednesday 18 March | I will be publishing the newsheet as an online blog during the current difficulties. It may not look quite the same but please send any news or announcements to news@sandownbaptist.church unfortunately there will not be a paper edition. Please let me know of those members who have no access to the internet and I will see what I can do. |