As things stand, this May the churches of All Saints’ Madeley and St. Margaret’s Betley will return to public worship within the church buildings. St. Margaret’s is returning to public worship on the 2nd of May. All Saints’ is returning to public worship on Pentecost – Sunday 23rd of May. This is exciting news indeed, though our excitement might be tempered a little by knowing that there will still be some restrictions in place and also that should a third wave of Covid-19 strike, we, along with churches across the nation, may have to reassess the situation again.
It’s also important to recognise that throughout the pandemic, the church buildings have been open. St. Margaret’s has been open for private prayer. All Saints’ has been open to host the Foodbank. Funerals have been happening in both buildings, and back in March, All Saints’ was featured on the national news as we hosted one of the first weddings since restrictions eased.
It’s a cliché to say it – but that’s because it is true – the church is much more than the building. The churches haven’t been closed, the church buildings have been closed for public worship, and we as ministry teams and congregations have had to try and stay connected with people. We’ve had to continually reassess how we go about the work of being the church – because ultimately, that is what we are. We are the church – again, another cliché, but again –it’s because it is true. Even if one day our beautiful Grade One listed buildings collapsed, we would still be the church.
As the church, let us continue to play our part in supporting our communities, helping them to thrive and also, let us never lose sight of our vocation to point people towards Jesus.
Blessings
Rev Tim
