Dear sisters and brothers, whanau, beloved in Jesus Christ,

Day 1 of a national “lock down”. An extreme and urgent request from our national leaders made to keep each other safe. And as the church I see we have a responsibility and need to observe this and to keep it and to encourage others to as well.

We are blessed by being part of a nation that is governed by “consent” rather than oppression, and I thank God for this opportunity to serve each other, and to wait…

Noah and his immediate family – bubble if you like – were shut into the ark, and had to wait for the waters to come and then to subside. And as they waited God was with them.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, on receiving the news that she was pregnant went and stayed with her relative Elizabeth – who was herself in seclusion. Two godly women trying to get a handle on what was happening to them, and I guess, realising that these pregnancies, and the lives of their offspring, was to have far wider implications. As they waited together, apart from others, they came to some understanding how that playing their part was to make a difference for the whole world.

Jacinda Ardern was asked if she had a word that summed up her feeling at the start of this lock-down: and she said “hope”. Which is of course one of the foundation blocks of our faith – we are to be people of hope.

I have been so encouraged by those who are able to join together in the many different ways that technology allows –   daily Morning and Evening Prayer by Zoom, pre-recorded services on Facebook and Youtube, daily phone calls and letters  (see this link for opportunities to connect in this way).

Let’s care for each other, and use this time to wait on God – with hope in our hearts.

With my love and prayers

+Steven