THE Leadership of Crediton Methodist Church was saddened to have to cancel all meetings, activities and services to be held in the church because of the restrictions around the Coronavirus pandemic.

A banner has now been hung outside the church to say the building is closed but the church is still active.

On Sunday morning (March 29), almost 50 people gathered for a service led by our Minister Rev Ann Varker on the web.

As well as members of Crediton Methodist Church, friends from Cheriton Fitzpaine and Tedburn St Mary Methodist Churches joined the gathering.

People were watching on computers, tablets, smart phones and even listening on land line telephones; thanks go to the AV team at the church for making this technology possible.

The theme of the service this week was “Stay at Home”.

Ann reminded us of the important instructions given to us by the Prime Minister and the dilemma that poses to us as Christians.

With the words of John Wesley, “there is no such thing as a solitary Christian’’, we were reminded that he formed “classes”, small groups where Christians could meet together for prayer, study and to care for each other.

Ann asked us to consider how we could continue to support one another at a time when we could not meet.

Ann looked at a sentence from the Letter to the Hebrews read from Eugene Petersons’ The Message: “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshipping as some do, but spurring each other on.”

In these unprecedented circumstances modern technology has enabled us to be inventive in how we worship.

In addition, we are all able to use our telephones to check others are safe and well, to offer practical and spiritual support.

A challenge had been issued to families connected to the church earlier in the week to make a lighthouse.

During worship pictures were shown of lighthouses made from Lego, cardboard boxes, junk and even cakes.

We sang the song “My Lighthouse” which contains the line “I will trust the promise – you will carry me safe to shore”.

One of the families talked about their lighthouse and, when asked why that song might help us right now, explained: “It can help us through the storms, like the whole coronavirus business … Jesus can help us get through it”.

If anyone wishes to join in next Sunday’s service at 10.30am please get in contact with: [email protected] .

The church is offering support and help with shopping to anyone who is self-isolating. If you need help, please contact us via the church website or by telephoning 01363 777308.

Bronwyn Nott