"As their Pastor I am being challenged to care for the flock in a completely new way" 

Cathy Buntin leads Laird Street Baptist Church in Birkenhead. She shares how she and her fellowship have been adapting 

When our fellowship at Laird Street Baptist met on Sunday 15 March we encouraged one another with the beautiful words from Psalm 91, reminding ourselves of these wonderful promises from Scripture that whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

As their Pastor I am being challenged to care for the flock in a completely new way, and especially those who are elderly and don't have technology.  I have been amazed as to how we as a small fellowship have helped and encouraged one another during these times. 

Prior to the news the Deacons had decided to set up a Whatsapp church group so we could connect with each other for prayer requests. Now in the light of all that is happening we are now sending each other verses of encouraging scriptures, worship songs, and I have been able to send them links to the Baptist Union prayer recordings. It has all helped us to still be connected even though we can't meet together. 

Being a small church we don't have the technology that other churches have to streamline our services, but another member has set up a website whereby we can post messages of comfort and encouragement. 

We are beginning to see the changing face of church today.  Sadly we have had to cancel four baptisms that were going to be on Easter Sunday and cancel the children from our local Primary School joining with us for Easter Experience.

Let us remember in this difficult and changing world that God is still sovereign, and it is His world and He still cares.  Let us rise up to the new challenges and look for opportunities to embrace the opportunity to share the Gospel message with the hurting, the sick, the lonely, the bereaved. Thank God for the technology that we have today to post messages of hope and comfort to combat the fear that is out there with the love, comfort and peace of a loving Saviour Jesus. 

Cathy Buntin is the minister of Laird Street Baptist Church, Birkenhead

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