Today, with my Circuit Administrator hat firmly on my head, I have been writing to the local churches to give the stewards the arrangements for the Sunday in July when only three churches in the Circuit will be open for worship and the other churches will remain closed.
The idea is that there will be three different types of service, one traditional, one reflective and one all age praise service. Hopefully something for everyone. Transport will be arranged to ensure that no-one is unable to attend one of the churches.
This will be a challenge to many of the congregation. Many members think that it is their "right" to worship at their local church, that every church is entitled to have a preacher in the pulpit every Sunday (regardless of the fact that there may only be four or five regularly in the congregation)
We must stop thinking that we have always done things a certain way, so no other way will do. We must be prepared to embrace change and consider the future and the way ahead.
Some people have already indicated that they will not be travelling to another church to worship on this particular day. One or two churches have asked if they can ignore the three planned services and open as usual - and have been told that they may not.
I think we should all remember that each church is part of a wider church family that embraces Circuit, District and Connexion and welcome the opportunity to meet new people and experience different styles of worship. It is all about relationship and grace.