Dear Church Family,

As the UK enters this new lockdown set to last for the coming weeks we want to assure you that the HT Church leadership and staff will be praying and seeking to serve you in some very practical ways. We are very conscious that for many in our community these next few weeks will be a great challenge for many different reasons.

This letter seeks to inform and communicate clearly how HT will be looking to navigate this current season of lockdown.

Pastoral Care - Let me say from the outset that if you have any practical need or would like to connect with one of the Pastors or a members of staff for whatever reason, then please do contact us here at the Church office – we want to hear from you.

Church services on a Sunday – We are sad to announce that from Sunday 10th of January HT will not be open for people to attend church physically. After much careful thought, prayer and consideration, the Leadership Team believe that in the interests of health and safety it would be wise not to put individuals and families at risk by gathering together in a Church setting. We will monitor this situation week by week and when we believe it is safe to commence open services, we will let you know.

HT Live Stream – From Sunday 10th January live stream services will continue as normal at 10.30am. Please do join us for collective worship.

Those without internet access – For the folk in the HT community who do not have access to the internet we will be sending out each week a copy of the Sunday service on DVD…We want to make sure that as many people as possible have access to the service in some way.

Regular updates - Each week will be sending out regular updates to the Church community via email (post for those without email access) as communication will be key over the coming weeks.

Creative opportunities for fellowship and encounter – From the week commencing Monday 11 January there will be a number of new initiatives being launched aimed at engaging every age group in our Church. From youth gatherings on zoom, Children's activities; an opportunity each week for parents to socially gather for support; a new weekly keep fit class!!; creative bible studies; prayer gatherings and an array of other initiatives designed to keep the HT community engaged in these challenging times….In these difficult times it is important to stay connected.

Connect with one another - Let me encourage you to connect with one another by writing letters of encouragement; sending both emails and texts. There is nothing quite like receiving a letter or a small parcel in the post so try to be creative in your communication. Random acts of kindness can be a lifeline as well as being a great encouragement, so again let me ask you to excel in your creative generosity over the coming weeks

Small Groups - If you are in a small group can I ask you to continue to meet regularly as this support is vital. If you are not currently in a small group then this would be a perfect time to join….just contact Pastor Neil who would be delighted to chat and connect you.

We will be in contact again next week with a schedule of all the different events and activities that will be taking place during this next season. Be assured that we are praying and standing with you at this challenging time.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Every Blessing


Pastor Steve