Covid 19 has been described as, "the worst public health crisis for our generation". It isn't a case of if people in Coventry Vineyard get it, but when. This is a quickly developing situation and all updates will be placed here and on our Facebook Page. In order to reduce the number of deaths in our community we are all being asked to avoid "non-essential" travel and contact with others. 

Therefore, for the time being we will not be joining together as a church for our Sunday Morning Gathering and other face to face meetings.

Church has always been the people, our community, and we have the responsibility of being your pastors in this challenging time. The current situation will get worse before it gets better and we want to do all that we can to protect those in our care and in the wider community. -Nick & Vicki Sutton

We need to respond. But we need to not respond out of fear. We need to respond out of love. You are likely to have some questions, so below we set out how we all as a church community will respond:

Coventry Vineyard is increasing precautions to ensure the health of our church family, especially the most vulnerable in our community, as well as those in our families and neighbourhoods. 

Our Response:

1. We will not be having any physical gatherings of any size in Coventry Vineyard from now until further notice. This includes our Sunday Morning Gathering, Life Groups, Youth group, Neighbourhood Sundays and Journey Groups. This Sunday we will be meeting virtually with a live stream through Facebook Live.
   
2. Join us (online) for breakfast or brunch from 10:30am. This will be recorded and posted online. Do not come to Sidney Stringer Academy!
3. Where possible, Life Groups will continue to meet online. Please contact your life group leaders to find out more. Contact them or vicki@coventryvineyard.org.uk to be connected with a group.
4. If you are self-isolating due to concerns/symptoms of having Covid-19, or have underlying health concerns, please let your Neighbourhood Leader or Life Group leader know so we can be praying for you and you would know that even though you are isolated you are not alone.
5. If you are feeling particularly anxious and could do with someone to talk with then please get in touch with your Neighbourhood Leaders, Life Group leaders or us. There is also a new Facebook Page where you can ask for prayer and support others during this time.
6. As many of you are already doing, this is also an opportunity to support & love our neighbours. However, please be wise in how you do this and minimise the risk of spreading any virus that you may unknowingly be carrying.
7. We are working with our kids team to provide resources for families at this time and to help the young people and children in our community navigate this difficult situation.
8. Until told otherwise, we are encouraged to still get out and enjoy some fresh air (as long as we are two metres from one another).
   
9. Staff will work at home where possible, but FaceTime, Skype or other chat media can be used. All face to face meetings should be kept to a minimum- this will include no visiting people who are self-isolating and no hospital visits.All of these measures have been decided upon following advice from health proffesionals and to reduce and delay the spreading of the Covid 19 virus, especially to the elderly and those with poor health in our community.

​As you will appreciate the situation is developing rapidly so please check your emails for any additional updates or email vicki@coventryvineyard.org.uk if you have any questions, comments or thoughts.​ 

Some practical steps you can make at this time...

Please pray for:

• Wisdom for all leaders and advisors in the world during this time
• Healthcare workers and teams as they care for the sick and for those working on a vaccine. 
• Your neighbours and community,  for those who are isolated, lonely or fearful 
• The sick and those who are at higher risk; Pray for our health care workers
  
• Your church, Coventry Vineyard, that we, along with every other church might be a non-anxious presence, a place of refuge and support in times of trouble.
  

Please be aware of those in your own street or neighbourhood that may be particularly vulnerable or have chosen to self isolate, for example, asking an elderly neighbour if they need anything from the shops is a great way to express love in a very practical way. 

Thank you for your prayers and understanding at this time. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page and email for further updates.