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Norfolk churches set to keep worship and prayer alive 

Churches across Norfolk are responding to the developing Coronavirus crisis by pledging to keep their church communities going, despite many of them closing for public services because of government guidelines.

All Anglican, Baptist, Methodist and Catholic churches across Norfolk have closed their doors for public worship in line with government guidelines while several independent churches are keeping their doors open for the moment.
 
These include The Christian Fellowship Norwich and Open Door Christian Fellowship in Eaton.

Open Door has leafleted the neighbourhood offering help with shopping, medicine collection etc, and said their Sunday Service will continue as normal. Services take place at 11am at Ramsey Close, Norwich, NR4 7BQ. Phone: 01603 465309 or email: TODCFPastor@gmail.com
 
Christian Fellowship leader, Clare Elkins, said: “We are planning on keeping going unless the government shuts us down. We are just looking to be the church for the people in a community that is very afraid.

“Currently our day centre is still open and well attended and we have had families writing in to say thank you so much because mum and dad just need somewhere to go. We are keeping our children’s clubs running. We will try to get meals to children at home if we need to and we will always keep foodbank going while there is a need.

“If we are shut down we will stay in contact with people to see if we can help with the shopping, getting medicine, walking the dog or just keeping an eye on them.”
 
Norwich Central Baptist Church (NCBC) has cancelled all Sunday services and all meetings at St Mary’s and Mousehold Hub. The church building will continue to be open to necessary community support groups: Foodbank, the 12 step groups, 4women. The church will be going ahead with a week of 24/7 prayer at the start of April that was already planned, with people praying in their own homes.
 
Gateway Vineyard church in Norwich are stopping their Sunday services and life groups meeting in person but will be broadcasting worship and teaching online and encouraging small groups to meet virtually.
 
Sheringham – Lighthouse Community Church, will be meeting for a short time of prayer at 10.15am in the church car park on Sunday March 22. Those who wish to remain in their car may do so. They hope to repeat this on Sunday March 29, then possibly move into home-based small groups in April.
 
Network Norfolk publisher, Keith Morris, said: “Keeping communications and connections going during this difficult period is really important and we are here to help everyone in the Christian community do just that.
 
“So please let us know of your new arrangements for doing church and initiatives that you are launching and we will publish them online.”

Pictured top is worship at The Christian Fellowship Norwich. Picture courtesy of TCFN.