Solidarity Sunday
You can still come together in prayer for the world
The world is united by an enemy. A virus that is stealing lives and spreading fear. For years to come, we will be remembered for how we responded.
That’s why Christians all over the UK are making a united stand in prayer on Solidarity Sundays.
On Sunday 31 May, churches across the UK came together for Solidarity Sunday, a day set aside to remember the needs of our world, and to hold up in prayer those who are most vulnerable in the Coronavirus pandemic – and those who are responding. Though our church buildings are closed, Solidarity Sunday is about reminding ourselves and each other that there is so much good we can do – through giving, through prayer and through powerful demonstrations of unity. And although 31 May has passed, our longing to stand with those in need has not. By running a Solidarity Sunday service at any time of the year, along with other Baptist churches running services both past and future, we show a hurting world that our prayers and hearts are turned towards those in need as we fight back against the Covid-19 Coronavirus and its devastating effects, together.
You’ll find everything you need to join us for Solidarity Sunday below, including a short video reflection to play or share with your congregation. You’ll also find ready-made sermons recorded for us by inspiring speakers who have each included the two minute video reflection. There’s an informative PowerPoint explaining how BMS World Mission is co-ordinating the global Christian response to the Coronavirus, as well as prayer points for our neighbours around the world. There really is no need to feel you must join in on a specific date or time. You could set aside a time of prayer, tailor a sermon to fit the theme or use the Solidarity Sunday resources as an add-on to a Sunday service you already have planned. The important thing is to remember our neighbours around the world in prayer – and to give your fellowship the opportunity to support them.
It’s really easy to participate. Tailor the content for your church family by selecting the resources that work for you, or use all of them to build an inspiring and encouraging service.
A global pandemic requires a global response. Through BMS you are part of that response. Our God is using all of us to make a difference.
Be part of it by sharing these resources with your church.
Download this video to show in your live or recorded online service.
VIDEOS FOR SOLIDARITY SUNDAY
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This short video provides a snapshot of a worldwide pandemic, and invites us to take our place alongside our global neighbours as we tackle the Coronavirus crisis in countries and contexts as diverse as Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Mozambique and the UK. It also calls the UK Baptist family to respond together in prayer and giving, reminding us that it’s standing together in solidarity that makes us stronger.
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Get an insight into how the Coronavirus pandemic is really impacting our global neighbours, as BMS World Mission workers share snapshots of what life is like for people in Uganda, Chad and Nepal right now.
Stand with the world by sharing this video with your church, and help by praying and giving. (Length: 3 mins 24 secs)
SERMONS FOR SOLIDARITY SUNDAY
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Mark Ord, Director of Mission Training and Hospitality at BMS World Mission, shares a reflection on the book of Acts. He discusses how Luke describes Jesus’ ministry continuing in Acts, reflects on Jesus working with the disciples to broaden their horizons and address how the gifts of the Spirit mean there are new resources for the life of faith. This video also includes the two minute reflection Coronavirus: remember our global neighbours.
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In her reflection from 2 Corinthians 1, BMS World Mission worker Michele Mahon reminds us that it’s from a place of having been comforted in our trials and sufferings that Christians can ‘abound in every good work’. With updates on the particular challenges facing the Mahon family and the city of Iquitos at this time, Michele also draws our attention to the wider needs of our world, with the two minute reflection video, Coronavirus: Remember our global neighbours.
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BMS Team Leader for India Ben Francis leads us through Isaiah 43: 1-2. God knows how tough our pathway is — but we belong to him and we have assurance of his security, presence, and promises. Both of these truths are brought into sharp focus in India where so many have lost their livelihoods, and yet so many are discovering hope in Jesus. This video also includes the two minute reflection Coronavirus: Remember our global neighbours.
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Amie Aitken, pastor of Leslie Baptist Church, Fife, shares her thoughts about what the apostle Paul might have said to the UK Church at this time, drawing inspiration from his first letter to the Thessalonians. This video includes the two minute reflection Coronavirus: remember our global neighbours.
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How can the experiences of the early Church help us as we live through this time of lockdown? In this special Pentecost talk, former BMS World Mission medical workers Steve and Ismay Green draw our attention to the radical generosity of early believers, and what we can do to share signs of the kingdom of God today. Share this encouraging message in your online service on 31 May and join with Christians across the country by praying for the world.
PRAYER RESOURCES FOR SOLIDARITY SUNDAY
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This informative PowerPoint explains how BMS World Mission is co-ordinating the global Christian response to the Coronavirus, as well as prayer points for our neighbours around the world.
Download and use copyright free in your live or recorded online service, on Solidarity Sunday (31 May 2020) or at any other time.
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Download and share this sheet of prayer points ready for Solidarity Sunday.
THANK YOU VIDEO
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You and your church are amazing. Thank you for standing with your global neighbours by taking part in Solidarity Sunday and praying for the world. Meet some of the frontline workers you have supported by sharing this video with your church.
