The last two years was the first time in the Union of Welsh Independents (UWI)’s history with chapels closed for extended periods of time, breaking the link between buildings and their congregations, said the UWI General Secretary Rev. Dyfrig Rees in his New Year’s Message. However, the way ministers and congregations rose to the challenge to use virtual means to hold services “created a new dynamic and re-energised churches”. For example, a pre-recorded Welsh language church service attracted higher viewership, even after pandemic restrictions eased.
In Rev. Rees’ message, he also repeated the invitation to tap into the Innovation and Investment Fund, reminding them that the church is a body of believers, not merely a building. While developing a stronger online presence, it enables congregations to explore innovative ways to extend the use of their buildings in the community. He expressed his belief that for some churches, 2022 heralds the start of a new era of embracing a new, exciting approach to practising Christian faith amongst the congregation and in the community.
Read the full message at https://annibynwyr.org/the-general-secretarys-new-years-message/