Kia ora koutou, Laidlaw whānau,

These past 24 hours I’ve been reminded of the story of Jesus sleeping amidst the storm on the Sea of Galilee (Matt 8; Mark 4).

I don’t know how you are feeling with the news of the past day, but it has certainly felt at times like a storm raging around. 

Christ’s resting amidst the chaos, and His response to His disciples – ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ – is a vivid picture of God’s sovereignty and goodness to us amidst uncertainty. 

Whatever you are feeling today, my prayer is that you will know Christ as source and centre, as we seek as a College community (gathered and scattered) to continue to encourage each other in faith and faithfulness.

What comes next?

We are closely watching the situation as it develops. Last semester’s lockdown required a blanket response. We hope to be able to adapt our College learning and community life to the changing situation this semester, alert level rules permitting.

Please prioritise looking after yourself and your loved ones. If you are unwell, please notify us by emailing [email protected]

Updates on campuses are posted at: https://www.laidlaw.ac.nz/covid19

In the meantime:

Learning continues

All students should receive an email on Friday afternoon (when we expect to know more about alert levels going nationwide going forward) from their programme leadership about what the coming weeks will look like.

Our regular learning support is online. For example, you can join tonight’s Tutorial on Referencing and Zotero with the masterful Phil Cope via our Laidlaw College Community Facebook Group 

Worship and prayer continues

Our Thursday morning worship has moved back online. Join us tomorrow at 9.00-9.30am for the livestream on the Laidlaw College Community Facebook group.

Community continues

We are returning to online chapels, starting tomorrow at 12.30. Our theme is Exile (appropriately). Everyone who is connected to the Laidlaw community is welcome (including your bubble). The event and zoom link are in our Laidlaw College Community Facebook Group

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear...

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall...

Psalm 46 

Ngā mihi,
Roshan