Return to In-Church Worship from 10th May 2021
Dear all,
As per the lifting of government restrictions with regard to COVID-19, we may return to in-church worship from today.
Both select vestries have met and have discussed how best, we, as a group of parishes, can provide worship in our two churches, and also for those who will be joining online, conscious that some will not feel able to return to church until a higher percentage of the population is vaccinated and/or until there is a significant decrease in the possibility of contagion. Along with that, further lifting of restrictions and/or alterations to social distancing requirements may lead to a further review. However, until such changes arise, it was agreed by both select vestries that the pattern of services that we have used when allowed to have in-church worship during the coronavirus pandemic should continue, namely a celebration of Holy Communion at 8.30 in St Thomas’ Church and an united service (uniting the 10.00 and 11.30 services) at 10.30 in St Philip and St James’ Church. The 10.30 service will be live-streamed each Sunday on our parishes’ youtube page and our parishes’ website. The select vestries will review the situation at the end of August.
Given the current situation, it may not be possible to get someone to cover services when I am away and if that is the case, there will be no 8.30 service and I will pre-record the 10.30 service which will be broadcast at 10.30 on the Sunday morning. You will be informed if this arises.
Please note the following:
1. Each person attending a service must provide their name and contact details – see attached form. This is required for each service that you attend. The details will be held for 28 days and will be passed onto the authorities for Contact Tracing purposes should an attendee at a service that you are at, be diagnosed with COVID-19. Otherwise, after 28 days, the contact details will be destroyed.
2. Please do not attend a service if you have been a close contact of anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the previous 14 days, or if you have been in contact with someone in the previous 14 days who is awaiting the results of a test.
3. Please do not attend a service if you are feeling unwell.
4. Please sanitise your hands on entering and exiting the church.
5. Please only sit where there is a yellow seating sign facing you.
6. Those attending the 8.30 Holy Communion Service in St Thomas’ Church on a Sunday morning are to book in by 12.00 the day before (Saturday).
The important thing is that everyone stays well and stays safe, and does what is appropriate for them. It may be that you should consult with your GP before returning to an indoor gathering such as worship.
Stay well and stay safe.
Gillian