Arrangements in place for restarting
Sunday Morning services
A 30-40 min Service Starting at 10.30am from Sunday 13th September 2020.
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Now that churches are able to meet again (at least for now), we would like to take steps towards holding services in line with the latest government guidance. We understand that some people are still apprehensive about mixing with others and many members of our church family still have to self-isolate and are unable to get out.
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For those who are able and wish to attend we are starting a low-key reflective service on this coming Sunday morning with a limited number of people able to attend.
We will still be providing a Sunday message on Facebook and Youtube, so no-one should feel that they are missing out.
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If you would like to attend:
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In order to safely distance we will reduce the number of people in the church at one time. We will operate a booking system, so you will need to let us know beforehand if you want to come so that we can make sure there is a seat available for you.
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To book:
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Please send us a private message on Facebook or
text/call/ WhatsApp 07782 899849
and leave your name and how many seats you require.
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If we need to, we will look at running two services in future weeks.
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Please do not come to the church if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms. These include a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. We would also ask that you do not come on site if you have tested positive in the last 10 days or live in a household with someone who has the virus.
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Here are some of the arrangements we are putting in place to help you feel safe:
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Before you arrive:
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1. Church will be sanitised before the start of the service.
2. Hand sanitiser stations are in place at entrance points.
3. The seating will be arranged so that everyone is suitably spread out to maintain 2m social distancing.
4. The internal church door will be propped open to avoid having to touch surfaces.
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As you arrive:
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1. The Service will start at 10.30am.
2. Please try to arrive between 10.20am and 10.30am.
3. The car park will be as normal – please leave plenty of space between cars when you park.
4. As you approach the building, please keep 2 metres away from those in front of you.
5. If you are not exempt please put on face mask before entering the building and keep it on for the duration of the service only taking it off after you exit the building.
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Once you are inside:
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1. As you enter the building, please use the hand-sanitisers provided in the foyer.
2. Please make your way straight to a seat.
3. Please remain in your seat and do not move around the building unnecessarily.
4. Children are always welcome at our church, but for now they will need to be seated with their family and will not be able to run around the building or outside.
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During the service:
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1. The service will be 30 - 40 mins and will be led from the front. Communal singing is not recommended.
2. Quiet worship music will be played.
3. We will not be able to share communion.
4. It would be helpful if you could give your offerings by bank transfer, but an offering bucket will be placed at the back of church if you wish to give your offering in cash.
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At the end of the service:
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1. At the end of the service, please leave a few at a time to avoid congestion at the exit.
2. Remember to retain at least 2m distance between yourself and other people leaving the building.
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Facilities:
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1. Please keep your distance if you need to queue if the toilets are in use.
2. For the time being Sunday School will not take place.
3. The kitchen and Diner areas will be closed and refreshments will not be available, so if you may need a drink, please bring one with you.
We will be constantly reviewing these measures and will amend them as government guidance changes.
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Other Information:
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In England, face coverings are currently required by law to be worn in shops, supermarkets, indoor transport hubs, indoor shopping centres, banks, building societies, post offices and on public transport. From 8 August, face coverings are also required by law to be worn in a greater number of public indoor settings including places of worship, museums, galleries, cinemas and public libraries.
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There are valid exemptions for some individuals and groups to not wear a face covering in these settings. In particular, those who are leading services or events in a place of worship, and those who assist them (for instance by reading, preaching, or leading prayer) do not always need to wear a face covering, although one should be worn especially if physical distancing cannot be maintained (i.e. distributing consumables) This exemption does not apply to worshippers, who should wear face coverings consistent with the requirements for any other public space.
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If anyone becomes unwell with symptoms of COVID-19 in a place of worship they should go home immediately and be advised to follow the stay at home guidance
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When you do not need to wear a face covering
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In settings where face coverings are required in England, there are some circumstances where people may not be able to wear a face covering. Please be mindful and respectful of such circumstances, noting that some people are less able to wear face coverings, and that the reasons for this may not be visible to others.
This includes (but is not limited to):
· children under the age of 11 (Public Health England do not recommend face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)
· people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
· Employees of indoor settings (or people acting on their behalf, such as someone leading part of a prayer service)
· where putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
· if you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
· if you are delivering a sermon or prayer in a place or worship
Those who have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering should not be routinely asked to give any written evidence of this
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Track and trace
We will record who attends & keep a copy of this for 21 days in line with government track and trace guidance.
Stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection
For most people, COVID-19 will be a mild illness. However, if yo