SERVICES UPDATE; FROM THE VICAR AND CHURCHWARDENS

As there are signs of optimism that the vaccine rollout combined with this third lockdown are having an impact on reducing the rate of spread of the Covid-19 virus, the PCC has considered how we may bring some services back to Church whilst recognising the need to continue to provide Zoom services.  The PCC feel this will be best achieved by taking small steps.

So, at first, we will try a hybrid model whereby a service takes place in Church that is also broadcast live via Zoom, with a small number of people physically present in Church and others present on Zoom.

The plan for our 9.30am Sunday services is:

  • 28 February, 7 March, 14 March and 21 March – Zoom only;
  • 28 March (Palm Sunday) – Zoom only – consisting of a Sunday Club Easter drama followed by a short communion service streamed live from Church;
  • 4 April (Easter Day) – All Age communion hybrid service in Church for a maximum of 24 attendees with the remainder participating on Zoom;
  • 11 April onwards – hybrid services in Church and on Zoom.

The plan for our 8am Sunday services is to restart these in Church from 11 April. We are looking at whether we can restart these earlier than this date and will let you know if this is possible.

We are pleased to announce that we are hosting a hybrid Church/on Zoom Team Maundy Thursday service (1 April) at 7.30pm. This will be a communion service. There will places for 8 people from each Church and we will be asking people to register if they wish to attend in the building. Please do give priority to those who cannot access worship via Zoom if possible. If there is more interest than the 8 places available then we will put names on a waiting list.

Wednesday Compline services at 8pm will continue on Zoom.

We feel that the pattern of services outlined above will enable us to start moving back into the building whilst also allowing everyone to participate in the service. We will continue to follow Church of England and Government guidelines on Covid safety, as we did before. We thank you for your understanding and support as we strive to facilitate worship in a safe and inclusive manner.

Revd Andy, Rachel and Alison