St John’s services and St Mary’s services (29th September update)
Sunday services at St. Mary’s
Sadly, St. Mary’s still cannot be safely opened for public worship in compliance with the current guidelines but I am delighted that we have re-started broadcasting a morning communion service online from St Mary’s at 9am each Sunday. Follow the link to our Facebook page to join us live or on delayed viewing.
Sunday services at St. John’s
We have held a number of 11am communion services on Sundays at St. John’s. These have been very much enjoyed by those who have been able to attend, despite being for a limited number of people and subject to restrictions to ensure safety. If you would like to join us for a future Sunday it is necessary to book in advance so that seats can be arranged and allocated to individuals and households. We have now tried to make this a little easier to do (please see “How to book” below). I apologise for any inconvenience but I assure you that we are only doing what we have to do to comply with government regulations and to keep you safe! We do hope that you will want to join us for worship.
What will happen in the service?
The service will be a spoken service of Holy Communion. We will use the words that we usually use at a St. John’s communion service. The distribution of communion will be of the bread only and will be done differently from our normal practice (this will be explained at the service). There will be a sermon and prayers but, sadly, we are not yet permitted to sing. Children are welcome to attend as members of a household but we regret that, as yet, we will not be able to make any special provision for them and they will have to stay in their designated seats. (We are very sorry not to be able to offer more for children but please do use the wonderful St. John’s Kids sessions available on our website!).
How to book:
Please book by email to cchopkinson@aol.com during the week but before the weekend of the Sunday when you wish to attend. Alternatively telephone 01268 542156 and leave a message, stating your name and phone number very clearly! Places will be limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis (but priority will be given in future weeks to any who are unable to get a place for a particular Sunday).
Restrictions.
We do hope that you will want to book in and join us but please be aware of the following restrictions:
- You cannot attend if you or anyone else in your party have had or are having any symptoms.
- People who are designated in the government’s vulnerable group are strongly advised not to attend.
- Whilst we are doing everything we can to make the church COVID secure and therefore as safe as is practicable, we must advise anyone over 70 years of age that it is an increased risk for them to attend and you must consider this risk when deciding to attend.
- It is now mandatory (by law) for all those people attending worship to wear a mask and all members of your household must remember to bring a face mask with them. We cannot allow anyone in the building who is not wearing a mask.
- Contact details will be stored and, if required, made available to the government Track and Trace system. All details will be held according to GDPR and you will be asked to sign consent to this upon arrival.
We are very sorry that we are unable to offer more in our churches at this time and we hope that it will soon be possible to gather together more freely for worship and fellowship. In the meantime, I want to pay tribute to all those in our community who have been offering support to one another during lockdown and to invite you once again to make use of the various resources and opportunities for fellowship offered through our website at www.langdonhills.net.
Rev. Colin Hopkinson
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