Covid-19

Updated: 29th July 2022

We are continuing to take sensible precautions

After discussions within our congregation, we wish to make things as safe and welcoming as we can for everyone. To accommodate the needs of those more vulnerable than others, some considered mitigations will continue to be in place.

The wearing of masks is no longer mandatory, including for singing.  We shall ensure that ventilation is good by keeping doors open to the extent indicated by our air quality monitors and the Health and Safety Executive. As the weather turns towards Autumn, please wear warm clothing because we may not be able to maintain even the usual levels of heating. You may also wish to sit well away from doors, which will inevitably attract a through draught.

Our decision to re-start taking both bead and wine in Holy Communion services has been welcomed. It was a collective decision to do this by intinction; which means that the communion wafers will be dipped in the wine before being given: this will be done by the minister celebrating the Communion in order to minimise cross infection. Similarly, the minister will use either tongs or a glove and will take a lateral flow test on the day of the service.

We offer gluten-free wafers at every Communion service and so we shall dip these in a different wine chalice to the wheat-based ones.

Our Anna Chaplains will take Communion wafers to people’s homes that have been intincted in a similar way. They will take a lateral flow test before visiting homes, and wear a mask on request.

Within the Church we believe that everyone is known and loved individually by God and that as many members within one body we are called to be responsible to and for one another, respecting the more vulnerable whose suffering is our suffering.

1 Cor 12:12-27