A message from Andy and our churchwardens about re-opening St Saviour’s
You will be aware that the Government is beginning to relax the restrictions on churches being open. There are more than 35 pages of Guidelines with respect to opening of churches for Public Worship. These guidelines include
handwashing or sanitising on entry; social distancing of two metres (hence numbers attending would be limited to between 30-40); no singing; and Communion in a different way. How do you think these conditions would affect all of us in our desires to re-open St Saviour’s for Public Worship?
Furthermore, these Guidelines include advice to our over-70s and ‘shielded’ members to not attend Public Worship at present, although the
decision is left with the individual.
In addition, many of our younger adults are working in high risk areas. These people would be devastated if they passed the virus inadvertently to our older and more vulnerable members of the congregation. Since, we are not able to worship together as a whole congregation at present, we suggest that we don’t re-open for Public Worship at this time. But what about meeting in the church grounds?Unfortunately, services in our church grounds are subject to the same guidelines as in church buildings.
Hence, we are thinking that it is best not to re-open the church for Public Worship at this time. We will review this situation as and when guidelines change, and formally at a PCC meeting in September. But please, we would value questions and comments about this matter, which you can make via email (or letter) to the office, as the decision is not set in stone!
We are intending to continue our online worship services and introducing a greater variety of services. Why not watch a more formal Holy Communion service in the ‘9 am style’ on Sunday (led by Kelvin), as well as Messy Church services led by Caz, or youth events led by Jez.
In addition, for those that want to, we are thinking about meeting up via Zoom for ‘Fellowship on Sunday’ whilst drinking coffee in your own home
after our online Sunday morning service at say 11.45 am. Do let the office know if you would be interested in this.
We have made strenuous efforts to enable people to connect to these services, and those unable to do so receive a DVD or CD, as appropriate.
If you are aware of anyone having difficulties connecting, please let the office know. Similarly, if you have any thoughts about these matters,
please email the office.
In addition, we are planning to open the church for special ceremonies such as funerals and weddings, with numbers strictly limited to 30.
Furthermore, it is possible, by prior arrangement, to welcome individuals or small family groups into St Saviour’s for a time of prayer or peaceful
reflection, especially for those who are bereaved and wanting to say some prayers. If you or someone you know would like to avail themselves
of this provision, please telephone 01202 425978 or email the office at office@stsaviours.net.
God bless
Andy McPherson, vicar, and the churchwardens
