Dear Friends

I have this evening received updated advice from the Church of England “House of Bishops Recovery Group” regarding face coverings in services.

"We strongly advise that face coverings should be worn by all those attending a place of worship, including ministers, worshippers, staff, volunteers, contractors and visitors, where there may be other people present."

In light of this advice the Wardens and I would echo the message though it is sad that we must,  I will obviously be wearing a mask to conduct our public worship but due to the restrictions of such face coverings to communication I am unwilling to preach sermons under these conditions.  I believe that to attempt this would lead to a worse outcome than leading services from home where the communication has been clear and understood.

Therefore I propose to continue with our current pattern of blended services at 10:30 but with simply confession & absolution, creed, scripture readings for the day, intercessions and the communion liturgy.  I will pre-record my sermon from home (with the readings repeated) and Premier this on Facebook for around 11:15 to allow us to finish the service in church and give people time to return home.  The balance of the service will be Livestreamed this week to test the sound quality for Livestream watchers.

I would guess that under the above conditions for attending church services many will prefer not to come in person and I completely understand this (not sure I would go!) especially when opportunities for fellowship are limited and we cannot sing in worship.  If this includes you please know that we value you just the same and hope that you are able to continue to connect online.

The planned United Breaks Out events will continue as planned but the same Face covering rules apply.

In the mean time I look forward to being with you on Sunday either in person or online!

Ever yours

Pete

Exemptions

You do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to. This includes:

• young children under the age of 11

• not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability

• if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress

• if you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to

  communicate

• to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others

• to avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you

• to eat or drink, but only if you need to

• to take medication

• if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering

  
  

• There are also scenarios when you are permitted to remove a face covering when asked:

• If asked to do so by shop staff for the purpose of age identification

• If speaking with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound. Some may ask you, either verbally or in writing, to remove a covering to help with communication