OUR CHURCHES ARE OPEN FOR SUNDAY SERVICES

St Mary Magdalene, St Lawrence and St Nicolas will remain with the socially distanced seating in place.  All Saints and St Mary’s will remove some of the social distancing signs leaving an area (near the back) for those who would still rather remain socially distanced from others. 

FACE COVERINGS

Please note this quote from the C of E guidance: we will invite, though we cannot compel, parishioners to continue to wear face coverings.

“Although it will no longer be a legal requirement to wear a face covering, the government has stated that it ‘expects and recommends’ that people wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed settings to protect themselves and others”.

SINGING

The congregations will once again be able to sing hymns during our services, which we know will be welcomed by many.  We can now use hymn books again too.

Please note this quote from the C of E guidance:

“Can we sing and perform music in church?

Yes, from 19 July singing and musical performances of all kinds are allowed in churches, including congregational singing, and choirs and worship groups can perform without legal limitations.

However, some activities can also increase the risk of catching or passing on coronavirus.  This happens where people are doing activities which generate more particles as they breathe heavily, such as singing or raising their voices.  The risk is greatest where these activities take place when people are in close contact with others indoors, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.  In these situations where there is a higher risk of catching or passing on the virus, we advise additional precautions should be considered.

Precautions to reduce transmission of the virus can include improving ventilation, using a larger space, reducing the number of participants, shortening the duration of activity and wearing face coverings.”

ADMINISTRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION

For the current time, this will remain as it has been, with those churches that have been intincting the bread as now. The Priest distributing Holy Communion will continue to wear a mask while doing so.

At All Saints only the chalice will be offered but it is not compulsory and it is entirely your personal choice to receive in one or both kinds.  The minister of the chalice will be stood a distance from the celebrant.

REFRESHMENTS

There being no restrictions on serving food and drink, we will once again be able to offer refreshments after our services. 

See quote from the C of E guidance:

“Can we provide food and drink?

Yes, there are no longer any restrictions on serving food and drink, and people no longer have to be seated in their households or bubbles to eat and drink.  You should still consider ways to protect those doing the serving and washing up, such as providing gloves and appropriate cleaning materials.  Government guidance that face coverings are expected and recommended in crowded and close-contact settings should be taken into account.”

TEST AND TRACE

We will continue to display the NHS QR code and ask people to sign a sheet on entry to church.

Please see quote from the C of E guidance:

“The government is asking that venues do continue to ask people to register for venue check in (the QR code) as it will continue to form one of the main ways of them identifying people who may have been exposed to coronavirus.  Testing, contact tracing and self-isolation will remain in place as key protections against the virus – including the need to self-isolate if you are a contact of someone who test positive.  That requirement will be lifted for double-vaccinated people and under 18’s on 16th August.”

As we continue to meet together, please be aware that there are likely to be people who will be uncomfortable standing close to others who they don’t live with, for a variety of reasons.  Please therefore do not be offended if they move away from you while at a service – they will have their reasons, i.e. undergoing hospital treatment, waiting for a hospital treatment, caring for someone who is clinically vulnerable.

THE PEACE

The Peace should still be shared in a way that does not involve touching. 

Our Churches will continue to update Risk Assessments as required.

The situation is changing rapidly on a day to day basis and we have many outlets for information, therefore please refer to this page in the first instance for the latest information.  You can view our latest news sheet online and also sign up to our mailing list.

Our services and events - we are open for Sunday services and also for Individual Private Prayer during the week

The North Cheltenham Team Ministry is following current Church of England advice which can be found by clicking here.

 Our Churches are open for Private Prayer as follows: 

St Mary’s Church - Monday to Saturday from 9.00 am until 4.00 pm

All Saints Church, Pittville  - Saturdays from 10.00 am until 12.00 noon

 St Lawrence Church - Wednesdays from 10.00 am – 12.00 noon

All our online services can be viewed by visiting our YouTube channel or Facebook page.

Keeping in touch

We now have the ability to send out messages via WhatsApp - Please add "01242 244 373" to your phone book. Send a WhatsApp message giving your full name NOTE this only currently works for WhatsApp - not text messages and don't forget to join our email mailing list.