Our churches remain open for public worship
Pleasingly, and somewhat surprisingly, communal worship can continue (in England at least). See the Government guidance here: LINK and the Church of England's response here: LINK
So although many other spheres of life are locking down again, Sunday services are still permitted, and can happen broadly under the same circumstances in place from the beginning of December 2020.
One reason for the continued allowance of Sunday services is that only 47 Covid cases so far in England have in some way been linked to places of worship since March 2020... a tiny tiny proportion.
So having consulted the church wardens, we will be continuing with Sunday services in the usual pattern across our churches. Honeychurch being such a small building may be the exception. We'll review the situation for St Mary's in February.
However, there will be no other non-service related church gatherings (home groups, prayer groups, choir rehearsals, PCC meetings etc) until further notice.
We are planning to still offer Be Still at Sampford Courtenay later this month, as this is a service of public worship. And we may do a North Tawton version too.
For those that wish to attend Sunday services in person, we must reiterate all the Covid-safe measures that have worked so successfully thus far...
· Hands, Face, Space... choir/band only permitted to sing indoors.
· Bread only at communion.
· Funerals limited to 30 people.
· Ordinary services carry no limits on capacity, as long as social distancing is maintained.
· Face-coverings should be worn.
So, there is something really important that each of you can do to make sure we can continue as safely as possible.... Please read the attached "Information for the Congregation".
We have also prepared the following "Public Information Film" based on the attached information. Please either read the attached information or watch the video, or both. Please also read the additional information below regarding face coverings and note there is no congregational singing until further notice other than for out-of-doors events.
We fully understand that some will feel the need to stay away from services in church, perhaps now including some who have been coming in recent weeks too.
Just because we continue to offer in-person worship doesn't mean you should feel undue pressure to be there.
Having said that though, we would not be offering services at all if we did not think they were as safe as possible.
In the meantime, remember...
....perspective and prayer, hope and holiness...
Do stay in touch.
Yours,
Rev'd Nick Weldon
The Rectory
Essington
North Tawton
Devon. EX20 2EX
t. 01837 880183
m. 07970 984190