Hello folks
Here is an update to the guidance for meeting in services of worship safely.
In light of the latest formal guidance from our Presbyterian Church in Ireland, I am informing you that from Sunday 30th August we will be required to wear face coverings at all services of worship, along with the ongoing maintenance of 2 metre physical distancing.
If it is possible, we would indeed encourage you to wear face coverings from this Sunday 23rd August.
We would encourage you to please bring your own face coverings.
Obviously anyone who is exempted from wearing face coverings will not be required to wear them.
The full statement from the church can be found on the PCI website. www.presbyterianireland.org
Thank you for your cooperation.
I look forward to seeing many of you on Sunday
Mervyn Lindsay
Our church will be open again for public worship on Sunday 9th August.
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Update on the recommencement of Divine worship services in the Church.
As a result of the government’s changes to lockdown rules the Kirk Session has decided to recommence Sunday services of worship on Sunday 9th August 2020 at 10.30am, DV.
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We praise God for preserving our congregation in these times of tribulation. We look back over the weeks of lockdown and say, “great is Your faithfulness”.
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We look forward to the resumption of public worship on Sundays but are aware that not everyone will be able to return as yet – nor are we suggesting that everyone ought to do so.
The current pandemic has not ended and we need to move forward with care and wisdom.
Kirk Session will be endeavouring to ensure a safe return to corporate worship services.
If you are displaying any of the symptoms of Covid-19 or think you have come into contact with someone who may have the virus we would appeal to you not to attend these services, and to follow government medical guidance.
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When you attend the services, you will be expected to follow the guidance of the stewards regarding seating arrangements, etc. The stewards are there to help you.
Compliance with social distancing means that we must re-arrange our seating plan. Please don’t expect to be able to sit in your usual pew.
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Please plan to arrive early, if possible. We will be implementing the government’s social distancing guidance (currently 2 metres). Only those from the same household/bubble may sit together.
In this regard, while social distancing restrictions are in place, it would be helpful if you could text or leave a voicemail at 07395511487 or let an elder know by 1.00pm on Saturday each week, if you plan to attend.
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Presbyterian Church in Ireland guidance will also be followed in that ‘those leading from the front should be at least four metres away from the front row of the congregation’.
Initially the services will last for approximately 40 minutes and will be for all ages. We will be singing praise to our God and Saviour as part of these services of worship, but there will be fewer hymns. There will not be any crèche facility or Children’s Church until further notice. Toilet facilities will be available, but we would encourage you to treat these as for emergency use only.
To minimise risk:
We will not be giving out announcement sheets at the service, nor serving tea after the service.
Bibles and hymnbooks will be removed from the pews. You may wish to bring your own Bible.
The doors will be open for you as you enter and leave the building.
The church buildings will be well ventilated.
Offering plates will be on the vestibule table for those who don’t wish to use electronic banking.
Face masks are not compulsory at the moment though this may change.
Hand sanitizer will be available.
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You will hopefully not need to touch any surface in the building except the seat you sit on. The buildings will not be used for midweek meetings until further notice. Appropriate cleaning guidelines will be adhered to.
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The online services will continue until further notice, though they will go out in the evening.
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Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! Psalm 149:2
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Mervyn Lindsay