Reopening Churches for Worship, Wearing of Face Coverings
Following the announcement that churches can reopen for gathered worship and private prayer, we have re-started Sunday morning services from 19th July. There will be a service in each church, though they look a little different to before lockdown.
PLEASE NOTE THAT PEOPLE ATTENDING CHURCH SERVICES ARE NOW REQUIRED BY GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES TO WEAR FACE COVERINGS, UNLESS THEY ARE EXEMPT DUE TO HEALTH CONDITIONS. Please bring your face covering with you. However, no one will be turned away if they do not have one.
Service leaders and those leading prayers or reading aloud will not be required to wear masks while doing so, as it could be difficult for the congregation to hear. At other times, face coverings will be worn.
We will continue to broadcast services online
- 8am St Mary's BCP Holy Communion
- 9.30am St Mary's
- 9.30am St Peter's
- 11am St Denys'
- 11am All Saints'
St Mary's will remain open from 10am-12pm on Sunday mornings for private prayer.
Please remain mindful of the need for social distancing and the health and safety instructions.
Virtual Coffee Morning
Join us for our VIRTUAL COFFEE MORNING every Monday (except B/H) on Zoom:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72339652991?pwd=VWpiV3FqNEJuUjV2Q3RVcnQyWmJadz09
Meeting ID: 723 3965 2991
Password: AMCoffee
Coronavirus Update
Coronavirus
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who have been affected by the virus and those tasked with preventing its spread.
ALL SERVICES AND GROUPS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
CORONAVIRUS and HOLY COMMUNION UPDATE
Following the latest guidance from the Diocese we will be suspending sharing communion from the common cup until further notice. Congregations will still be able to receive the bread, but will not be offered the cup. We will let you know of any further updates affecting our churches when they are available. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to speak to Jules, Lyn or one of the churchwardens.
Bishop Olivia has offered some thoughts about what we should be doing (and not doing) at the moment, which I thought would be helpful to share. We should be:
- Calm: the opposite will lead us to do things which might impact seriously on others – like panic buying.
- Caring: those who self-isolate, (those in high-risk groups, or who have been in contact with the virus) need to know that we care about them. Phone calls, messages, letters, cards, food left on the doorstep are all signs that we care.
- Considerate: let’s look out for one another, and act collectively to prevent the spread. It isn’t just about me, it’s about us.
- And of course, Christ-like: let’s live hopefully, love generously and pray earnestly – and let’s bless each other by the way we behave.
Continue to pray and trust the Lord God has all things in his hands.
For the latest updates on the virus from the Church of England please visit here
With every blessing, Jules.
A Christian Response to Brexit
A Christian response to Brexit
There is an important role at this time for practical expressions of love and hope by communities and individuals. Here are 12 steps we can take. Don’t be limited by this checklist and don’t underestimate what we can achieve together.
- Give extra support to the food banks in your area
- Watch out for the lonely, the anxious and the vulnerable
- Reach out to EU nationals in your neighbourhood and workplace
- Make sure people have access to good advice on migration and travel, debt and financial support
- Remember the needs of our children and young people
- Support the statutory services
- Think about the needs of particular groups in your area
- Work together with other churches, faith communities and charities
- Invite the community together
- Watch over other faith and minority ethnic communities
- Encourage truthful and honest debate
- Pray in public worship and private prayer.
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
Bible verse is Jeremiah 29.7 (NRSV)
a Christian response to Brexit
issued by the Bishop of Oxford
