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Sunday 18th July – From the Vicar
How does the Government’s move to Stage 4 effect our worship at St Mary’s Church.

This is what the Government has said:

 Social distancing

• No limits on how many people can meet
• 1m-plus guidance removed (except in some places like hospitals and passport control when entering)
• Face coverings no longer required by law, although the government still “expects and recommends” them in crowded and enclosed spaces.

This is what the Church of England/Leeds Diocese have said:

In determining next steps there are three principles which might be helpful.

• Can does not mean must;
• Love our neighbour;
• It is not a race, there is no competition – so go slowly and cautiously.

The PCC have met and as always we have agreed a plan of action that takes into account the need to keep you as safe as possible so please bear with us – it may be that you think we should just open everything up at once but that cannot happen.  We have to bear in mind cases are rising and we have to bear in mind that advice could change at any moment.

So these are the tentative plans for any services after the 19th July

Week 1 changes – from Weds 21st July

Pews opened up – runners and kneelers put back
Facemasks – there is no legal requirement to wear (Optional) – however, this is a personal choice – government advises to be more cautious inside – so if you are not ready to lose your mask then wear it.  Please be sensitive to each other.
Open up tea and coffee.
Holy Communion – one kind only – administered in pews

Week 2 – from Weds 28th July

Singing introduced – gradually – beginning with sung communion only – both church doors need to be open.
Holy Communion – one kind only – administered in pews

Week 3 – from Weds 4th August

Removal of small altar – lead from chair then to main altar
Holy Communion still in one kind – to be dispensed from steps – two rows at a time – marshalled by a Warden.
Singing increased – sung communion, 2 hymns – in and out – both doors to be opened.

Week 4 – from Weds 11th August

Holy Communion still in one kind – to be dispensed at main altar – four rows at a time – marshalled by a Warden.
Singing to remain – as week 3.

The PCC will review all of the above as and when necessary.

Please note the introduction of the Common Cup will be considered in due course – and will be discussed in due course as the advice is not to rush – the choices are as follows:

1. Administer just the bread.
2. Simultaneous administration – where the Priest dips the wafer and gives direct in mouth (I made it clear that I would not do this when wearing gloves as not enough finite motor control and PCC agreed)
3. In both kinds sharing the common cup – guidelines from the Church of England/Leeds Diocese is that intinction should not take place (dipping your own wafer) due to the increased risks.

So we all need to think about our own practice and what we can and will do.  If you think there is a risk in sharing the cup – then just take in one kind.  All the teaching I have had states that there is no risk from receiving from a shared cup providing the person who administers, turns and wipes the cup appropriately.  All our administrators have been on courses and know this.  All have been reminded by me.

My position is this – I will continue to wear a mask for the next month whilst moving around in church, once sat or leading I will remove, however, I will replace mask for singing and for administering Holy Communion though I will dispense of rubber gloves and just use sanitizer.

Weddings, Funerals and Baptisms now have no limits – my view is that if more than 50 are attending then there will be an expectancy of mask wearing. I can’t enforce it but the risks within an enclosed building is just too great.  Those who verge and myself will wear masks for these larger events.

If you have an views on any of the above please come and see me or contact me.

If you are clinically vulnerable  (or simply nervous about returning to church) then please come to the Wednesday morning service at 10.00am which is quieter and therefore more space to sit apart.

With regards to children – having spoken to Neal and seeking his advice regards the rise in cases – the children’s corner will not reappear until at least September.

Of course, children are welcome, they must just sit in the pews with their parents/carers.